Selectively expanding spine cage, hydraulically controllable in three dimensions for enhanced spinal fusion
First Claim
1. An apparatus for providing spinal correction in three dimensions, comprising:
- a selectively expanding spinal implant for posterior insertion between opposed superior and inferior vertebral end plates of a patient, said spinal implant comprising;
a cylinder block comprising a body configured for resting on a first vertebral end plate and two or more slave cylinders and corresponding pistons having a corrective bone engaging surface for expanding against a second vertebral end plate,wherein said cylinder block defines a bone graft infusion aperture centrally disposed between said two or more slave cylinders that is couplable through a conduit in said body with a source of bone graft material for infusion of said bone graft material into an intervertebral space.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized diameter in its unexpanded state that is smaller that the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained. The cage enhances spinal arthrodesis by creating a rigid spine segment, or if filled with compressible substances, the cage can be used for motion preservation between vertebral bodies. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.
290 Citations
56 Claims
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1. An apparatus for providing spinal correction in three dimensions, comprising:
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a selectively expanding spinal implant for posterior insertion between opposed superior and inferior vertebral end plates of a patient, said spinal implant comprising; a cylinder block comprising a body configured for resting on a first vertebral end plate and two or more slave cylinders and corresponding pistons having a corrective bone engaging surface for expanding against a second vertebral end plate, wherein said cylinder block defines a bone graft infusion aperture centrally disposed between said two or more slave cylinders that is couplable through a conduit in said body with a source of bone graft material for infusion of said bone graft material into an intervertebral space. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A selectively expandable spinal implant for posterior insertion between opposed superior and inferior vertebral end plates of a patient, comprising:
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a cylinder block defining two or more slave cylinders, and a central cavity between said cylinders adapted to receive bone graft material; two or more corresponding pistons positioned within said cylinders to provide a corrective bone engaging surface for expanding against a first vertebral end plate; and said cylinder block comprising a base for resting on a second vertebral end plate, the base defining an opening therethrough communicating with said central cavity and with an intervertebral space after insertion of the implant. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A spinal implant apparatus, comprising:
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a. a base including a first pressure applying plate having a bone engaging surface, said base defining first and second cylinders and a central cavity between said cylinders adapted to receive bone graft material for infusion of said material into an intervertebral space; b. at least first and second extendable members disposed within said cylinders and cooperating with the base; c. a second end pressure applying plate coupled to at least one of the first and second extendable members having a bone engaging surface. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39)
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37. An implant positionable between first and second vertebral bodies, comprising:
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a base member; at least two first members each including first sidewalls that extend around and form a first interior space, said first members disposed on the base member; at least two second members each including second sidewalls that extend around and form a second interior space, with each said second member slidable in a corresponding first member; a top member disposed on said at least two second members opposite the base member; and at least one of the first and second members positionable between collapsed and expanded orientations, with the collapsed orientation comprising the second member nested within the first interior space of the first member, with the first and second sidewalls overlapping and with the expanded orientation comprising the second member extending from the first member; wherein at the first members, second members, base member and top member define therebetween a central cavity configured for placement of bone graft material therein. - View Dependent Claims (38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
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47. An apparatus for providing spinal correction, comprising:
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a selectively expandable spinal implant for insertion between opposed vertebrae of a patient, said implant comprising; a base member configured and dimensioned to engage one said vertebra; at least two cylinders carried by said base member; at least first and second pistons respectively disposed in said cylinders, said pistons being configured to be rigidly fixed at an extended position; a bone engaging member cooperating with pistons opposite the base member and configured and dimensioned to engage the opposite vertebra; and wherein the base member, the bone engaging member, and each cylinder and piston received therein define therebetween a central cavity for configured to receive bone graft material, and the base member and the bone engaging member define openings therethrough communicating said central cavity. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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56. An apparatus for providing spinal correction, comprising:
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a selectively expandable spinal implant for insertion between opposed vertebrae of a patient, said implant comprising; a base member configured and dimensioned to engage one said vertebra; at least two cylinders carried by said base member; at least first and second pistons respectively disposed in said cylinders, said pistons being configured to be actuated by fluid applied to the cylinders and rigidly fixed at an extended position; a bone engaging member cooperating with pistons opposite the base member and configured and dimensioned to engage the opposite vertebra an insertion tool for inserting the implant and delivering fluid to the cylinders, said insertion tool being releasably engageable with said implant and comprising a handle with an insertion end configured to engage and insert the implant into an insertion opening.
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Specification