U.S. patent application number 15/489049 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for system and method of length preservation during bone repair.
This patent application is currently assigned to 4WEB, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is 4WEB, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jessee Hunt.
Application Number | 20170216035 15/489049 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42122751 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170216035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hunt; Jessee |
August 3, 2017 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF LENGTH PRESERVATION DURING BONE REPAIR
Abstract
In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone
structure includes a web structure including a space truss. The
space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a
plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is
configured to interface with human bone tissue. In some
embodiments, a method is provided that includes accessing an
intersomatic space and inserting an implant into the intersomatic
space. The implant includes a web structure including a space
truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units
having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure
is configured to interface with human bone tissue.
Inventors: |
Hunt; Jessee; (Plano,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
4WEB, Inc. |
Frisco |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
4WEB, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
42122751 |
Appl. No.: |
15/489049 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14743607 |
Jun 18, 2015 |
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15489049 |
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12960092 |
Dec 3, 2010 |
9421108 |
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14743607 |
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12640825 |
Dec 17, 2009 |
8430930 |
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12960092 |
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61138707 |
Dec 18, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/2846 20130101;
A61F 2002/3028 20130101; A61F 2310/00029 20130101; A61F 2310/0097
20130101; A61F 2002/2817 20130101; A61F 2/4455 20130101; A61F
2/4611 20130101; A61F 2/30907 20130101; A61F 2/4225 20130101; A61F
2002/30899 20130101; A61F 2002/3097 20130101; A61F 2/30771
20130101; A61F 2002/30593 20130101; A61F 2310/00958 20130101; A61F
2/3094 20130101; A61F 2210/0076 20130101; A61B 17/58 20130101; A61F
2002/30158 20130101; A61F 2/28 20130101; A61F 2/30767 20130101;
A61B 17/68 20130101; A61F 2002/30156 20130101; A61F 2002/30943
20130101; A61B 17/025 20130101; A61F 2002/30952 20130101; A61F
2002/30962 20130101; A61F 2310/00047 20130101; A61B 17/56 20130101;
A61F 2002/30953 20130101; A61F 2310/00179 20130101; A61F 2/40
20130101; A61F 2002/30153 20130101; A61F 2002/30914 20130101; A61F
2/32 20130101; A61F 2002/30179 20130101; A61F 2002/30968 20130101;
A61F 2/2803 20130101; A61F 2002/2835 20130101; A61F 2310/00598
20130101; A61F 2/36 20130101; A61F 2002/30275 20130101; A61F
2002/30957 20130101; A61F 2/4202 20130101; A61F 2002/30281
20130101; A61F 2002/30909 20130101; A61F 2002/4628 20130101; A61F
2/447 20130101; A61F 2310/00017 20130101; A61B 17/1604 20130101;
A61F 2002/30599 20130101; A61F 2002/3092 20130101; A61F 2230/0063
20130101; A61F 2310/00796 20130101; A61F 2310/00023 20130101; B33Y
70/00 20141201; B33Y 80/00 20141201; A61F 2310/00976 20130101; A61F
2002/30841 20130101; A61F 2/38 20130101; A61F 2002/30273 20130101;
A61F 2310/00011 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/28 20060101
A61F002/28; A61B 17/58 20060101 A61B017/58; A61B 17/68 20060101
A61B017/68; A61B 17/56 20060101 A61B017/56 |
Claims
1-56. (canceled)
57. An implant comprising: an external truss structure that
includes a plurality of planar trusses, each planar truss
comprising a plurality of struts connected to a plurality of nodes,
wherein the external truss structure defines at least a side
surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface of the implant; an
internal web structure enclosed by the external truss structure;
wherein the internal web structure comprises: a plurality of polar
struts, wherein each of the polar struts of the internal web
structure extends from a node of the external truss structure
defining the bottom surface of the implant to a node of the
external truss structure defining the top surface of the implant,
and wherein each of the plurality of polar struts is substantially
perpendicular to the bottom surface of the implant and
substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the implant;
wherein the external truss structure comprises a plurality of
connecting struts, coupling ends of the polar struts to each other
or connecting an end of a polar strut to a node of the exterior
truss structure, wherein at least two of the polar struts have
different lengths.
