Expandable intervertebral device and tool for inserting same
AssigneePioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.
InventorScott J. Perrow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An expandable interbody device for implantation within an intervertebral space is provided, together with methods and tools for use therewith. The interbody devices include a leading first and trailing second bearing member configured to expand laterally via connecting portions disposed at the trailing end of the first being member and at least the leading end of the second bearing member. In some forms, the connecting portions have an arcuate configuration. The insertion tool is configured expand the interbody device by holding the first bearing member while shifting the second bearing member.
Claims33
An expandable intervertebral device for implantation within an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae, the expandable intervertebral device comprising:
- a first bearing member and a second bearing member connected to the first bearing member each having a longitudinal axis and opposing bone-engaging outer surfaces extending between a distal leading end and a proximal trailing end;
- and
- connecting portions of the first and second bearing members configured for allowing the first and second members to stay connected while shifting relative to each other;
- wherein the first bearing member comprises an insertion tool engaging portion at the trailing end thereof and the second bearing member is configured to allow an insertion tool to extend through at least a portion thereof to access the insertion tool engaging portion.
An insertion tool for implanting a laterally expandable interbody device having interconnected first and second bearing members between adjacent upper and lower vertebrae, comprising:
- a proximal handle;
- a distal holding portion of the insertion tool configured for holding the first bearing member of the interbody device;
- and
- an actuator for engaging with the second bearing member for shifting the second bearing member laterally with respect to the first bearing member for expanding the interbody device laterally.
An expandable intervertebral device for implantation within an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae, the expandable intervertebral device comprising:
- a first bearing member and a second bearing member connected to the first bearing member each having a longitudinal axis extending between a distal leading end and a proximal trailing end;
- and
- a cam interface between the first and second bearing members configured for allowing the first and second members to stay connected while shifting relative to each other, the cam interface configured such that a longitudinally directed force aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first bearing member applied to the trailing end of the second bearing member causes the second bearing member to shift along a path transverse to the longitudinally directed force.
A method of expanding an expandable intervertebral device having interconnected first and second bearing members each having a longitudinal axis extending between leading and trailing ends thereof, comprising:
- positioning the first and second bearing members in an aligned, unexpanded orientation with the longitudinal axes of the first and second bearing members in general alignment with one another;
- and
- shifting the first and second bearing members to an unaligned, expanded orientation by applying a longitudinally directed force aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first bearing member to the trailing end of the second bearing member to cause the second bearing member to shift relative to the first bearing member along a path transverse to the longitudinally directed force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.