Intervertebral implant with reduced contact area and method
AssigneeSulzer Spine-Tech Inc.
InventorDouglas W. Kohrs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The disclosure provides fusion implants, instruments and methods for insertion of the implants between opposing vertebral bodies to facilitate stabilization or arthrodesis of an intervertebral joint. A cross section through the longitudinal dimension of the implant is substantially configured in an “I” shape. In addition to other features, the implants of the invention provide a reduced contact surface area with the interior surface of a bore formed for receiving the implant.
Claims35
An implant for intervertebral fusion between opposing vertebrae, said implant comprising:
- an implant body having a first end and a second end spaced apart by a longitudinal axis of the implant;
- said implant body comprising a first transverse member having a first bearing surface and a second transverse member having a second being surface;
- and
- said first and second transverse members are spaced apart by a central support member.
An implant for fusion of opposing vertebrae, said implant comprising:
- an implant body having a first end and a second end in a spaced apart relationship, said implant body comprising:
- a first bearing surface having a first and second thread segment with a first rigid support maintaining said first and second thread segments in spaced apart relationship;
- a second bearing surface having a first and second thread segment with a second rigid support maintaining said first and second thread segments in space apart relationship;
- and
- a central support member for maintaining said first and second threaded surfaces in spaced apart alignment.
An implant for intervertebral fusion between opposing first and second vertebrae, said implant comprising:
- an implant body having a leading end and a trailing end spaced apart by a longitudinal dimension of the implant;
- and
- a cross section through said longitudinal dimension of said implant body having a substantially “I” shaped configuration.
A kit for fusing opposing a first and second vertebral bodies of a human spine, said kit comprising an implant, said implant comprising:
- an implant body having:
- a leading end and a trailing end spaced apart by a longitudinal axis of the implant;
- a first bearing surface for contact with said first vertebral body;
- a second bearing surface for contact with said second vertebral body;
- a central support member for maintaining said first and second bearing surfaces in spaced apart relationship and said centrally support member being oriented substantially perpendicular to said first and second bearing surfaces;
- and
- an implant insertion tool.
A method for stabilizing opposing vertebral bodies, the method comprising:
- inserting an implant into a bore formed between said opposing vertebral bodies wherein said implant comprises an implant body having a cross section substantially configured in the shape of an “I.”
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.