Laterally expanding intervertebral fusion device
AssigneeSDGI Holdings, Inc.
InventorsBradley T. Estes, Andrew M. Dickson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to intervertebral spacers for use in orthopedic treatment of spinal defects. The intervertebral space is formed of a shape memory polymer. The spacer can be fabricated into a desired configuration and then deformed into an alternative or deformed configuration. Cooling the deformed spacer effectively freezes the spacer into its deformed conformation. The deformed configuration can be selected to facilitate implantation of the spacer into a prepared disc space between adjacent vertebrae. During operation, the surgeon can heat the spacer to allow it to revert to its original configuration. The spacer in its original conformation is sized to restore and/or maintain the adjacent vertebrae in a desired conformation and disc space height.
Claims26
An intervertebral spacer for implantation into a disc space between adjacent vertebrae, said spacer comprising a deformable body formed to include a shape memory polymeric material, said body comprising:
- a first bearing surface, an opposite, second bearing surface and a peripheral sidewall positioned therebetween, said spacer having a lateral axis extending therethrough and positioned to lie substantially parallel said first bearing surface, and wherein said body deforms in a direction along said lateral axis upon application of thermal or photoradiation energy.
A method of orthopedic treatment, said method comprising:
- preparing one or more vertebrae to receive a spacer,
- implanting a spacer to contact one or more vertebrae, said spacer formed of a material comprising a shape memory polymer and provided in an original configuration and deformable to a second configuration, wherein said spacer reverts to the original configuration by action of the shape memory polymer, and
- subjecting said spacer to thermal or photoradiation energy wherein said spacer deforms.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.