Vertebral fusion device and method for using same
First Claim
1. An intervertebral fusion device, comprising:
- (a) a body having a proximal portion along a major axis of the body and a distal portion along the major axis and wherein the body defines a conduit substantially parallel to the major axis, said conduit extending throughout the body; and
(b) a support at the distal portion that is configured to support vertebrae in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse and wherein the support includes a conduit in fluid communication with the conduit defined by the body and having at least one outlet on a surface of the support,wherein the distal portion of the body is configured to selectively engage the support and at least a portion of the body or the support has a height distinct from a width taken along a cross-section of the portion of the body or support perpendicular to the major axis, whereby the portion of the body or support can distract vertebrae, between which the portion of the body or the support has been placed, by rotation of the body or the support about the major axis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An intervertebral fusion device includes a body having a proximal portion along a major axis of the body and a distal portion along the major axis, and supporting means at the distal portion. The supporting means supports vertebrae in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse. At least one of the body and the supporting means has a height distinct from a width, whereby the body or supporting means can distract vertebrae, between which the body or the supporting means has been placed, by rotation of the body or the supporting means about the major axis. A method of fusing vertebrae includes the steps of inserting between two vertebrae an intervertebral fusion device and rotating the body or the supporting means, whereby the vertebrae are supported in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse.
163 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An intervertebral fusion device, comprising:
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(a) a body having a proximal portion along a major axis of the body and a distal portion along the major axis and wherein the body defines a conduit substantially parallel to the major axis, said conduit extending throughout the body; and (b) a support at the distal portion that is configured to support vertebrae in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse and wherein the support includes a conduit in fluid communication with the conduit defined by the body and having at least one outlet on a surface of the support, wherein the distal portion of the body is configured to selectively engage the support and at least a portion of the body or the support has a height distinct from a width taken along a cross-section of the portion of the body or support perpendicular to the major axis, whereby the portion of the body or support can distract vertebrae, between which the portion of the body or the support has been placed, by rotation of the body or the support about the major axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A kit for providing a fusion-promoting material comprising:
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(a) an intervertebral fusion device, said device including (i) a body having a proximal portion along a major axis of the body and a distal portion along the major axis and wherein the body defines a conduit substantially parallel to the major axis, said conduit extending throughout the body; and (ii) a support at the distal portion that is configured to support vertebrae in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse and wherein the support defines a conduit in fluid communication with the conduit defined by the body and having at least one outlet on a surface of the support, wherein the distal portion of the body is configured to selectively engage the support and at least a portion of the body or the support has a height distinct from a width taken along a cross-section of the portion of the body or support perpendicular to the major axis, whereby the portion of the body or support can distract vertebrae, between which the portion of the body or the support has been placed, by rotation of the body or the support about the major axis; and (b) a flowable material selected from the group consisting of morsellized autograft, demineralized bone matrix, bone marrow aspirate, bone marrow concentrate, platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, collagen, calcium phosphate cements, bioabsorbable polymers and bone growth.
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14. An intervertebral fusion device, comprising:
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(a) a body having a proximal portion along a major axis of the body and a distal portion along the major axis and wherein the body defines a conduit substantially parallel to the major axis, said conduit extending throughout the body, and wherein at least a part of the distal portion of the body has a height distinct from a width taken along a cross-section of the body such that the body can distract vertebrae between which at least a part of the distal portion has been placed by rotation of the body about the major axis; and (b) a selectively expandable balloon detachably connected to the distal portion of the body, the selectively expandable balloon being configured to support vertebrae in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse and wherein an inner volume of the expandable balloon is in fluid communication with the conduit defined by the body, the balloon being formed of a biodegradable polymer. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification