Reverse dynamization implants
AssigneeGlobus Medical, Inc.
InventorsCatherine Krawiec, Peter Evans, Chad Glerum
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Implants, systems, and methods of reverse dynamization. The implants, such as expandable spinal implants, bone plates, and intramedullary nails, are securable to bone. The implant may have a moveable component creating a semi-rigid configuration to allow for micro-motion of the bone for a period of time. The moveable component is changeable, for example, based on material properties, change of state, or mechanical or electrical operation, to a static condition creating a rigid configuration to prevent subsequent movement of the bone. The reverse dynamization implants may be used to accelerate bone healing and obtain superior bone fracture healing.
Claims13
A system for reverse dynamization comprising:
- an implant configured to be secured to bone, the implant having one or more moveable components creating a semi-rigid configuration to allow for micro-motion of the bone for a period of time,
- wherein the one or more moveable components are changeable to a static condition creating a rigid configuration to prevent subsequent movement of the bone
- wherein the one or more moveable components is a reverse dynamization component that is formed of a two-part curing material with each part housed in separate compartments separated by a barrier, and when the barrier breaks and the two-parts mix, the resulting mixture cures and stiffens.
An expandable implant comprising:
- a front ramp having at least one ramped surface and a rear ramp having at least one ramped surface;
- a central drive screw retained in the rear ramp and threadedly engaged with the front ramp;
- an upper endplate and a lower endplate, each slidably engaged with the ramped surfaces of the front and rear ramps, respectively, wherein rotation of the central drive screw moves the front ramp toward the rear ramp forcing the upper and lower endplates outward, thereby expanding a height of the implant;
- and
- a reverse dynamization component located along the central drive screw, the reverse dynamization component being flexible to provide for micro-motion for a given period of time, and subsequently, stiffens to rigidly fix the upper and lower endplates
- wherein the reverse dynamization component is formed of a two-part curing material with each part housed in separate compartments separated by a barrier, and when the barrier breaks and the two-parts mix, the resulting mixture cures and stiffens.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.