Expandable and adjustable lordosis interbody fusion system
First Claim
1. A spinal implant device for placement between vertebral bodies, the device comprising:
- an expandable shell;
at least one wedge member;
at least one drive shaft; and
the expandable shell comprising a top member and a bottom member separate from each other, at least the bottom member having tracking for receiving the at least one wedge member, the at least one drive shaft engaging with the top member, the bottom member, and the at least one wedge member for moving the at least one wedge member along the tracking, the at least one wedge member engaging the top member and the bottom member, the at least one wedge member comprising a tapered configuration having an external helical thread, whereby the top member and bottom member move relative to each other in response to rotation of the at least one wedge member along the tracking to effect an expansion of the shell, the tracking comprising a cascading series of risers on interior surfaces of each of the top and bottom members, the cascading series of risers comprising individual riser members increasing in height along the interior surfaces and delivering corresponding staggered spaces in between the individual riser members so that the individual riser members and corresponding spaces on the top member overlap the individual riser members and corresponding spaces on the bottom member, permitting an interlocking engagement of the two members when the two members are in a contracted position, and wherein the tracking is configured to increase a longitudinal position of the at least one wedge member along and relative to the interior surfaces of the top and bottom members within the shell as it travels along the tracking whereby the at least one wedge member engages the top and bottom members to selectively contact the shell.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An expandable housing for an interbody fusion system has movable tapered external helical threaded members that travel along tracking to operably engage against the top and bottom shell members, urging them apart to cause expansion in the height of the housing. In an embodiment, the tapered members are disposed in a dual arrangement such that independent engagement of the tapered members along lateral portions of the top and bottom shells cause an angular tilt to the exterior surface of the housing when the tapered members are moved to different degrees. This function permits adjustment in the angular relationship between adjacent vertebrae and assists the lordotic adjustment of the patient'"'"'s spine. When the functions of the device are used in combination by the surgeon, the device provides an effective tool for in situ adjustment when performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. A spinal implant device for placement between vertebral bodies, the device comprising:
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an expandable shell; at least one wedge member; at least one drive shaft; and the expandable shell comprising a top member and a bottom member separate from each other, at least the bottom member having tracking for receiving the at least one wedge member, the at least one drive shaft engaging with the top member, the bottom member, and the at least one wedge member for moving the at least one wedge member along the tracking, the at least one wedge member engaging the top member and the bottom member, the at least one wedge member comprising a tapered configuration having an external helical thread, whereby the top member and bottom member move relative to each other in response to rotation of the at least one wedge member along the tracking to effect an expansion of the shell, the tracking comprising a cascading series of risers on interior surfaces of each of the top and bottom members, the cascading series of risers comprising individual riser members increasing in height along the interior surfaces and delivering corresponding staggered spaces in between the individual riser members so that the individual riser members and corresponding spaces on the top member overlap the individual riser members and corresponding spaces on the bottom member, permitting an interlocking engagement of the two members when the two members are in a contracted position, and wherein the tracking is configured to increase a longitudinal position of the at least one wedge member along and relative to the interior surfaces of the top and bottom members within the shell as it travels along the tracking whereby the at least one wedge member engages the top and bottom members to selectively contact the shell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification