Multi-Segment Lateral Cages Adapted to Flex Substantially in the Coronal Plane
AssigneeDePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
InventorsMichael J. O'Neil, Douglas Raymond, Jonathan Bellas, Andrew Dooris, Alexander Grinberg, Derek Shaw
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention concerns several fusion devices and methods for laterally inserting a fusion device at an initial trajectory that is not parallel to the disc space. Each fusion device incorporates components that enable flexing, bending or pivoting of the device during its final approach to the prepared disc space.
Claims8
A method comprising the step of inserting into a disc space a lateral intervertebral fusion device comprising first and second cages, each cage comprising:
- a) an anterior wall,
- b) a posterior wall,
- c) proximal and distal end walls connecting the anterior and posterior walls,
- wherein the proximal end wall of the first cage is connected to the distal end wall of the second cage by a joint,
- wherein the device is oriented such that the joint articulates substantially in the coronal plane.
A method of implanting an intervertebral fusion device in a disc space in a patient, comprising the steps of:
- a) creating an access path to the disc space wherein the access path is substantially in a coronal plane and has an elbowed portion;
- b) advancing the intervertebral fusion device through the access path, wherein the device bends substantially in a coronal plane while in the elbowed portion of the access path;
- c) implanting the intervertebral fusion cage in the disc space.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.