Adjustable bone fusion implant and method
First Claim
1. A method for fusing two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the method comprising:
- inserting an adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the fusion implant comprising a first plate and an opposing second plate with a compartment formed therebetween;
expanding a portion of a tool inserted within the fusion implant so as to expand the fusion implant between the bones or pieces of bone;
removing the tool from within the fusion implant; and
inserting a reinforcing member between the first plate and the second plate.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An adjustable bone fusion implant includes a first plate having an interior face with a plurality of spaced apart first support members projecting therefrom. Each support member has a plurality of teeth projecting therefrom. A second plate has an interior face with a plurality of spaced apart second support members projecting therefrom. Each second support member has at least one tooth projecting therefrom. At least a portion of the plurality of teeth of each first support member mechanically engages with the at least one tooth of a corresponding second support member so that the first plate and the second plate can be selectively separated while forming a compartment therebetween. A reinforcing member is disposed between the first plate and the second plate such that the application of a compressive force between the first plate and the second plate applies compression on the reinforcing member.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method for fusing two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the method comprising:
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inserting an adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the fusion implant comprising a first plate and an opposing second plate with a compartment formed therebetween;
expanding a portion of a tool inserted within the fusion implant so as to expand the fusion implant between the bones or pieces of bone;
removing the tool from within the fusion implant; and
inserting a reinforcing member between the first plate and the second plate.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for fusing two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the method comprising:
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inserting an adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the fusion implant having a first plate and an opposing second plate with a compartment formed therebetween;
expanding the fusion implant between the bones or pieces of bone so as to further separate the first plate from the second plate; and
positioning a reinforcing member between the first plate and the second plate such that the application of a compressive force between the first plate and the second plate causes the reinforcing member to be compressed between the first plate and the second plate. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
expanding at least a portion of a tool within the fusion implant so as to selectively expand the fusion implant; and
removing the tool from within the fusion implant.
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6. A method as recited in claim 4, further comprising removably securing a distal end of an inserter to the fusion implant such that at least a portion of the inserter is disposed within the compartment of the fusion implant, the inserter being secured prior to the act of inserting.
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7. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein the act of positioning comprises:
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advancing a tubular push rod over a distal end of the inserter; and
moving the push rod along the inserter so that the push rod advances the reinforcing member between the first plate and the second plate.
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8. A method as recited in claim 7, further comprising:
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removing the inserter from within the push rod; and
feeding bone graft through the tubular push rod and into the compartment of the fusion implant.
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9. A method for fusing two vertebrae, the method comprising:
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forming a posterior opening through a back of a person so as to expose two vertebrae, the two vertebrae having a wedged shape gap formed therebetween that enlarges anteriorly toward a front of the person;
inserting an adjustable fusion implant through the posterior opening and into the gap formed between the vertebrae, the fusion implant comprising a first plate and an opposing second plate and having a wedge shaped configuration that enlarges from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end of the fusion implant being inserted first into the gap formed between the vertebrae;
expanding the fusion implant disposed between vertebrae such that the fusion implant maintains a wedge shaped configuration; and
inserting a reinforcing member between the first plate and the second plate.- View Dependent Claims (10)
expanding at least a portion of a tool within the fusion implant so as to selectively expand the fusion implant; and
removing the tool from within the fusion implant.
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Specification