U.S. patent application number 13/291255 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for devices and methods for cutting a vertebral implant.
This patent application is currently assigned to Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Danny Horton Braddock, JR., Dean G. Karahalios.
Application Number | 20120048092 13/291255 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38947921 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120048092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karahalios; Dean G. ; et
al. |
March 1, 2012 |
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CUTTING A VERTEBRAL IMPLANT
Abstract
The present application is directed to devices and methods for
cutting a spinal implant. In one embodiment, the device includes a
handle and a head. The handle is sized to receive a predetermined
length of the implant. A head is rotatably attached to the handle
and includes a blade. After the implant is inserted into the
handle, the head is rotated causing the blade to move around the
implant and cut an excessive length from the predetermined
length.
Inventors: |
Karahalios; Dean G.; (Lake
Forest, IL) ; Braddock, JR.; Danny Horton;
(Germantown, TN) |
Assignee: |
Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
Warsaw
IN
|
Family ID: |
38947921 |
Appl. No.: |
13/291255 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12907688 |
Oct 19, 2010 |
8069755 |
|
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13291255 |
|
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11475362 |
Jun 27, 2006 |
7819043 |
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12907688 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
83/663 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 83/9372 20150401;
Y10T 83/04 20150401; B23D 21/08 20130101; A61B 17/8863 20130101;
A61F 2/44 20130101; Y10T 82/22 20150115; Y10T 82/10 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
83/663 |
International
Class: |
B26D 1/12 20060101
B26D001/12 |
Claims
1. A device to cut an elongated spinal implant comprising: a
substantially cylindrical handle that includes an interior space
with a longitudinal axis and formed by a sidewall, the handle
further including an open end; a head rotatably attached to the
open end of the handle, the head including an opening aligned with
the open end; a blade operatively connected to the head and being
adjustable in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis;
the interior space being formed to receive a predetermined length
of the implant with an excess extending outward from the head
beyond the blade, with rotation of the head relative to the handle
causing the blade to move around and the implant and cut the
implant at the predetermined length.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein an interior space formed within
the handle is centered along the longitudinal axis.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a depth limiter
positioned within the interior space to control a depth of
insertion of the implant into the receptacle.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a closed end opposite
from the open end, wherein the depth limiter includes an arm and a
member including a contact surface that faces towards the open end,
the arm extending through the closed end and being movable to
selectively position the contact surface within the interior space
relative to the blade.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the head includes a body that
extends completely around the opening.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one jaw
positioned within the receptacle to contact the implant and prevent
the implant from rotating during rotation of the head.
7. A device to cut an elongated spinal implant comprising: a handle
including an elongated receptacle that extends along a longitudinal
axis and is sized to receive the implant, the handle including an
open end; a depth limiter positioned within the receptacle and
spaced from the open end; a head rotatably attached to the handle,
the head including an opening aligned with the open end and sized
to receive the implant; a blade operatively connected to the head
and being adjustable in a radial direction relative to the
longitudinal axis; the implant insertable through the opening and
the open end and into the receptacle with the implant in contact
with the depth limiter to position a predetermined length of the
implant within the receptacle with an excess length extending
outward beyond the blade; rotation of the head relative to the
handle causes the blade to move around the implant and cut the
excess length of the implant from the predetermined length.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the handle is substantially
cylindrical with a sidewall and a closed end that is opposite from
the open end.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the handle further comprises
grips on an exterior of the sidewall to grasp the handle during
rotation of the head.
10. The device of claim 7, wherein the handle includes circular
ribs sized to extend around the implant and supports that extend
between the ribs.
11. The device of claim 7, wherein the depth limiter is operatively
connected to the handle and includes a member that includes a
contact surface, the member being movably positioned within the
receptacle along the longitudinal axis to adjust a distance between
the contact surface and the open end.
12. The device of claim 7, further comprising a scale positioned
along the handle to determine a predetermined length of the implant
within the receptacle.
13. The device of claim 7, wherein the head includes a body that
extends completely around the opening.
14. The device of claim 13, further comprising an adjustment
mechanism that is operatively connected to the blade and extends
through the body to move the blade in the radial direction relative
to the longitudinal axis.