58. The implant of claim 57, wherein the exterior truss structure
comprises a plurality of planar triangular truss units having three
substantially straight struts connected at three nodes in a
triangular configuration.
59. The implant of claim 58, wherein the planar triangular truss
units are coupled to one another such that one or more planar
triangular truss units lie in a plane that is not substantially
parallel to a plane of a planar truss unit that shares at least one
strut with an adjacent planar triangular truss unit.
60. The implant of claim 57, wherein at least some of the plurality
of connecting struts define a side of one or more triangular
trusses, each of the defined triangular trusses having at least one
node at an end of at least one of the polar struts.
61. The implant of claim 57, wherein one or more of the connecting
struts are substantially curved such that the top surface and/or
the bottom surface are/is a substantially rounded surface.
62. A method of length preservation in a separated bone comprising:
forming a contact surface on a first side of the separated bone;
forming a contact surface on a second side of the separated bone;
placing an implant in contact with the first and second contact
surfaces of the separated bone; wherein the implant comprises: an
external truss structure that includes a plurality of planar
trusses, each planar truss comprising a plurality of struts
connected to a plurality of nodes, wherein the external truss
structure defines at least a side surface, a top surface, and a
bottom surface of the implant; an internal web structure enclosed
by the external truss structure; wherein the internal web structure
comprises: a plurality of polar struts, wherein each of the polar
struts of the internal web structure extends from a node of the
external truss structure defining the bottom surface of the implant
to a node of the external truss structure defining the top surface
of the implant, and wherein each of the plurality of polar struts
is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the implant
and substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the implant;
wherein the external truss structure comprises a plurality of
connecting struts, coupling ends of the polar struts to each other
or connecting an end of a polar strut to a node of the exterior
truss structure, wherein the connecting struts partially define the
top and bottom surface of the implant, wherein at least two of the
polar struts have different lengths such that the top surface of
the implant and/or the bottom surface of the implant is/are
non-planar.
63. The method of claim 62, wherein the exterior truss structure
comprises a plurality of planar triangular truss units having three
substantially straight struts connected at three nodes in a
triangular configuration.
64. The method of claim 63, wherein the planar triangular truss
units are coupled to one another such that one or more planar
triangular truss units lie in a plane that is not substantially
parallel to a plane of a planar truss unit that shares at least one
strut with an adjacent planar triangular truss unit.
65. The method of claim 62, wherein at least some of the plurality
of connecting struts define a side of one or more triangular
trusses, each of the defined triangular trusses having at least one
node at an end of at least one of the polar struts.
66. The method of claim 62, wherein one or more of the connecting
struts are substantially curved such that the top surface and/or
the bottom surface are/is a substantially rounded surface.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/743,607 entitled "Implant Device Having
Curved or Aced Struts", filed Jun. 18, 2015 which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/960,092 entitled "Implant
System and Method," filed Dec. 3, 2010 which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/640,825, entitled "Truss
Implant", filed Dec. 17, 2009, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/138,707, entitled "Truss
Implant", filed Dec. 18, 2008, all of which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety as though fully and completely set
forth herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to medical devices
and, more specifically, to implants.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Implants may be used in human and/or animals to support
and/or secure one or more bones. For example, implants may be used
in the spine to support and/or replace damaged tissue between the
vertebrae in the spine. Once implanted between two vertebrae, the
implant may provide support between the two vertebrae and bone
growth may take place around and through the implant to at least
partially fuse the two vertebrae for long-term support. Implants
may include relatively large rims with solid material that may
cover, for example, 50% of the area that interacts with the
endplate. The rim may provide a contact area between the implant
and the vertebral endplates. Large rims may have several drawbacks.
