U.S. patent application number 09/949516 was filed with the patent office on 2002-04-18 for expandable interbody fusion cage.
Invention is credited to Josse, Loic, Liu, Mingyan.
Application Number | 20020045945 09/949516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9529966 |
Filed Date | 2002-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020045945 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu, Mingyan ; et
al. |
April 18, 2002 |
Expandable interbody fusion cage
Abstract
An expandable interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes
a cylindrical body (10) defining a hollow interior (17) for
receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body (10) is
divided into a number of branches (24, 26, 40 and 41) connected to
one another at a fixed end (20) and separated at an expandable end
(18). The expandable cage may be inserted in its substantially
cylindrical form and may be expanded by movement of an expansion
member (50) to establish lordosis of the spine. The present
invention provides an expansion member (50) that interacts with the
interior surfaces of the device to maintain the cage in the
expanded condition and provide a large internal chamber (17) for
receiving bone in-growth material. Methods for insertion of the
fusion device are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Liu, Mingyan;
(Bourg-la-Reine, FR) ; Josse, Loic; (Montargis,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brad A. Schepers
Woodard, Emhardt, Naughton, Moriarty and McNett
Bank One Center/Tower
111 Monument Circle, Suite 3700
Indianapolis
IN
46204-5137
US
|
Family ID: |
9529966 |
Appl. No.: |
09/949516 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09949516 |
Sep 7, 2001 |
|
|
|
09763073 |
May 16, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/17.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/30777
20130101; A61F 2250/0006 20130101; A61F 2002/30774 20130101; A61F
2002/3085 20130101; A61F 2002/2835 20130101; A61F 2002/302
20130101; A61F 2002/30594 20130101; A61F 2220/0025 20130101; A61F
2230/0069 20130101; A61F 2002/30408 20130101; A61F 2/442 20130101;
A61F 2002/30772 20130101; A61F 2/4603 20130101; A61F 2002/30332
20130101; A61F 2/446 20130101; A61F 2002/30785 20130101; A61F
2230/0017 20130101; A61F 2002/4638 20130101; A61F 2/4611 20130101;
A61F 2230/0065 20130101; A61F 2220/0033 20130101; A61F 2002/30538
20130101; A61F 2/30744 20130101; A61F 2002/30579 20130101; A61F
2002/30405 20130101; A61F 2002/2817 20130101; A61F 2002/30235
20130101; A61F 2002/4627 20130101; A61F 2002/30593 20130101; A61F
2002/30787 20130101; A61F 2002/30143 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/17.16 |
International
Class: |
A61F 002/44 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 28, 1998 |
FR |
FR98/10832 |
Aug 26, 1999 |
IB |
PCT/IB99/01478 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An expandable fusion cage adapted to be inserted between a pair
of vertebral bodies, comprising: a body having an outer bone
engaging surface and an inner surface defining an internal chamber
and a retaining mechanism, said body defining at least a first
branch, said branch having a fixed portion connected to said body
and an expandable portion movable with respect to said body, said
body defining at least a second branch connected to said body; and
an expansion mechanism sized to be at least partially received
within said internal chamber and to engage said expandable portion,
said expansion mechanism having an outer surface adapted to engage
said retaining mechanism, whereby movement of said expansion
mechanism within said internal chamber urges said first branch
expandable portion to move with respect to said body thereby
expanding said body, said expansion mechanism moving said first
branch expandable portion at a greater rate than said second
branch, said expansion mechanism retained in position by engagement
with said retaining mechanism of the body.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said bone engaging surface is an
external thread.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said retaining mechanism is a
thread pattern defined on said inner surface and said expansion
mechanism includes an externally threaded plug configured for
engagement with said thread pattern.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said retaining mechanism is an
internal shoulder and said expansion mechanism is a wedge adapted
to engage said shoulder.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said body defines a third branch
opposing said first branch, said third branch having a fixed
portion connected to said body and an expandable portion, whereby
movement of said expansion mechanism within said internal chamber
urges both said first and third branches apart.