15. The device of claim 7, further comprising a support member
operatively connected to the head opposite from the blade, the
support member being adjustable in the radial direction relative to
the longitudinal axis to maintain the blade in contact with the
implant during rotation of the head.
16. The device of claim 7, wherein the head comprises an arm that
extends from the handle.
17. The device of claim 7, further comprising a jaw positioned
within the receptacle to contact the implant and prevent the
implant from moving during rotation of the head.
18. A device to cut an elongated spinal implant comprising: a
handle including an elongated receptacle that extends along a
longitudinal axis and is sized to receive the implant, the handle
including an open end; a head rotatably attached to the handle, the
head including an opening aligned with the open end and sized to
receive the implant; a blade rotatably attached to the handle and
being adjustable in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal
axis; the implant insertable through the open end and into the
receptacle with a predetermined length of the implant within the
receptacle and an excess length extending outward beyond the blade;
rotation of the blade relative to the handle causes the blade to
move around the implant and cut the excess length of the implant
from the predetermined length.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the handle includes a
cylindrical shape with a closed end opposite from the open end and
sidewalls.
20-28. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application
Ser. No. 11/475,362, filed on Jun. 27, 2006, and herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present application is directed to devices and methods
for cutting a vertebral implant, and more particularly, to tools
and methods for cutting an elongated implant to a desired
length.
[0003] The spine is divided into four regions comprising the
cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrococcygeal regions. The
cervical region includes the top seven vertebral members identified
as C1-C7. The thoracic region includes the next twelve vertebral
members identified as T1-T12. The lumbar region includes five
vertebral members L1-L5. The sacrococcygeal region includes nine
fused vertebral members that form the sacrum and the coccyx. The
vertebral members of the spine are aligned in a curved
configuration that includes a cervical curve, thoracic curve, and
lumbosacral curve. Intervertebral discs are positioned between the
vertebral members and permit flexion, extension, lateral bending,
and rotation.
[0004] Various conditions may lead to damage of the intervertebral
discs and/or the vertebral members. The damage may result from a
variety of causes including a specific event such as trauma, a
degenerative condition, a tumor, or infection. Damage to the
intervertebral discs and vertebral members can lead to pain,
neurological deficit, and/or loss of motion.
[0005] Various procedures include replacing the entirety or a
section of a vertebral member, the entirety or a section of an
intervertebral disc, or both. One or more replacement implants may
be inserted to replace the damaged vertebral members and/or discs.
The implants reduce or eliminate the pain and neurological deficit,
and increase the range of motion. The size of the implant is
carefully measured to match the existing anatomy.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present application is directed to various devices and
methods for cutting an elongated vertebral implant. The device may
include a handle with an elongated receptacle that extends along a
longitudinal axis and is sized to receive the implant. The
receptacle may include an open front end, a back member, and an
intermediate side that extends between the open front end and the
back member. The longitudinal axis may extend through the open
front end and the back member. A blade may be rotatably attached to
the handle at the open front end and may be adjustable in a radial
direction relative to the longitudinal axis. The receptacle may be
sized to receive the implant through the open front end with a
length of the implant within the receptacle and an excess length
extending outward beyond the blade. Rotation of the blade relative
to the handle may cause the blade to move around the implant and
cut the excess length of the implant.
[0007] The device may also include a frame with an interior space
formed by first and second annular members and a number of
longitudinal members that are attached to and extend between the
annular members. The longitudinal members may be spaced around
perimeters of the first and second annular members. A longitudinal
axis may extend along the longitudinal members and through openings
associated with the first and second annular members. A blade may
be rotatably attached to the first annular member and may be
adjustable in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis.
Rotation of the blade relative to the frame may move the blade to
cut the implant into a first portion disposed in the interior space
and a second portion extend4ing outwardly from the interior space
beyond the blade.
[0008] The device may also include a handle with an elongated
receptacle with an open end and a back spaced from the open end.
The receptacle may be sized to receive the implant and may include
a longitudinal axis that extends through the open end and the back.
