Expandable intervertebral implant
AssigneeDePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
InventorChristopher Marden John Cain
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.
Claims16
A method of implanting an expandable intervertebral implant, the method comprising the steps of:
- inserting the implant into an intervertebral space, such that an upper portion of the implant faces a superior vertebral body, and a lower portion of the implant faces an inferior vertebral body endplates, and a core is disposed between the superior and inferior endplates;
- after the inserting step, actuating an actuation member, thereby causing 1) first and second sloped engagement surfaces of the core that are sloped in the same direction and longitudinally offset from each other in their respective entireties engage respective engagement surfaces of the upper portion, thereby urging the upper portion away from the lower portion, and 2) third and fourth sloped engagement surfaces of the core that are sloped in the same direction and longitudinally offset from each other in their respective entireties engage respective engagement surfaces of the lower portion, thereby urging the lower portion away from the upper portion, wherein the actuating step expands the intervertebral implant from an initial position to an expanded position whereby a distance between the upper portion and the lower portion is increased;
- and
- causing the implant to remain in the expanded position under compressive forces while 1) the first and second sloped engagement surfaces is engaged with the engagement surface of the upper portion, and 2) the third and fourth sloped engagement surfaces is engaged with the engagement surface of the lower portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.