Flexible implant using partially demineralized bone
AssigneeSDGI Holdings, Inc.
InventorsLawrence M. Boyd, John A. Pafford
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Implantable devices useful for creating bony fusion particularly in intervetebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of bone and has an at least partially demineralized portion between two rigid bone portions creating an area of flexibility. In one application, the area of flexibility may be used to move the device between a reduced size insertion configuration and an expanded implanted configuration. In another use, the area of flexibility may be useful to dampen shock applied to the implant. A method is also disclosed for making the implants and inserting the implants into an intervertebral disc space to promote interbody fusion.
Claims17
A method of inserting an interbody fusion implant made of bone, comprising:
- providing an insertion tube and an implant formed of bone and having a first portion, a second portion and a central flexible portion joining the first and second portions;
- positioning the insertion tube adjacent a disc space between two vertebrae;
- inserting the implant into the insertion tube;
- advancing the implant through the insertion tube and into the disc space;
- and
- moving the first portion with respect to the second portion.
A method of implanting for spinal spacing, comprising:
- providing an implant formed of bone with at least a portion thereof moveable from a reduced insertion configuration to an expanded spacing configuration;
- delivering the implant to the disc space in the reduced insertion configuration;
- and
- positioning the implant in the expanded spacing configuration.
A method of implanting for spinal spacing, comprising:
- providing an implant formed of bone having a first portion, a second portion, and a flexible portion joining the first and second portions;
- inserting the implant in a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae;
- and
- positioning the implant so that the first portion contacts one of the vertebrae and the second portion contacts the other of the vertebrae with the flexible portion functioning as a shock absorber between the vertebrae.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.