Apparatus for implantation into bone related applications

• US 6,544,265 B2
• Filed: 02/14/2001
• Issued: 04/08/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Original Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Inventors: Lieberman, Isador H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wilson, John J.
• Application Number:
  US09/781,847
• Publication Number:
  US 20020055737A1
• Time in Patent Office: 783 Days
• Field of Search: 606/61, 606/69, 606/71, 606/72, 606/73
• US Class Current: 606/247
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7007 Parts of the longitudinal elements, e.g. their ends, being specially adapted to fit around the screw or hook heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/701 Longitudinal elements with a non-circular, e.g. rectangular, cross-section A61B17/7005, A61B17/7007 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7032 Screws or hooks with U-shaped head or back through which longitudinal rods pass
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7055 connected to sacrum, pelvis or skull
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8625 Shanks, i.e. parts contacting bone tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8665 Nuts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/869 characterised by an open form, e.g. wire helix
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30744 End caps, e.g. for closing an endoprosthetic cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30767 Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30965 Reinforcing the prosthesis by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/44 for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/442 Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient non-disc-shaped intervertebral inflatable pockets A61F2/441; non-disc-shaped intervertebral fusion implants A61F2/4455
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/446 having a circular or elliptical cross-section substantially parallel to the axis of the spine, e.g. cylinders or frustocones
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/2835 Bone graft implants for filling a bony defect or an endoprosthesis cavity, e.g. by synthetic material or biological material
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30062 (bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30224 cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30235 tubular, e.g. sleeves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30289 helically-coiled
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30383 made by laterally inserting a protrusion, e.g. a rib into a complementarily-shaped groove
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30401 : with additional means for preventing or locking said sliding
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30405 : made by screwing complementary threads machined on the parts themselves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30451 : soldered or brazed or welded
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30507 : using a threaded locking member, e.g. a locking screw or a set screw
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30568 : Multiple spring systems including two or more helical springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30593 : hollow
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30604 : modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30738 : Sleeves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30841 : Sharp anchoring protrusions for impaction into the bone, e.g. sharp pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3085 : with a threaded, e.g. self-tapping, bone-engaging surface, e.g. external surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30851 : Multiple threadings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0004 : bioabsorbable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0058 : soldered or brazed or welded
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 : cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0091 : helically-coiled or spirally-coiled, i.e. having a 2-D spiral cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00017 : Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00023 : Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys

Abstract

An apparatus (10) is provided for implantation into a bone (12) in a patient'"'"'s spine or pelvis. The apparatus (10) comprises a platform (24) having a first surface (38) for facing the bone (12). The platform (24) includes structure (32, 34, 36) for connection to a spinal fixation implant (100). The apparatus (10) further comprises helical spikes (50, 52) for embedding into the bone (12) upon rotation of the platform (24). The helical spikes (50, 52) project tangentially from the platform (24) and extend around a longitudinal axis (22). The helical spikes (50, 52) have a tip portion (58) which penetrates into the bone (12) as the platform (24) is rotated. The helical spikes (50, 52) further have a connecting portion (54) connected to the platform (24) and an intermediate portion (56) extending between the connecting portion and the tip portion (58). At least one of the intermediate portion (56) and the connecting portion (54) has a tubular cross-section.

Claims

1. An apparatus for implantation into a bone in a patient'"'"'s spine or pelvis, said apparatus, when implanted, being resistant to toggling in the bone and to being pulled from the bone, said apparatus comprising:

a platform having a first surface for facing a bone in a patient'"'"'s spine or pelvis, said first surface being solid and extending generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of said apparatus, said platform including structure for connection to a spinal fixation implant; and

at least one helical spike for embedding into the bone upon rotation of said platform, said at least one helical spike projecting tangentially from said first surface of said platform and extending around said longitudinal axis, said at least one helical spike having a proximal end and a distal end;

said at least one helical spike including a tip portion at said distal end which penetrates into the bone as said platform is rotated, a connecting portion at said proximal end connected to said first surface of said platform, and an intermediate portion extending between said connecting portion and said tip portion;

at least one of said intermediate portion and said connecting portion of said at least one helical spike having a tubular cross-section defined by an outer diameter and an inner diameter of said at least one helical spike.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connecting portion of said at least one helical spike has a first outer diameter and said intermediate portion of said at least one helical spike has a second outer diameter that is less than said first outer diameter.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said connecting portion of said at least one helical spike has a first outer diameter and said intermediate portion of said at least one helical spike has a second outer diameter that is equal to said first outer diameter.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer diameter of said at least one helical spike has a first radius and said inner diameter of said at least one helical spike has a second radius, said second radius being less than said first radius;

said connecting portion of said at least one helical spike having a first wall thickness defined between said first radius and said second radius, said intermediate portion of said at least one helical spike having a second wall thickness defined between said first radius and said second radius.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first wall thickness of said connecting portion is greater than said second wall thickness of said intermediate portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first wall thickness of said connecting portion is equal to said second wall thickness of said intermediate portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said intermediate portion of said at least one spike has a tubular cross-section and at least one of said connecting portion and said tip portion has a solid cross-section.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a pair of helical spikes extending around said longitudinal axis, said proximal ends of said pair of helical spikes being spaced 180°

apart.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising three helical spikes extending around said longitudinal axis, said proximal ends of said helical spikes being spaced 120°

apart.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first surface has a shape that is complimentary to the shape of an outer surface of the bone for engaging the outer surface of the bone.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tip portion of said at least one helical spike has an elongated conical shape with a sharp pointed tip that penetrates into the bone as said platform is rotated.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tip portion of said at least one helical spike has a self-penetrating terminal end that includes a planar surface for driving into the bone as said platform is rotated.