For example, large rims may impede bone growth and reduce the size
of the bone column fusing the superior and inferior vertebral
bodies.
[0006] Spinal implants may include open channels through the center
of the supporting rims in a superior/inferior direction. The open
channel design may require members of the implant that separate the
rims that interact with the vertebral endplates to absorb the
compressive forces between the vertebral endplates. This may
increase the pressure on smaller areas of the vertebral endplates
and may potentially lead to stress risers in the vertebral
endplates. Further, while bone graft material is often used in
conjunction with implants to encourage bone growth, the open column
design of implants may reduce the likelihood of bone graft material
from securing itself to the implant which could result in a
bio-mechanical cooperation that is not conducive to promoting good
fusion.
[0007] Bone graft material may be packed into the implant in a
high-pressure state to prevent bone graft material from exiting the
implant while being placed between the vertebral endplates. The
high-pressure state may also reduce the potential for the bone
graft material loosening due to motion between the implant and the
vertebral endplates or compressive forces experienced during
settling of the implant. In addition, a high-pressure environment
may allow the bone graft material to re-model and fuse at greater
strength. High-pressure states, however, may be difficult to create
and maintain for the bone graft material in an implant.
SUMMARY
[0008] Various embodiments of implant systems and related
apparatus, and methods of operating the same are described herein.
In various embodiments, provided is an implant for interfacing with
a bone structure includes a web structure, including a space truss,
configured to interface with human bone tissue. The space truss
includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of
struts joined at nodes.
[0009] In certain embodiments, an implant includes a web structure
configured to interface with human bone tissue. The implant
includes a space truss and an external truss. The space truss
includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of
struts joined at nodes. The external truss includes one or more
planar trusses having two or more adjacent planar truss units that
lie in substantially the same plane.
[0010] In some embodiments, the planar truss units include a planar
triangular truss unit having three substantially straight struts
and three nodes in a triangular configuration. The space truss may
include a plurality of planar truss units coupled to one another,
wherein each of the truss units lies in a plane that is not
substantially parallel to a plane of an adjacent truss unit that
shares at least one strut.
[0011] In some embodiments, at least one strut passes through the
central portion of the implant. At least one strut may connect two
or more opposing vertices of the square shaped common truss unit.
At least one strut may connect two opposed vertices of the
octahedron.
[0012] In some embodiments, the implant includes an external truss
structure. The external truss structure includes one or more planar
trusses comprising two or more planar truss units disposed
proximate an exterior of the space truss. The external truss
structure includes at least one of a top, a bottom, or a side
portion of the web structure.
[0013] The implant may include top and bottom faces wherein at
least a portion of the top and bottom faces areangled relative to
one another to provide lordosis. The lordosis may be configured to
be greater than approximately four degrees. The implant further
includes a top external truss structure portion and a bottom
external truss structure portion angled relative to one another
such that a thickness of an anterior or a posterior region of the
implant is greater than a thickness of the other of the anterior or
the posterior region of the implant.
[0014] The web structure is configured to provide support along at
least four planes of the implant to bear against tensile,
compressive, and shear forces acting on the implant.
[0015] In some embodiments, the space truss comprises truss units
forming a plurality of tetrahedrons. At least two of the plurality
of tetrahedrons are coupled together via one or more struts
connecting two respective vertices on each of the two tetrahedrons.
The space truss may include a plurality of tetrahedrons, and
wherein at least two of the tetrahedrons share a common truss unit
to form a hexahedron. The space truss may include at least five
truss units forming a pyramid. At least two of the pyramids are
arranged opposing one another such that they share a square shaped
common truss unit at their base to form an octahedron.
[0016] The implant may be configured for use as a spinal implant, a
corpectomy device, in a hip replacement, in a knee replacement, in
a long bone reconstruction scaffold, foot and ankle implant,
shoulder implant, a joint replacement or in a cranio-maxifacial
implant.
