Site News  |   Monitor Keywords  |   Monitor Archive  |   Organizer  |   Account Info  |

Intervertebral cage designs

Intervertebral cage designs description/claims

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/691,854, filed Oct. 23, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/420,616, filed Oct. 23, 2002, the entire content of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates generally to spinal implants and, in particular, to improved intervertebral cage designs.

There are many intervertebral implants to assist with stabilization and fixation, including pre-assembled mesh rings of varying size; cylindrical threaded cages; carbon fiber boxes; and bone dowels, rings, and wedges. However, all existing devices have certain drawbacks, including the requirement of multiple steps and tools to prepare and mold the intervertebral plates for acceptance of the devices.

Existing implants also exhibit the need to remove/move a distraction device such as a spreader or plugs around a decorticate. Such plugs/distraction devices often get in the way of cage placement. Mesh cages in bone materials can deform or break with attempts to force them into the inner space. Typically, only a small surface of the end plate is exposed to bone graft, this being dictated by the size and position of the cage. Existing devices also require large trays with many instruments and many cages, and it is difficult to see the bone fused in mass inside metal cages, which are radiopaque.

This invention resides in 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.

FIG. 1 is a drawing that shows a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a drawing which shows a contoured, wedge-shaped retractor;

FIG. 2B shows a side view of a U-shaped introducer;

FIG. 2C shows a top view of the U-shaped introducer;

FIG. 2D shows the U-shaped introducer received within a cage;

FIG. 2E is a side view of a graft impactor;

FIG. 2F is a side view of the graft impactor but with an end view of the impactor tip;

FIG. 2G shows a gate holder with a screw mechanism used to capture and release a gate;

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

• What Is a Patent?
• What Is a Trademark or Servicemark?
• What Is a Copyright?
• Patent Laws