13. An apparatus comprising:

at least one anchor for implantation into a bone, said at least one anchor having a longitudinal axis, when implanted, being resistant to toggling in the bone and to being pulled from the bone; and

a spinal fixation implant for extending between and connecting a plurality of bones;

said at least one anchor including a platform having a first surface for facing the bone, said first surface being solid and extending generally transverse to said longitudinal axis, said platform further having structure for connection with said spinal fixation implant;

said at least one anchor further including at least two helical spikes for embedding into the bone upon rotation of said platform, said at least two helical spikes projecting tangentially from said first surface on said platform and extending around said longitudinal axis, each of said at least two helical spikes having a proximal end and a distal end;

each of said at least two helical spikes including a tip portion at said distal end which penetrates into the bone as said platform is rotated, a connecting portion at said proximal end connected to said first surface of said platform, and an intermediate portion extending between said connecting portion and said tip portion;

at least one of said intermediate portion and said connecting portion of each of said at least two helical spikes having a tubular cross-section defined by an outer diameter and an inner diameter of said at least two helical spikes.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said connecting portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a first outer diameter and said intermediate portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a second outer diameter that is less than said first outer diameter.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said connecting portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a first outer diameter and said intermediate portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a second outer diameter that is equal to said first outer diameter.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said outer diameter of each of said at least two helical spikes has a first radius and said inner diameter of each of said at least two helical spikes has a second radius, said second radius being less than said first radius;

said connecting portion of each of said at least two helical spikes having a first wall thickness defined between said first radius and said second radius, said intermediate portion of each of said at least two helical spikes having a second wall thickness defined between said first radius and said second radius.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said first wall thickness of said connecting portion of each of said at least two helical spikes is greater than said second wall thickness of said intermediate portion of each of said at least two helical spikes.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said first wall thickness of said connecting portion of each of said at least two helical spikes is equal to said second wall thickness of said intermediate portion of each of said at least two helical spikes.

19. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said intermediate portion of said at least one spike has a tubular cross-section and at least one of said connecting portion and said tip portion has a solid cross-section.

21. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said at least one anchor has three helical spikes extending around said longitudinal axis, said proximal ends of said three helical spikes being spaced 120°

apart.

22. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first surface has a shape that is complimentary to the shape of an outer surface of the bone for engaging the outer surface of the bone.

23. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said tip portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has an elongated conical shape with a sharp pointed tip that penetrates into the bone as said platform is rotated.

24. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said tip portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a self-penetrating terminal end that includes a planar surface for driving into the bone as said platform is rotated.

25. The apparatus of claim 13 comprises a first anchor for implantation into a first bone and a second anchor for implantation into a second bone spaced from said first bone.

26. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein each of said first and second anchors extends co-linearly along said longitudinal axis, said at least two helical spikes that project from said platform of said first anchor extending in a first direction, said at least two helical spikes that project from said platform of said second anchor extending in a second direction opposite said first direction.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said spinal fixation implant comprises a member extending along said longitudinal axis and interconnecting said first and second anchors.

20. The apparatus of claim by wherein said proximal ends of said at least two helical spikes are spaced 180°

apart.

28. An apparatus for implantation into an adjacent pair of vertebral bodies having first and second surfaces that oppose each other, said apparatus, when implanted, being attached to each of the vertebral bodies and stabilizing the vertebral bodies while the vertebral bodies fuse together, said apparatus comprising:

a platform having a third surface extending generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of said apparatus; and

at least two helical spikes for embedding into each of the adjacent pair of vertebral bodies upon rotation of said platform to attach said at least two helical spikes to each of the vertebral bodies and thus fasten the vertebral bodies together, said at least two helical spikes projecting tangentially from said third surface of said platform and extending around said longitudinal axis;

each of said at least two helical spikes having a tip portion at a distal end for penetrating the first and second surfaces and for screwing into the adjacent pair of vertebral bodies as said platform is rotated;

at least a portion of each of said at least two helical spikes having a tubular cross-section defined by an outer diameter and an inner diameter;

said at least two helical spikes at least partially defining an internal cavity for receiving material that promotes fusion of the vertebral bodies.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said tip portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a self-penetrating terminal end for penetrating into the bone as said platform is rotated.

30. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said apparatus comprises a pair of helical spikes extending around said longitudinal axis, said proximal ends of said helical spikes being spaced 180°

apart.

31. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said apparatus comprises three helical spikes extending around said longitudinal axis, said proximal ends of said helical spikes being spaced 120°

apart.

32. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said platform includes structure for connection to a spinal fixation implant.

33. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein each of said at least two helical spikes has a connecting portion at a proximal end connected to said platform and an intermediate portion extending between said connecting portion and said tip portion.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said intermediate portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a first outer diameter and said connecting portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a second outer diameter that is greater than said first outer diameter.

35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said intermediate portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a first outer diameter and said connecting portion of each of said at least two helical spikes has a second outer diameter that is equal to said first outer diameter.

36. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said outer diameter of each of said at least two helical spikes has a first radius and said inner diameter of each of said at least two helical spikes has a second radius, said second radius being less than said first radius;

said connecting portion of each of said at least two helical spikes having a first wall thickness defined between said first radius and said second radius, said intermediate portion of each of said at least two helical spikes having a second wall thickness defined between s aid first radius and said second radius.

37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said first wall thickness of said connecting portion is greater than said second wall thickness of said connecting portion.

38. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said first wall thickness of said connecting portion is equal to said second wall thickness of said intermediate portion.

39. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said intermediate portion of each of said at least two spikes has a tubular cross-section and at least one of said connecting portion and said tip portion has a solid cross-section.

40. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said platform includes an axially extending passage through which the material is placed into said internal cavity following implantation of said apparatus in the vertebral bodies.