Systems and methods for promoting sacroiliac joint fusion
AssigneeNuVasive, Inc.
InventorsBrett Menmuir, Morton Albert, Dan Zatta
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments are directed to fusion implants, insertion instruments, and methods of using the same for implanting one or more fusion implants across a sacroiliac joint and into an ilium and sacrum for fusing the sacroiliac joint. In some cases, fusion-promoting material may be inserted in the fusion implant for further promoting fusion across the sacroiliac joint. In some cases, neurophysiologic monitoring may be performed as the fusion implants are placed across the sacroiliac joint.
Claims13
An insertion device for implanting a fusion implant across a sacroiliac joint, comprising:
- an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;
- an outer shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and coupled to the inner shaft such that the inner shaft can rotate and travel along a longitudinal axis of the insertion device independently of the outer shaft, wherein the distal end comprises at least one counter-torque feature for engaging a counter-torque feature of the fusion implant;
- and
- a pusher having a proximal and a distal end, with the distal end including a head for pushing fusion-promoting material into the fusion implant.
A method of implanting a fusion implant across a sacroiliac joint, the method comprising:
- coupling an outer shaft and an inner shaft of an insertion device to a fusion implant;
- inserting fusion-promoting material into a lumen of the inner shaft;
- inserting a distal end of a pusher into the lumen of the inner shaft to force the fusion-promoting material out of the lumen and into the fusion implant;
- and
- implanting the fusion implant across a sacroiliac joint.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.