[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of struts of the web
structure have a diameter less than approximately five millimeters.
In some embodiments, the struts that create the space truss
comprises a biologic, growth factor or antimicrobial coupled
thereto.
[0018] The implant may include an implant body comprising one or
more contact faces configured to be disposed at or near a bony
structure during use, wherein the web structure is disposed on the
contact surface, and wherein the web structure includes two or more
struts extending from the contact surface, and wherein two or more
of the struts define an opening configured to enable bone through
growth through the opening.
[0019] In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes
accessing an intersomatic space and inserting an implant into the
intersomatic space. The implant includes a web structure that
includes a space truss to interface with human bone tissue. The
space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a
plurality of struts joined at nodes.
[0020] In certain embodiments, a method of making an implant
includes storing a three-dimensional model of the implant on a
storage medium, applying a layer of material to a support, moving
an electron beam relative to the support to melt a portion of the
material, wherein the electron beam is moved in a pattern
determined from the three-dimensional model of at least a portion
of the implant, and removing the implant from the support. The
implant includes a web structure that includes a space truss to
interface with human bone tissue. The space truss includes two or
more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at
nodes.
[0021] In some embodiments, provided is an implant that includes an
implant body having one or more contact faces to be disposed at or
near a bony structure, and a truss structure coupled to the contact
face. The truss structure is to be disposed adjacent the bony
structure during use, and includes two or more struts extending
from the contact surface, wherein two or more of the struts define
an opening to enable bone through growth through the opening.
[0022] In certain embodiments, provided is a method that includes
slitting at least a portion of a bony structure to form one or more
slits extending from a face of the bony structure into the bony
structure, and inserting at least a portion of a truss structure of
an implant into at least one of the slits. The implant includes an
implant body having one or more contact faces to be disposed at or
near the bony structure and the truss structure coupled to the
contact face. The truss structure is to be disposed adjacent the
bony structure during use, and the truss structure includes two or
more struts extending from the contact surface, wherein two or more
of the struts define an opening to enable bone through growth
through the opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] A better understanding of the present invention may be
obtained when the following detailed description is considered in
conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0024] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate views of an implant with lordosis,
according to an embodiment.
[0025] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate views of an implant without lordosis,
according to an embodiment.
[0026] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a web structure formed with
triangular-shaped building blocks, according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a top structure of an internal web
structure of the implant, according to an embodiment.
[0028] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate progressive sectioned views of the
implant showing the internal structure of the implant, according to
an embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 5D illustrates an isometric view of the implant,
according to an embodiment.
[0030] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate another configuration of the web
structure, according to an embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 7A illustrates a web structure formed with two
pyramids, according to an embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 7B illustrates a web structure formed with two
heptahedrons, according to an embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 7C illustrates a web structure formed with two
dodecahedrons, according to an embodiment.
[0034] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate different web structure building
blocks, according to various embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a random web structure, according to an
embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method for making an
implant, according to an embodiment.
[0037] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate various views of an implant
handler, according to an embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates an implant handler gripping an implant,
according to an embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method for implanting a
spinal implant, according to an embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 14 illustrates a knee replacement implant that includes
the web structure, according to an embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 15 illustrates a hip replacement implant that includes
the web structure, according to an embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 16 illustrates a long bone reconstruction implant that
includes the web structure, according to an embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 17 illustrates a cranio-maxifacial implant that
includes the web structure, according to an embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 18 illustrates a truss structure disposed on an
implant, according to an embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 19 illustrates a cut made into a bony structure,
according to an embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 20 illustrates a cutting member, according to an
embodiment.
[0047] FIGS. 21-22 illustrate a plurality of truss structures
disposed on an implant, according to an embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 23 illustrates various types of truss structures
disposed on an implant, according to an embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 24 is a flowchart that illustrates a method of
implanting an implant, according to an embodiment.
