Methods of stabilizing an intervertebral scaffolding system
AssigneeHighridge Medical, LLC
InventorsJohn TO, John J. FLYNN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state, the laterovertically-expanding frame having a stabilizer that slidably engages with the distal region of the laterovertically-expanding frame and is configured for retaining the laterovertically-expanding frame from a lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.
Claims20
A method of stabilizing a laterally-expandable intervertebral scaffolding in a subject, the
- method comprising:
- obtaining a laterally-expandable intervertebral scaffolding having a plurality of support beams each beam in the plurality of support beams (i) designed to bear a compression load in the cephalocaudal direction in a subject and (ii) independently selected from the group consisting of straight beams and curved beams;
- and,
- expanding the scaffolding in the subject in operable connection with a stabilizer that slidably engages with the support beams and provides an opposing force to each beam in the plurality of support beams during the expanding, the opposing force retaining each beam in the plurality of support beams from a lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state.
A method of fusing an intervertebral space with a stabilized intervertebral scaffolding, the method comprising:
- obtaining a laterally-expandable intervertebral scaffolding having a collapsed state, an expanded state, and a plurality of support beams, each beam in the plurality of beams designed to bear a compression load in the cephalocaudal direction in a subject;
- creating a point of entry into an intervertebral disc, the intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus surrounded by an annulus fibrosis;
- removing the nucleus pulposus from within the intervertebral disc through the point of entry, leaving the intervertebral space for expansion of a scaffolding system within the annulus fibrosis, the intervertebral space having a top vertebral plate and a bottom vertebral plate;
- inserting the laterovertically expanding frame in the collapsed state through the point of entry into the intervertebral space;
- expanding the scaffolding in the presence of a stabilizer providing an opposing lateral force to a respective support beam during the expansion of the assembly, the opposing lateral force retaining the respective support beam from the lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state in the subject;
- and,
- adding a grafting material to the intervertebral space.
A kit, comprising:
- a laterally-expandable intervertebral scaffolding having a collapsed state, an expanded state, and a plurality of support beams, each beam in the plurality of support beams designed to bear a compression load in the cephalocaudal direction in a subject;
- a stabilizer providing an opposing lateral force to a respective support beam during the expansion of the assembly, the opposing lateral force retaining the respective support beam from a lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state;
- and,
- a guidewire adapted for guiding an expansion member into the laterovertically expanding frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.