6. An expandable cage adapted to be inserted between a pair of
vertebral bodies, comprising: a tubular body having an outer bone
engaging surface and an inner surface defining an interior chamber
and a retaining mechanism, said body includes a fixed end and an
expandable end and further including four longitudinal channels
extending between said outer surface and said inner surface and
from said expandable end toward said fixed end, said channels
defining an opposing first and second branches separated by
opposing third and fourth branches; and an expansion mechanism
having an outer surface configured to engage said inner surface and
said retaining portion, whereby said expansion mechanism is moved
against said inner surface to move said expandable end to expand
said body, said expansion mechanism expanding said opposing first
and second branches at a substantially greater rate than said
opposing third and fourth branches, and said expansion mechanism
retained in position by engagement with said retaining
mechanism.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein said retaining mechanism includes
at least one flange defined adjacent said inner surface and said
expansion member includes a shoulder cooperable with said flange to
maintain the position of said expansion member.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein said retaining mechanism is a
thread pattern and said expansion member includes a corresponding
external thread pattern.
9. The device of claim 6, wherein said bone engaging surface is an
external thread.
10. An expandable cage adapted to be inserted between a pair of
vertebral bodies, comprising: a tubular body having an outer bone
engaging surface and an inner surface defining an interior chamber
having a threaded inclined surface, said body defining a fixed
portion and a moveable portion, said inclined surface disposed
adjacent at least said moveable portion; and an expansion member
having a threaded outer surface configured to engage said threaded
inclined surface, whereby said expansion member is threadedly
advanced along said threaded inclined surface to move said moveable
portion to expand said body and said expansion member is retained
in position by engagement with said threaded inclined surface.
11. The device of claims 6 or 10, wherein said body further defines
bone in-growth openings between said inner surface and said outer
surface.
12. The device of claims 6 or 10, wherein said interior chamber
comprises at least 50% of the volume of the device, thereby
allowing a substantial amount of bone growth promoting matter to be
inserted into the interior chamber.
13. The device of claims 6 or 10, wherein said expansion member
defines a central opening providing communication with said
interior chamber.
14. An interbody fusion apparatus, comprising: a hollow body having
an outer bone engaging surface and an inner surface defining an
internal chamber and a retaining mechanism, said body having a
fixed portion and an expandable portion and defining at least a
first branch and a second branch, said first branch and said second
branch interconnected at said fixed portion, and said first branch
moveable with respect to said second branch at said expandable
portion; an expansion member sized to be at least partially
received within said internal chamber and having an outer surface
adapted to engage said retaining mechanism, whereby movement of
said expansion member within said internal chamber urges said first
branch to move with respect to said second branch thereby expanding
said expandable portion, said expansion member retained in position
by engagement with said retaining mechanism of the body; and an
insertion tool having an outer sleeve adapted to engage said body
to transmit compressive force and an inner shaft moveably disposed
within said outer sleeve and sized to be inserted into at least a
portion of said interior chamber, said inner shaft having a
proximal end and a distal end, said distal end configured to
removably engage said expansion member, whereby movement of said
inner shaft with respect to said outer sleeve moves said expansion
member in relation to said body.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said expansion member
includes a central opening having a thread pattern and said distal
end of said inner shaft includes a corresponding external thread
pattern.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said expansion member
includes a central hexagonal opening and said distal end of said
inner shaft includes a corresponding external hexagonal shape.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said body further defines a
driving groove and said outer sleeve defines a corresponding mating
driving projection.
18. A method for insertion of an expandable interbody fusion device
between a pair of vertebral bodies, comprising: providing an
expandable fusion cage having an external bone engaging surface, a
movable portion and an internal cavity defining a retaining
mechanism, and an expansion member sized to be at least partially
received within the internal chamber and configured for engagement
with the retaining mechanism and the movable portion; inserting the
expandable cage between two adjacent vertebrae; positioning the
moveable portion adjacent a vertebra; moving the expansion member
within the internal chamber and against the moveable portion to
expand the cage; and engaging the expansion member with the
retaining mechanism to limit movement of the expansion member.
19. The method of claim 18, further including packing the internal
cavity with material to promote gone in-growth.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an implantable device for
promoting fusion between two adjacent bony structures and a method
of inserting the same. More particularly, the invention relates to
an expandable fusion cage that may be inserted, in a reduced size
configuration, into an intervertebral space and expanded after
insertion to provide a desired size. While the device according to
the present invention may have application in other areas of the
body, the present invention is preferably utilized for vertebral
interbody fusion.
[0002] There have been an extensive number of attempts to develop
an exceptional intradiscal implant that could be used to replace a
damaged disc and yet maintain the stability of the disc interspace
between adjacent vertebra, at least until complete arthrodesis is
achieved. These "interbody fusion devices" have taken many forms.
For example, one of the more prevalent designs takes the form of a
cylindrical implant. These types of implants are presented by the
patents to Bagby, U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,269; Brantigan, U.S. Pat. No.
