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US 7,232,463 B2Granted
Intervertebral cage designs
AssigneeU.S. Spinal Technologies, LLC
InventorMark H. Falahee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Cage systems that improve upon the prior art in various ways. In the preferred embodiments, devices are radiolucent, with markers, thereby allowing visualization of placement without excessive obscuration. Devices according to the invention eliminate multiple steps, instruments and trays, while being capable of a custom fit. The devices according to the invention permit easier and greater access to end plate surface area, and can be used with autografts, allografts, and biologics.
Claims14
An implant for promoting intervertebral fusion, comprising:
- a cage having two sidewalls, a posterior back wall, an open top, an open bottom, and an open front, such that when viewed from above the sidewalls and back wall form a U-shape;
- each sidewall having a convex upper edge and a substantially flat lower edge, such that when viewed from the side, the upper and lower edges conform to outwardly curved and flat planes, respectively, with no portions of the cage extending outwardly beyond either plane;
- the front opening allowing the cage to be packed with bone graft and/or biologic materials in situ using an anterior approach;
- and
- a physically separate, rigid gate element for closing the open front after the cage is positioned in an intervertebral disc space and packed with bone graft and/or biologic materials.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.