Devices for introduction into a body via a substantially straight conduit to form a predefined curved configuration, and methods employing such devices

A method for stabilizing the spinal column of:

• the body of a mammalian subject, the method comprising the steps of:
• (a) providing an elongated element having a plurality of effective hinges, said elongated element being configured such that:
• (i) said elongated element assumes a substantially straight state for introduction into the body;
• and
• (ii) said elongated element is deflected at said effective hinges to assume a curved configuration within the body;
• (b) introducing the elongated element into the spinal column in the substantially straight state;
• (c) causing the elongated element to assume the curved configuration within the spinal column, thereby defining an at least partial enclosure;
• and
• (d) introducing a quantity of biocompatible structural filler material into the at least partial enclosure so as to stabilize the spinal column,
• wherein said curved configuration is deployed between two vertebral bodies such that said curved configuration and said filler material promote fusion of the two vertebral bodies.

A method for stabilizing the spinal column of the body of a mammalian subject, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing an elongated element configured such that:
• (i) said elongated element assumes a substantially straight state for introduction into the body;
• and
• (ii) said elongated element assumes a curved configuration within the body;
• (b) introducing the elongated element into the body in the substantially straight state;
• (c) causing the elongated element to assume the curved configuration within the spinal column, thereby defining an at least partial enclosure;
• and
• (d) introducing a quantity of biocompatible structural filler material into the at least partial enclosure so as to stabilize the spinal column,
• wherein said elongated element is formed with a plurality of effective hinges spaced along its length, said effective hinges being at an oblique angle to a direction of elongation of the elongated element such that said curved configuration of said elongated element exhibits three-dimensional curvature,
• and wherein the curved configuration includes at least one loop closed on itself so as to generate a region of overlap, and wherein lateral surfaces of said elongated element are formed with complementary interlocking features so as to inhibit lateral displacement of one region of said at least one loop relative to an overlapping portion of said at least one loop.

A method for stabilizing the spinal column of the body of a mammalian subject, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing an elongated element having a plurality of effective hinges, said elongated element being configured such that:
• (i) said elongated element assumes a substantially straight state for introduction into the body;
• and
• (ii) said elongated element is deflected at said effective hinges to assume a curved configuration within the body;
• (b) introducing the elongated element into the spinal column in the substantially straight state;
• (c) causing the elongated element to assume the curved configuration within the spinal column, thereby defining an at least partial enclosure;
• and
• (d) introducing a quantity of biocompatible structural filler material into the at least partial enclosure so as to stabilize the spinal column,
• wherein said effective hinges are at an oblique angle to a direction of elongation of the elongated element such that said curved configuration of said elongated element exhibits three-dimensional curvature,
• and wherein the curved configuration includes at least one loop closed on itself so as to generate a region of overlap, and wherein lateral surfaces of said elongated element are formed with complementary interlocking features so as to inhibit lateral displacement of one region of said at least one loop relative to an overlapping portion of said at least one loop.