4,878,915; Ray, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,961,740 and 5,055,104; and
Michelson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,247. In the cylindrical implants,
the exterior portion of the cylinder can be threaded to facilitate
insertion of the interbody fusion device, as represented by the
Ray, Brantigan and Michelson patents. In the alternative, some of
the fusion implants are designed to be pounded into the intradiscal
space. This type of device is represented by the patent to
Brantigan.
[0003] Interbody fusion devices can be generally divided into two
basic categories, namely solid implants and implants that are
designed to permit bone in-growth. Solid implants are represented
by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,879,915; 4,743,256; 4,349,921; and 4,714,469.
The remaining patents discussed above include some aspect that
allows bone to grow across the implant. It has been found that the
devices that promote natural bone in-growth achieve a more rapid
and stable arthrodesis. The device depicted in the Michelson patent
is representative of this type of hollow implant which is typically
filled with a bone growth inducing substance to promote bone growth
into and through the device. This implant includes a plurality of
circular apertures which communicate with the hollow interior of
the implant, thereby providing a path for tissue growth between the
vertebral end plates and the bone growth material within the
implant. In preparing the intradiscal space, the end plates are
preferably reduced to bleeding bone to facilitate the tissue
in-growth. During fusion, the metal structure provided by the
Michelson implant helps maintain the patency and stability of the
motion segment to be fused. In addition, once arthrodesis occurs,
the implant itself serves as a sort of anchor for the solid bony
mass.
[0004] One problem that is not addressed by the above prior devices
concerns maintaining and restoring the normal anatomy of the fused
spinal segment. Naturally, once the disc is removed, the normal
lordotic or kyphotic curvature of the spine is eliminated. With the
prior devices, the need to restore this curvature is neglected. For
example, adjacent vertebral bodies may be reamed with a cylindrical
reamer that fits the particularly implant. In some cases, the
normal curvature is established prior to reaming and then the
implant inserted. However, this over-reaming of the posterior
portion is generally not well accepted because of the removal of
load bearing bone of the vertebrae and because it is typically
difficult to ream through the posterior portion of the lower lumbar
segment where the lordosis is the greatest. In most cases using
implants of this type, no effort is made to restore the lordotic
curvature so that the cylindrical implant is likely to cause a
kyphotic deformity as the vertebrae settles around the implant.
This phenomena can often lead to revision surgeries because the
spine becomes imbalanced.
[0005] In each of the above-listed patents, the transverse
cross-section of the implant is substantially constant throughout
its length and is typically in the form of a right circular
cylinder. Other implants have been developed for interbody fusion
that do not have a constant cross-section. For instance, the patent
to McKenna, U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,469 shows a hemispherical implant
with elongated protruberances that project into the vertebral end
plate. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,909 to Zdeblick et al., shows a
truncated conical implant adapted to be threadedly received in the
intervertebral space. However, these devices require an opening at
least as large as the largest segment of the device. The
requirement for such a relatively large opening may limit the use
of such devices, particularly where access to the spine is limited
due to obstructing vessels and neurological structures.
[0006] Still further implants have been developed that provide the
ability to adjust the size of the implant after insertion. U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,665,122 to Kambin, 5,554,191 to LaHille et al., and
5,653,763 to Errico et al., disclose implants which provide at
least some degree of adjustability of the height of the implant to
restore lordosis. However, these implants do not allow the device
to be easily and securely inserted into a disc space and the
internal expansion mechanism limits the ability to pack the
interior with a large amount of bone in-growth material.
[0007] In view of the limitations of the prior devices, there
remains a need for an interbody fusion cage capable of stabilizing
the spine in a manner comparable to interbody implant designs
presently in use, and at the same time providing a mechanism for
restoring normal lordosis of the spine. After expansion, the
implant should have an internal cavity adapted to receive bone
graft or bone substitute to encourage bone growth through the
expanded implant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In response to the needs still left unresolved by the prior
devices, the present invention contemplates an expandable fusion
cage adapted to be inserted between a pair of vertebral bodies to
restore the normal angular relation between adjacent vertebrae. In
particular, a device according to the present invention comprises a
body having an outer bone engaging surface and an inner surface
defining an internal chamber and a retaining mechanism. The body
has a fixed portion and an expandable portion. The expandable
portion is divided into at least a first branch and a second
branch, interconnected at the fixed portion. The first branch is
moveable with respect to the second branch in the expandable
portion to expand the overall size of the fusion cage. An expansion
member is sized to be at least partially received within the
internal chamber and has an outer surface adapted to engage the
retaining mechanism. Movement of the expansion member within the
internal chamber urges the first branch to move with respect to the
second branch thereby expanding the expandable portion. The
expansion member is retained in position by engagement with the
retaining mechanism of the body.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, an expandable
intersomatic cage has a tubular body having an outer bone engaging
surface and an inner surface defining an interior chamber. The
inner surface further defines an inclined surface and a retaining
mechanism. The body defines a fixed portion and a moveable portion,
the inclined surface is disposed adjacent the moveable portion. In
this aspect of the invention, an expansion member is included
having an outer surface configured to engage the inclined surface
and the retaining portion. Movement of the expansion member against
the inclined surface moves the moveable portion to expand the cage.