A depth limiter may be secured to the back and movable within the
receptacle along the longitudinal axis. A blade may be operatively
connected to the handle and may be adjustable in a radial direction
relative to the longitudinal axis. The implant may be insertable
through the opening and the open end and into the receptacle with
the implant in contact with the depth limiter to position a
predetermined length of the implant within the receptacle with an
excess length extending outward beyond the blade. Rotation of the
blade relative to the handle may cause the blade to move around the
implant and cut the excess length of the implant from the
predetermined length.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of a device according to one
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a device according to one
embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a device according to one
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of a device according to one
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an implant according to one
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device according to one
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present application is directed to devices and methods
for cutting a spinal implant. The devices generally include a
receptacle for holding the implant and a blade. The implant is
positioned within the receptacle and aligned at a predetermined
position relative to the blade. The blade can rotate relative to
the handle to move around and cut into the implant at the
predetermined position.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a device 10 that
generally includes a handle 20 and a head 30. The handle 20 is
sized to receive a length of the implant 100 and the head 30
includes a blade 31 (FIG. 2). The head 30 is rotatably mounted to
the handle 20 with rotation causing the blade 31 to move around and
cut the implant 100.
[0017] The handle 20 receives the implant 100 during the cutting
process. Handle 20 includes a receptacle 24 formed by sidewalls 21
and a second end 22. The handle 20 may have a cylindrical shape
that is larger than the cylindrical implant 100 (see FIG. 5). The
sidewalls 21 and second end 22 may be solid to form an enclosed
interior space, or may include one or more openings. A first end 23
is open and leads into the receptacle 24. The receptacle 24 may
include a substantially constant diameter along the length between
the first and second ends, or may include a variable diameter. The
receptacle 24 includes an elongated shape that may be centered
about a longitudinal axis A as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0018] In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the handle 20 is
substantially cylindrical to provide an effective structure for a
user to grasp during the cutting procedure. To further facilitate
holding, one or more grips 25 may be positioned on the exterior of
the handle 20. The exterior may further include a roughened or
knurled surface over portions or the entirety to prevent slipping
while holding the handle 20.
[0019] A holder 40 may be positioned to hold the implant 100 within
the receptacle 24 and prevent the implant 100 from rotating during
the cutting process. In one embodiment, the holder 40 includes one
or more jaws 41 that move into the receptacle 24 to contact and
prevent the implant 100 from rotating within the receptacle 24. The
jaws 41 are movable in a radial direction relative to the
longitudinal axis A of the receptacle 24. In one embodiment, the
jaws 41 move substantially perpendicular to the axis A. Jaws 41
move between a retracted orientation that is away from the center
of the receptacle 24, and an extended orientation that is towards
the axis A. The adjustability of the jaws 41 provide for receiving
implants 100 of different diameters within the receptacle 24. By
way of example, an implant 100 with a smaller diameter may require
the jaws move to a more extended position to hold the implant than
required for a larger diameter implant.
[0020] Various numbers of jaws 41 may be positioned in the
receptacle 24. In one embodiment, three separate jaws are angularly
spaced about the receptacle 24 to contact and hold the implant 100.
The jaws 41 may be evenly or unevenly spaced around the periphery.
In an embodiment with three jaws 41, the jaws 41 are spaced about
120.degree. apart. In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6,
a single jaw 41 is mounted on the handle 20 to move into and out of
the receptacle 24.
[0021] The jaws 41 may be radially adjusted in a number of
different manners. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
3, the jaws 41 are positioned within a chuck 42. The chuck 42 is
rotated to move the jaws 41 in a radial direction relative to the
longitudinal axis A. In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG.
4, the jaws 41 are attached to an end of a shaft 44 that is
threadingly engaged within the sidewall 21 and extends into the
receptacle 24. Knobs 43 may be positioned opposite from the jaws 41
to rotate the shafts 44 and radially move the position of the jaws
41. FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment with a single jaw 41
mounted on a support member 27 of the handle 20.
[0022] The holder 40 may be positioned at a variety of locations
along the device 10. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, holder 40
is positioned towards the open end 23 of the receptacle 24. FIGS. 4
and 6 illustrate embodiments with the holder 40 positioned away
from the open end 23. Also, multiple holders 40 may be included
within a single device 10. By way of example, a first holder 40 may
be positioned at the open end 23, and a second holder 40 may be
positioned towards the second end 22. In the various embodiments,
the holders 40 may include one or more jaws 41, and in devices with
multiple holders 40, the holders 40 may be of the same or a
different construction.