[0050] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by
way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and
detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the
invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims. Note, the headings are
for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to
limit or interpret the description or claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0051] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate views of implant 100, according to an
embodiment. Implant 100 may be used, for example, in anterior
lumbar inter-body fusion (ALIF) or posterior lumbar inter-body
fusion (PLIF). In some embodiments, implant 100 may include a web
structure 101 with one or more trusses 102 (e.g., planar and space
trusses). Implant 100 and its web structure 101 may be used in
various types of implants for humans or animals such as spinal
implants (e.g., see FIGS. 1A-2D and 5A-6D)), corpectomy devices
(e.g., see FIGS. 2C-2D), knee replacements (e.g., see FIG. 14), hip
replacements (e.g., see FIG. 15), long bone reconstruction
scaffolding (e.g., see FIG. 16), and cranio-maxifacial implants
(e.g., see FIG. 17). Other implant uses are also contemplated.
[0052] As used herein a "truss" is a structure having one or more
elongate struts connected at joints referred to as nodes. Trusses
may include variants of a pratt truss, king post truss, queen post
truss, town's lattice truss, planar truss, space truss, and/or a
vierendeel truss (other trusses may also be used). Each unit (e.g.,
region having a perimeter defined by the elongate struts) may be
referred to as a "truss unit."
[0053] As used herein a "planar truss" is a truss structure where
all of the struts and nodes lie substantially within a single
two-dimensional plane. A planar truss, for example, may include one
or more "truss units" where each of the struts is a substantially
straight member such that the entirety of the struts and the nodes
of the one or more truss units lie in substantially the same plane.
A truss unit where each of the struts is a substantially straight
member such that the entirety of the struts and the nodes of the
truss units lie in substantially the same plane is referred to as a
"planar truss unit."
[0054] As used herein a "space truss" is a truss having struts and
nodes that are not substantially confined in a single
two-dimensional plane. A space truss may include two or more planar
trusses (e.g., planar truss units) wherein at least one of the two
or more planar trusses lies in a plane that is not substantially
parallel to a plane of at least one or more of the other two or
more planar trusses. A space truss, for example, may include two
planar truss units adjacent to one another (e.g., sharing a common
strut) wherein each of the planar truss units lie in separate
planes that are angled with respect to one another (e.g., not
parallel to one another).
[0055] As used herein a "triangular truss" is a structure having
one or more triangular units that are formed by three straight
struts connected at joints referred to as nodes. For example, a
triangular truss may include three straight elongate strut members
that are coupled to one another at three nodes to from a triangular
shaped truss. As used herein a "planar triangular truss" is a
triangular truss structure where all of the struts and nodes lie
substantially within a single two-dimensional plane. Each
triangular unit may be referred to as a "triangular truss unit." A
triangular truss unit where each of the struts is a substantially
straight member such that the entirety of the struts and the nodes
of the triangular truss units lie in substantially the same plane
is referred to as a "planar triangular truss unit." As used herein
a "triangular space truss" is a space truss including one or more
triangular truss units.
[0056] In various embodiments, the trusses 102 of web structure 101
may include one or more planar truss units (e.g., planar triangular
truss units) constructed with straight or curved/arched members
(e.g., struts) connected at various nodes. In some embodiments, the
trusses 102 may be micro-trusses. A "micro-truss" may include a
truss having dimensions sufficiently small enough such that a
plurality of micro-trusses can be assembled or other wise coupled
to one another to form a web structure having a small enough
overall dimension (e.g., height, length and width) such that
substantially all of the web structure can be inserted into an
implant location (e.g., between two vertebra). Such a web structure
and its micro-trusses can thus be employed to receive and
distribute throughout the web structure loading forces of the
surrounding tissue (e.g., vertebra, bone, or the like). In one
embodiment, the diameters of the struts forming the micro-truss may
be between about 0.25 millimeters (mm) and 5 mm in diameter (e.g.,
a diameter of about 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9
mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm). In one embodiment, a
micro-truss may have an overall length or width of less than about
1 inch (e.g., a length less than about 0.9 in, 0.8 in, 0.7 in, 0.6
in, 0.5 in, 0.4 in, 0.3 in, 0.2 in, 0.1 in).