The expansion member is retained in position by engagement with the
retaining mechanism.
[0010] In another embodiment, the invention contemplates an
insertion tool cooperable with an expandable fusion implant. The
insertion tool is operable to insert the implant and move the
expansion member to expand the cage. A cage according to the
present invention is utilized with an insertion tool having an
outer sleeve adapted to engage the body of the cage to transmit
compressive force to the cage. The insertion tool further includes
an inner shaft moveably disposed within the outer sleeve. The inner
shaft is sized to be inserted into at least a portion of the
interior chamber of the cage. The inner shaft has a distal end
configured to removably engage the expansion member, whereby
movement of the inner shaft with respect to the outer sleeve moves
the expansion member in relation to the cage.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, methods are provided for
insertion of an expandable intersomatic device. In one aspect a
device according to the present invention is inserted into the disc
space. The moveable portion of the device is positioned adjacent a
portion of the vertebra requiring additional spacing. The expansion
member is then moved within the internal chamber and against the
moveable portion to expand the cage to the desired height. The
expansion member may be engaged with the retaining mechanism to
limit movement of the expansion member.
[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide an implant
that has a reduced size insertion configuration and is expandable
from the insertion configuration to a larger configuration.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
expandable implant that has a substantially unobstructed interior
chamber to receive bone growth promoting material.
[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a fusion cage configured for easy insertion and expandable to a
larger size to establish lordosis.
[0015] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide
an improved method for inserting a fusion cage and restoring
lordosis.
[0016] Related objects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of an expandable cage according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2a is a side cross-sectional view of the device of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 2b is the device of FIG. 2a with the inclusion of an
expansion wedge according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the
expandable cage of FIG. 1 without an external thread pattern.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the expansion wedge of FIG.
2b.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an end view of the expansion wedge of FIG. 4.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of an insertion tool according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7a is a sagittal plane view showing a partial
cross-sectional side view of the expandable cage of FIG. 2b
inserted between two adjacent vertebrae in an insertion
configuration according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 7b is the cage of FIG. 7a shown in an expanded position
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
expandable cage of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the expandable cage
of FIG. 8.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the
expandable cage of FIG. 8 without an external thread pattern.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a top view of a further embodiment of an
expandable cage according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the
expandable cage of FIG. 11.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the
expandable cage of FIG. 11, without an external thread pattern.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a side partial cross-sectional view of a further
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a side partial cross-sectional side view of yet a
further embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended, such alterations and further modifications in the
illustrated devices, and such further applications of the
principles of the invention as illustrated therein being
contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to
which the invention relates.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is shown a first
embodiment of an expandable cage 10 in accordance with the present
invention. In this embodiment of the invention, expandable cage 10
has a cylindrical outer surface 11 defining an external thread
pattern 12 (not shown in FIG. 3) adapted to engage two adjacent
vertebra (see FIGS. 7a and 7b) and to advance the cage into the
disk space as cage 10 is rotated about longitudinal axis 13. As
shown most clearly in FIG. 3, expandable cage 10 is substantially
hollow with inner surface 21 defining an internal cavity 17.
Expandable cage 10 includes a bone in-growth window 16 formed
through expandable branch 24 and an identical bone in-growth window
19 formed through expandable branch 26. These in-growth windows are
adapted to permit communication between the vertebral bodies (FIG.
7) and internal chamber 17. In most application, bone growth
promoting material will be placed within internal chamber 17 of
expandable cage 10 to encourage bone to grow into and through
fusion device 10.
[0036] As shown in the accompanying drawings, expandable cage 10 is
preferably composed of four separate branches, each separated at
expandable end 18 by a channel extending longitudinally from
expandable end 18 toward fixed end 20. Referring now to FIG. 2a,
first expandable branch 24 is separated from first fixed branch 40
by channel 14. In a similar manner, second expandable branch 26 is
separated from first fixed branch 40 by channel 22. Each of
channels 14 and 22 extends from expandable end 18 towards fixed end
20. The channels terminate in a slightly larger diameter radiused
opening which preferably acts as a hinge during expansion of the
device to concentrate stress and deformation adjacent fixed end 20.