[0023] A length adjuster 50 may be operatively connected to the
handle 20 to adjust a length of the receptacle 24. FIG. 3
illustrates one embodiment of a length adjuster 50 that includes a
stopper 51 with a contact surface 54 positioned within the
receptacle 24. The stopper 51 is attached to an arm 52 that extends
through the second end 22 of the handle 20 and terminates at a knob
53. The stopper 51 is axially movable within the receptacle 24 to
adjust a length that extends between the contact surface 54 and the
blade 31. The length adjuster 50 may be slidable within the handle
20 by the user applying a pushing and pulling force through the
knob 53. In another embodiment, the arm 52 includes threads (not
illustrated) that engage with a threaded opening in the second end
22. Movement of the length adjuster 50 is accomplished by rotating
the knob 53 in first and second directions.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates another length adjuster 50 that includes
a stop 28 mounted to a rib 26 of the handle 20. The stop 28 may be
fixedly positioned, or may be movable. In one embodiment, the ends
29 of the stop 28 include ramped surfaces that correspond to ramps
on the rib 26. The stop 28 may be moved inward and outward along
the longitudinal axis A with the ramps engaging and setting the
length of the receptacle 24.
[0025] A measurement scale 60 may be associated with the handle 20
for the user to select the desired length formed between the
contact surface 54 of the length adjuster 50 and the blade 31. FIG.
1 illustrates an embodiment that includes a window 61 within the
sidewall 21 of the handle 20. This window 61 is an elongated
opening that allows the user to visually look into the interior
space of the receptacle 24. Window 61 may further include a light
transmissive member, such as a clear plastic or glass piece. Length
increments 62 may be positioned along the window 61 to indicate the
distance from the blade 31. In another embodiment as illustrated in
FIG. 6, length increments are indicated near the ends 29 of stop
28. The increments align with the rib 26 to indicate the length of
the receptacle 24.
[0026] The head 30 is rotatably mounted to the handle 20 and
positions the blade 31. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the head 30
may include a body 32 with an opening 33. The head 30 is mounted to
the handle 20 with the opening 33 aligning with the open end 23 of
the receptacle 24. A center of the opening 33 may be aligned with
the longitudinal axis A of the receptacle 24. The body 32 may
extend completely around the opening 33, or may extend around a
limited section of the opening 33. An extension 34 may extend
outward from the body 32 and provide a grasping point for the user
to grasp to rotate the head 30.
[0027] The blade 31 is attached to the head 30 to contact and cut
the implant 100 during rotation of the head 30. The blade 31 may
include a variety of shapes and configurations. In one embodiment,
blade 31 is substantially circular with an opening in the interior
to receive a fastener for attachment to the head 30. In some
embodiments, a single blade 31 is attached to the head 30. Other
embodiments may include two or more blades 31 that are each
attached to the head 30. The blades 31 may have the same or
different construction.
[0028] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, one or more arms 35 may be
positioned within the head 30 to hold and position the blade 31. In
one embodiment, a pair of arms 35 are spaced apart with an
intermediate gap sized to receive the blade 31. A fastener (not
illustrated) may extend through the blade 31 and attach to the arms
35. A knob 36 may be threadingly engaged with the arms 35 with
rotation of the knob 36 causing the blade 31 to move within the
opening 33 and move radially relative to the longitudinal axis
A.
[0029] One or more support members 37 may be attached to the head
30 and work in combination with the blade 31 to cut the implant
100. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, a single support member 37
is positioned opposite from the blade 31 (i.e., about 180.degree.
apart). The support member 37 assists in maintaining the implant
100 positioned against the blade 31 during rotation of the head 30.
The support member 37 may be mounted on arms 38 for radial movement
relative to the longitudinal axis A. A knob 39 is threadingly
engaged with the arms 38 with rotation of the knob 39 causing the
support member 37 to move in a radial direction towards and away
from the longitudinal axis A.