[0057] As depicted, for example, in FIGS. 1A-1B, web structure 101
may extend throughout implant 100 (including the central portion of
implant 100) to provide support throughout implant 100. Trusses 102
of implant 100 may thus support implant 100 against tensile,
compressive, and shear forces. The web structure of trusses 102 may
also reinforce implant 100 along multiple planes. The external
truss structure may, for example, provide support against tensile
and compressive forces acting vertically through the implant, and
the internal web structure may provide support against tensile,
compressive, and shear forces along the various planes containing
the respective trusses. In some embodiments, the web structure
includes trusses 102 that form a triangulated web structure with
multiple struts (e.g., struts 103a-f) (struts are generally
referred to herein as "struts 103").
[0058] In one embodiment, web structure 101 of the implant 100 may
include an internal web structure that is at least partially
enclosed by an external truss structure. For example, in one
embodiment, web structure 101 may include an internal web structure
that includes a space truss having at least a portion of the space
truss surrounded by an external truss structure that includes one
or more planar trusses formed with a plurality of planar truss
units that lie substantially in a single plane. FIG. 1A depicts an
embodiment of implant 100 and web structure 101 that includes
internal web structure 104 and an external truss structure 105. In
the illustrated embodiment, internal web structure 104 includes a
space truss defined by a plurality of planar truss units 106
coupled at an angle with respect to one another such that each
adjacent truss unit is not co-planar with each adjacent truss
units. Adjacent truss units may include two truss units that share
a strut and the respective two nodes at the ends of the shared
strut.
[0059] In one embodiment, external truss structure 105 includes a
plurality of planar trusses that are coupled about an exterior,
interior or other portion of the implant. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the external truss structure 105 includes a
series of planar trusses 107a,b that are coupled to one another.
Each planar truss 107a,b includes a plurality of planar truss units
108 that are coupled to one another and lie substantially in the
same plane. As depicted, planar truss 107a includes four triangular
planar truss units 108 having a common vertex 110 and arranged to
form a generally rectangular structure that lies in a single common
plane 109. In other words, the four truss units are arranged to
form a substantially rectangular structure having "X" shaped struts
extend from one corner of the rectangular structure to the opposite
corner of the rectangular structure. As depicted, the substantially
rectangular structure may include a trapezoidal shape. As described
in more detail below, the trapezoidal shape may be conducive to
providing an implant including lordosis. Lordosis may include an
angled orientation of surfaces (e.g., top and bottom) of an implant
that provides for differences in thickness in anterior and
posterior regions of the implant such that the implant is conducive
for supporting the curvature of a vertebral column.
[0060] In one embodiment, the planar trusses that form the external
truss are coupled to one another, and are aligned along at least
one axis. For example, in FIG. 1A, planar truss section 107a is
coupled to an adjacent planar truss 107b. Planer truss sections
107a,b are not parallel in all directions. Planar truss sections
107a,b are, however, arranged parallel to one another in at least
one direction (e.g., the vertical direction between the top and the
bottom faces of implant 100). For example, planar trusses 107a,b
and the additional planar trusses are arranged in series with an
angle relative to one another to form a generally circular or
polygon shaped enclosure having substantially vertical walls
defined by the planar trusses and the planar truss units arranged
in the vertical direction.