In a similar fashion, as shown in FIG. 3, second fixed branch 41 is
separated from first expandable branch 24 by channel 15 and from
second expandable branch 26 by a similar channel (not shown) Thus,
expandable cage 10 is formed by four branches, each separated from
the other at expandable end 18 by channels extending from outer
surface 11 to internal chamber 17. The branches are connected at
fixed end 20 by linking area 44 such that each of the branches may
move substantially independent from each other at expandable end 18
while remaining connected to the device by linking area 44.
Although the present embodiment utilizes integrally formed
branches, it is contemplated that separate components may be joined
to form the expandable cage without deviating from the
invention.
[0037] While four separate branches are shown in a preferred
embodiment, it is contemplated that more or less branches could be
utilized without deviating from the spirit or scope of the
invention. Moreover, although in a preferred embodiment the
channels extend from outer surface 11 to internal chamber 17, it is
contemplated that the channels may not extend to the interior
chamber. Such a channel may be formed by an overlapping interface
between two adjacent branches without creating an opening for bone
in-growth into internal chamber 17. Further, although channels are
shown as being preformed in the expandable cage, it is contemplated
that the channels may be formed as the implanted is expanded. By
way of example, and without limitation, this could occur by
rupturing a frangible portion between adjacent branches or by
deforming material disposed between adjacent branches.
[0038] In one aspect of the invention, internal chamber 17
comprises the majority of the volume of the entire cage 10.
Specifically referring to FIG. 2a, external surface 11 defines a
diameter 63, excluding threads 12. Internal chamber 17 has a
diameter of at least 64, that is diameter 63 less twice the branch
thickness 62.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, branch thickness 62 is selected
such that the volume of internal chamber 17, particularly with the
inclusion of voids created by in-growth windows 16 and 19 and the
various channels occupies the majority of the entire volume of cage
10. Thus, the present invention provides space for a large volume
of bone growth promoting material to be inserted into the device to
promote bone in-growth.
[0040] Adjacent expansion end 18, as shown in FIG. 2a with respect
to branches 24, 40 and 26, each of the branches includes inclined
surfaces 28, 34 and 30, respectively. Adjacent the internal
termination of each of the inclined surfaces 28, 34 and 30, is
formed an internal shoulder 36, 42 and 38, respectively. Referring
to FIG. 3, branch 41 includes a similar inclined surface 35 and
internal shoulder 43. As shown in FIG. 2a, arcuate inclined
surfaces 28 and 30 are inclined at angle 32 with respect to each
other. In a preferred embodiment, this angle is approximately
96.degree., although it is understood that a variety of angles
could be utilized depending on the amount of expansion desired, and
the distance an expansion member will need to travel to create the
expansion.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2b, cage 10 is shown with the
inclusion of expansion wedge 50 disposed adjacent expandable end
18. Expansion wedge 50 is further illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
Expansion wedge 50 includes first and second opposed expansion
wedge inclines 52 and 54, which have a tapering arcuate surface
that mates with and corresponds to inclined surfaces 28 and 30 of
branches 24 and 26, respectively. Wedge 50 includes side walls 58
and 60 with substantially planar surfaces adapted to engage
inclined surfaces 34 and 35 of fixed branches 40 and 41,
respectively. Further, expansion wedge 50 includes a central
opening 56 which is adapted to receive a driving tool. In a
preferred embodiment, central opening 56 is threaded to receive a
correspondingly threaded end of a driving tool.