[0030] Support member 37 may include a variety of configurations.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment with a pair of rollers 78
positioned at the end of the arms 38. The rollers 78 are rotatably
connected to the arms 38 and extend outward to contact the implant
100. The rollers 78 contact and rotate about the stationary implant
100 during rotation of the head 30. FIG. 6 illustrates an
embodiment with a single roller 78.
[0031] The device 10 is used for cutting an implant 100 to a
desired size. One application of the device 10 is for cutting a
corpectomy cage, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5. The implant
100 is generally cylindrical with a hollow interior 105 and extends
between first and second ends 101, 102. The implant 100 may include
openings 103 that extend through the sidewalls 104 and into the
hollow interior 105. The implant 100 may be constructed of a
variety of materials such as titanium and stainless steel. One
specific type of material is PYRAMESH available from Medtronic
Sofamor Danek of Memphis, Tenn. The implant 100 may further be used
with end caps (not illustrated) that are attached at the first and
second ends 101, 102 and contact the vertebral members. One
embodiment is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,798. The device 10
may further be used for cutting various other implants 100, such as
a cylindrical tube without openings.
[0032] In use, the implant 100 is inserted through the open end 23
of the handle 20 and into the receptacle 24. The length adjuster 50
may be adjusted according to the contact surface 54 positioned at a
desired distance away from the blade 31. Once the implant 100 is
positioned in the receptacle 24 at the predetermined position, the
holder 40 may be tightened to prevent the implant 100 from
rotating. This may include rotating the chuck 42 and moving the one
or more jaws 41 radially inward towards the longitudinal axis A and
in contact with the implant 100. This may also include rotating the
knobs 43 and moving the jaws 41 into contact with the implant
100.
[0033] Once the implant 100 is held within the receptacle 24, the
blade 31 may be moved into contact with the implant 100. This may
require the knob 36 to be rotated to radially move the blade 31
into contact. In embodiments with support members 37, the members
37 are also radially moved into contact with the implant 100.
[0034] To cut the implant 100, the user may grasp the device 10
with a first hand at the handle 20 with their fingers aligning with
the grips 25 on the exterior surface. The user may then use their
second hand to rotate the head 30 relative to the handle 20. This
rotation contacts the blade against the outer circumference of the
implant 100 and cuts into the implant 100. In some embodiments, the
head 30 is rotated a number of times with the blade 31 cutting a
first distance into the implant 100. The blade 30 is then radially
moved a further amount. This further blade movement occurs by
further rotating the knob 36 that is associated with the blade 31.
The head 30 is again rotated and the an additional distance is cut
into the implant 100. The number of additional radial movements of
the blade 31 may be dependent upon the thickness of the implant 100
and/or the implant material. In one embodiment, the implant 100 and
the blade 31 are centered about the longitudinal axis A. Therefore,
the blade 31 cuts evenly into the implant 100 during the complete
rotation.
[0035] Continued rotation of the head 30 causes the blade 31 to
eventually cut through the sidewall 104 of the implant 100 causing
the section of the implant that extends beyond the blade 31 to be
severed from the section that is held by the device 10. After
completion of the cut, the blade 31 and jaw 41 are each moved
radially away from the longitudinal axis A. If the device includes
a support roller 37, it also is moved away. The implant 100 may
then be removed from the receptacle 24.
[0036] The implants 100 that are sized using these devices and
methods may be used within the various regions of the spine,
including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and/or sacral portions of
the spine.
[0037] Spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower",
"over", "upper", and the like, are used for ease of description to
explain the positioning of one element relative to a second
element. These terms are intended to encompass different
orientations of the device in addition to different orientations
than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as "first",
"second", and the like, are also used to describe various elements,
regions, sections, etc and are also not intended to be limiting.
Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.
[0038] As used herein, the terms "having", "containing",
"including", "comprising" and the like are open ended terms that
indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not
preclude additional elements or features. The articles "a", "an"
and "the" are intended to include the plural as well as the
singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0039] The present invention may be carried out in other specific
ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope
and essential characteristics of the invention. The present
embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the
meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended
to be embraced therein.
* * * * *