Methods for adjustable bone fusion implants
AssigneesMovdice Holding, Inc., MedicineLodge, Inc.
InventorsDaniel E. Gerbec, T. Wade Fallin, Tom Faciszewski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for fusing two adjacent bones or pieces of bone includes positioning an adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the fusion implant having a first plate and an opposing second plate. A portion of a tool inserted between the first plate and the second plate of the fusion implant is expanded so as to expand the fusion implant between the bones or pieces of bone. The tool is then removed from the expanded fusion implant.
Claims31
A method for fusing two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the method comprising:
- removably securing a distal end of an inserter to an adjustable fusion implant;
- positioning the adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone;
- expanding the fusion implant between the bones or pieces of bone;
- sliding a reinforcing member along the inserter so that the reinforcing member couples with the expanded fusion implant;
- and
- disconnecting the inserter from the fusion implant.
A method for fusing two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the method comprising:
- removably securing a distal end of an inserter to an adjustable fusion implant;
- positioning the adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone;
- and
- sliding an expansion tool along the inserter so that at least a portion of the expansion tool is removably received within the fusion implant, the expansion tool being adapted to facilitate expansion of the fusion implant.
A method for fusing two vertebrae, the method comprising:
- mechanically interlocking an inserter to an adjustable fusion implant such that the inserter is temporarily fixed to the fusion implant;
- positioning the adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone;
- expanding the fusion implant between the bones or pieces of bone;
- coupling a reinforcing member to the expanded fusion implant using the inserter as a guide for the reinforcing member;
- and
- disconnecting the inserter from the fusion implant.
A method as recited in claim 23, further comprising inserting the portion of the tool within the fusion implant prior to the act of inserting the adjustable fusion implant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.