[0042] It will be understood that as wedge 50 is advanced toward
fixed end 20, inclined surfaces 52 and 54 act upon inclined
surfaces 28 and 30, respectively, to urge branches 24 and 26 apart
from each other at expandable end 18. As expansion wedge 50 is
inserted along inclined surfaces 28 and 30, branches 24 and 26 will
tend to expand at expansion end 18 as deformation occurs adjacent
fixed end 20. Substantially continuous linking material 44 links
all of the branches and does not permit their expansion at fixed
end 20. As wedge 50 is further advanced toward fixed end 20, the
wedge is pushed beyond shoulders 36 and 38, such that wedge 50 is
captured within cage 10. As a result of the engagement of back
surface 55 of the wedge against shoulders 36 and 38, expansion
wedge 50 is prevented from being expelled from the cage, and the
cage is maintained in an expanded condition with the wedge securely
held in position. It will be understood that the engagement of
planar surfaces 58 and 60 on fixed branches 40 and 41,
respectively, tends to deformably expand these branches little, if
any, and therefore they remain substantially fixed in their
original positions. Further, fixed branches 40 and 41 each include
shoulders 42 and 43 which engage the back surface 55 of wedge 50
once it has passed beyond the shoulders. Thus, fixed branches 40
and 41 also tend to hold the wedge in place and prevent its
expulsion from internal chamber 17.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 8 through 10, there is shown an
alternative embodiment of the expandable cage of the present
invention. In this embodiment, expandable cage 310 has an outer
surface 311 and an external thread pattern 312 (not shown in FIG.
10). As with the embodiment of FIG. 1, expandable cage 310 includes
two opposed expandable branches 324 and 324, and two opposed fixed
branches 340 and 341 joined at fixed end 320. Each of these
branches define inclined surfaces and interior shoulders adjacent
expandable end 318 adapted to engage and receive expansion wedge
350. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1, expandable branch 324
includes two bone in-growth windows 316 and 317, separated by rib
330. In a similar manner, expandable branch 326 includes two bone
in-growth windows 322 and 323 separated by rib 332. The use of a
plurality of bone in-growth windows in the expandable branches
increases the overall strength of the branch which may be necessary
for longer cages or cages constructed of relatively weak materials.
While this embodiment has been shown with two windows per each
expandable branch, it is contemplated that more than two bone
in-growth windows may be utilized without deviating from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an insertion tool 70
suitable for use with an expandable cage according to the present
invention. Insertion tool 70 includes an outer sleeve 72 having a
driving projection 73 adapted to engage driving groove 46 of
expandable cage 10. While insertion tool 70 is illustrated with
only projection 73, it will be understood that the device includes
an opposing projection (not shown) for mating with a driving groove
(not shown) disposed opposite driving groove 46 on cage 10.
Insertion tool 70 further includes handle 71 adapted to transmit
rotational force to outer sleeve 72 to rotationally insert cage 10.
Outer sleeve 72 includes an internal chamber, which is occupied by
insertion tool inner shaft 75. On the distal end 77, insertion tool
inner shaft 75 includes an externally threaded area adapted to
engage the correspondingly internally threaded central opening 56
of expansion member 50. At the proximal end of inner shaft 75 there
is a handle 76 for providing rotational force to inner shaft 75. A
series of external threads 78 are formed on inner shaft 75 adjacent
handle 76. A internally threaded nut 79 is disposed about inner
shaft 75 and is adapted to engage threads 78 to move inner shaft 75
with respect to outer sleeve 72.
[0045] In operation, insertion tool 70 is engaged with expandable
cage 10 such as shown in FIG. 7a. Driving projection 73 of outer
tube 72 engages driving groove 46 of expandable cage 10 and
threaded distal end 77 of inner shaft 75 threadedly engages
threaded opening 56 of expansion wedge 50. In this manner,
expansion wedge 50 is securely held in position adjacent the
expansion end 18 while the threaded cylindrical cage is inserted
into the intervertebral space. In a preferred embodiment, this
device is utilized from a posterior approach to the spine with the
expansion wedge 50 being positioned at the leading end of the
device.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 7a, expandable cage 10 is threaded into
intervertebral space 92 with thread pattern 12 engaging vertebra 80
and 82 to advance the cage into the disc space and securely hold it
in position once it has reached a final position as shown in FIG.
7a. Since the expandable cage is preferably a cylinder having a
uniform diameter, it may be inserted through an insertion tube
having a diameter substantially equal to the thread diameter of the
cage 10. As shown in FIG. 7a, the surface 88 of vertebrae 80 is in
contact with outer surface 11 of cage 10. It will be understood
that in many applications, a portion of the vertebral end plate
will have been removed prior to cage insertion such that cage 10
engages the cancellous bone of the vertebrae. In a similar manner,
the surface 90 of vertebrae 82 is in contact with the outer surface
11 of cage 10. In its initial insertion position, the alignment 84
of vertebrae 80 and the alignment 86 of vertebrae 82 are in
substantial parallel alignment with longitudinal axis 13 and
expandable branches 24 and 26 of cage 10.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 7b, with threaded end 77 of the
insertion device firmly engaged in threaded opening 56 of expansion
wedge 50 and driving projection 73 engaged in driving groove 46,
internally threaded nut 79 is rotated about external thread 78 to
draw shaft 75 within outer tube 72 (FIG. 6), thereby advancing
expansion wedge 50 toward fixed end 20. As expansion wedge 50 is
advanced toward fixed end 20, the inclined surfaces of expansion
wedge 50 force expandable branches 24 and 26 apart adjacent
expandable end 18. In a similar manner, vertebra 80 and 82 are
forced apart adjacent expandable end 18 such that the alignment 84
and 86 remain substantially parallel to the expandable branches 24
and 26, respectively, and not with longitudinal axis 13 of cage 10.
In this manner, the lordotic curve of the spine may be established
and maintained during the healing process. Moreover, the engagement
of expansion wedge 50 with the previously described shoulders of
each of the branches prevents the expansion wedge from being
expelled from cage 10. The insertion tool may be removed and the
substantially unobstructed area within interior chamber 17 may be
filled with bone in-growth material to encourage bone growth
through the device. Such bone in-growth material may include
autograft, allograft, bone morphogenic proteins in a carrier, or
other known bone growth promoting materials. Insertion and
expansion of the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 through 10
is accomplished in substantially the same manner.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 13, there is shown a
further embodiment of an expandable cage according to the present
invention. As with the above-described embodiments of the
invention, cage 110 is a substantially cylindrical device having an
outer surface 111 defining an external thread pattern 112. Cage 110
defines a substantially cylindrical internal chamber 117. Cage 110
includes a pair of opposing expandable branches 152 and 154
separated by a pair of opposing fixed branches 148 and 150. Fixed
branch 148 is separated from expandable branches 152 and 154 by
channels 144 and 146, respectively. Fixed branch 150 is separated
from expandable branches 154 and 152 by channel 147 and a similar
channel (not shown), respectively. Cage 110 further includes bone
in-growth windows 129 and 120 formed through expandable branch 152,
and an identical pair of bone in-growth windows 119 and 121 formed
through expandable branch 154. Each of the bone in-growth windows
extend from outer surface 111 to internal chamber 117. As with the
above-described embodiments, cage 110 includes a large unobstructed
internal chamber 117 extending along the longitudinal axis 113 from
adjacent the expandable end 118 toward the fixed end 114. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 through 13, windows 120 and 121 each
include a notch 122 and 123 adjacent expandable end 118,
respectively.
[0049] Expander 130 is sized to be received within internal chamber
117. Expander 130 includes a first portion 125 having a projection
126 which extends into notch 122, and an opposite second portion
127 having projection 128 which extends into notch 123. Projections
126 and 128 work in conjunction with externally threaded plug 124
in maintaining the position of expander 130 within cage 110.
Expander 130 further includes a bend 132. While a bend may be
utilized in the preferred embodiment, it will be understood that
expander 130 may include a fold or a hinge between portions 125 and
127, that allows adaptation into the reduced sized configuration
shown in FIG. 12. First portion 125 includes a longitudinal axis 72
and second portion 127 includes a longitudinal axis 70. In the
reduced size insertion configuration shown in FIG. 12, longitudinal
axis 70 forms an angle 162 with respect to longitudinal axis 72. In
a preferred embodiment, angle 162 is approximately 90.degree.,
although other angles are contemplated. In an expanded
configuration (not shown), the angle between longitudinal axes 70
and 72 may approach 180.degree., with a 180.degree. angle providing
the maximum expansion of the device.
[0050] The internal chamber 117 is defined by the four previously
described branches 148, 150, 152, and 154, each defining a portion
of thread pattern 160 (only partially shown in FIG. 12). Plug 124
includes a corresponding external thread adapted to engage thread
pattern 160. In a preferred embodiment, a connecting portion 149
extends between fixed branches 148 and 150 to limit splaying of the
fixed branches as threaded plug 124 is advanced toward expandable
end 118. Threaded plug 124 further includes a central opening 136
adapted to engage an insertion tool extension. In a preferred
embodiment, central opening 136 is formed in a hexagonal pattern to
accept a similar hexagonally shaped insertion tool (not shown).
Cage 110 further includes a driving groove 142 adjacent fixed end
114, adapted for engagement with a driving tool projection to
permit insertion of cage 110 between two adjacent bony structures.
The driving tool of FIG. 6 may be utilized with cage 110 with the
exception that the driving tool inner shaft 75 would include a
hexagonally shaped portion at distal end 77. It will be understood
that as threaded plug 124 is threadedly advanced towards expandable
end 118, it urges expander 130 into an expanded condition, thereby
forcing branches 152 and 154 apart. As shown in FIG. 13, the
expansion mechanism of the present invention provides a large
internal cavity to receive bone growth promoting material.
[0051] A further embodiment according to the present invention is
shown in FIG. 14. Cage 180 is fashioned in a similar manner to cage
110 with the exception that it includes a plurality of smaller bone
in-growth windows rather than two large windows in expandable
branches 192 and 194. Variations of the number, size, shape and
location of bone in-growth windows as may be dependent on the bone
in-growth characteristics desired and the material properties of
the cage is contemplated by the present invention. Further, the
mechanism for expansion differs in that expander 184 is a
substantially planar device, i.e. no bends or hinge, having a
longitudinal axis 198. Expander 184 is substantially planar and has
a first end 188 engaged in corner 186 formed between expandable
branch 194 and end wall 199. The opposite end 190 engages and moves
along inner surface 193 of expandable branch 192. Threaded plug 182
threadedly engages internal thread pattern 196 formed along the
internal surfaces of the branches. It will be understood that in
the unexpanded condition, axis 198 is skewed with respect to
longitudinal axis 197 of cage 180. However, as threaded plug 182
advances towards expandable end 181, expander 184 moves towards an
upright position with axis 198 moving towards a perpendicular
arrangement with axis 197. The movement of expander 184 towards an
upright position expands cage 180. In the expanded position, there
is a large unobstructed internal chamber 189 extending from plug
182 to opening 187 adjacent fixed end 195. Thus, the large internal
chamber 189 may be packed with bone in-growth material to promote
fusion between adjacent vertebra.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown still a further
embodiment of the present invention. Cage 210 includes an outer
surface 211 having a thread pattern 212 defined thereon. Cage 210
includes a driving groove 246 adapted to receive a driving tool
such as that previously disclosed herein. Cage 210 further includes
a plurality of windows 214 communicating from exterior surface 211
to interior chamber 217. Internal chamber 217 is defined by
inclined surfaces 216 and 215 (shown in dash), sloping from the
expandable end 222 towards the fixed end 224. The slope of inclined
surfaces 216 and 215 could also be reversed to allow expansion by
movement of the plug 218 in an opposite direction. Plug member 218
includes an external thread pattern adapted to engage with thread
pattern 220 of surfaces 216 and 215. It will be understood that as
plug member 218 is threadedly advanced toward fixed end 224,
branches 230 and 231 are spread apart from one another. As shown in
FIG. 15, branch 230 includes an area of reduced width 225, adapted
to deform as plug member 218 is advanced. As shown, plug member 218
includes a central opening 237 adapted to receive an insertion tool
extension to provide rotational force. Further, while driving
groove 246 is shown formed on expandable end 222, it will be
understood that for some insertion techniques, it will be desirable
to have insertion tool groove 246 formed on fixed end 224.
Moreover, a central aperture may be formed through fixed end 224
for passage of an insertion tool extension for engagement with plug
218.
[0053] While plugs 124 of the embodiment of FIG. 11, plug 182 of
the embodiment of FIG. 14 and plug 218 of the embodiment of FIG. 15
have been shown and described as having a series of external
threads for engagement with a corresponding thread pattern defined
on the branches of the device, it will be understood that all the
branches, or only the fixed branches of each of the devices, may be
formed to define a series of ratchets. With a ratchet
configuration, each of the plugs 124, 182, and 218 may be defined
as having an outer surface adapted to advance over the ratchets to
expand the device while having a trailing portion adapted to engage
the ratchets to prevent expulsion. In this manner, the plugs may be
advanced without threading. When utilizing this technique, the
insertion tool may be adapted to securely hold the outer cage to
prevent its further advancement as a result of the pushing or
pulling force exerted on the plug members. In addition to
modifications to the plug, the cage itself may be configured for
push-in insertion and can be in shapes other than cylinders.
[0054] Cages according to the present invention are preferably
formed of a biocompatible material having sufficient strength to
withstand the loads that will be placed upon them for a given
application. Additionally, in the preferred embodiments the
material should have sufficient flexibility to undergo at least a
small amount of deformation as a result of the expansion process.
Alternatively, for some devices, it may be desirable to provide
hinge points rather than permit the material to undergo a
deformation. Most preferably, the material utilized to form the
cages of the present invention is a medical grade titanium alloy.
However, the devices could be formed of stainless steel, various
types of plastic, various composites including carbon fiber
devices, and bone or bone substitutes.
[0055] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
* * * * *