[0061] In one embodiment, the external truss portion may encompass
the sides, top, and/or bottom of the implant. For example, in one
embodiment, the external truss portion may include a top region,
side regions, and/or a bottom region. FIG. 1A depicts an embodiment
of implant 100 wherein external truss portion 105 includes a top
111, bottom 112 and a side region 113. As described above, side
region 113 includes a series of planar trusses arranged vertically
to form a circular/polygon ring-like structure that completely or
at least partially surrounds the perimeter of the space truss
disposed in the central portion of implant 100. In the depicted
embodiment, top portion 111 of external truss structure 105
includes a plurality of truss units coupled to one another to form
a planar truss that cover substantially all of the top region of
internal web structure 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the top
portion 111 spans entirely the region between top edges of the side
portion 113 of external truss structure 105. In the illustrated
embodiment, top portion 111 is formed from a single planar truss
that includes a plurality of truss units that lie in substantially
the same plane. In other words, the planar truss of top portion 111
defines a generally flat surface. Although difficult to view in
FIG. 1, the underside of implant 100 may include the bottom portion
112 having a configuration similar to that of the top portion 111.
In other embodiments, external truss structure 105 may include a
partial side, top and/or bottom external truss portions. Or may not
include one or more of the side, top and bottom external truss
portions. For example, as described in more detail below, FIG. 2C
depicts an embodiment of implant 100 than includes an internal web
structure 104 that includes a space truss, and does not have an
external truss structure.
[0062] In some embodiments, implant 100 may include a biocompatible
material such as a titanium alloy (e.g., .gamma.Titanium
Aluminides), cobalt, chromium, stainless steel,
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ceramics, etc. Other materials are
also contemplated. In some embodiments, implant 100 may be made
through a rapid prototyping process (e.g., electron beam melting
(EBM) process) as further described below. Other processes are also
possible (e.g., injection molding, casting, sintering, selective
laser sintering (SLS), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), etc).
SLS may include laser-sintering of high-performance polymers such
as that provided by EOS of North America, Inc., headquartered in
Novi, Mich., U.S.A. High-performance polymers may include various
forms of PEEK (e.g., HP3 having a tensile strength of up to about
95 mega Pascal (MPa) and a Young's modulus of up to about 4400 MPa
and continuous operating temperature between about 180.degree. C.
(356.degree. F.) and 260.degree. C. (500.degree. F.)). Other
materials may include PA 12 and PA 11 provided by EOS of North
America, Inc.
[0063] As described above, in some embodiments the trusses may form
a triangulated web structure with multiple struts 103. The web
structure may include a pattern of geometrical building blocks. In
some embodiments, the geometrical building blocks may include
triangles. In some embodiments, the geometrical building blocks may
include polyhedrons such as tetrahedrons (e.g., see tetrahedrons
300a,b in FIG. 3), pentahedrons, hexahedrons, heptahedrons (e.g.,
see heptahedron 801 in FIG. 8A) and pyramids (e.g., see pyramids
705a,b in FIG. 7A), heptahedrons 705a,b in FIG. 7B), octahedrons
(e.g., see octahedron 803 in FIG. 8B), dodecahedrons (e.g., see
dodecahedrons 700a,b in FIG. 7C), and icosahedrons (e.g., see
icosahedron 805 in FIG. 8C). Other geometrical building blocks are
also contemplated (e.g., spherical fullerenes 807 in FIG. 8D). In
some embodiments, such as those described above, the space truss of
the web structure may connect multiple midpoints of tetrahedron
building blocks and include a regular pattern of tetrahedron blocks
arranged adjacent one another. In some embodiments, the web
structure may not include a pattern of geometrical building blocks.
For example, FIG. 9 illustrates an irregular pattern of struts 103
that may be used in implant 100. Other web structures are also
contemplated.
[0064] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a web structure formed with
triangular-shaped building blocks, according to an embodiment. The
triangular shaped building blocks may form tetrahedrons 300a,b that
may also be used as building blocks (other patterns from the
triangles are also contemplated). Other building blocks are also
contemplated (e.g., square-shaped building blocks). In some
embodiments, a web structure may include a single tetrahedron, such
as tetrahedron 300a or 300b alone or in combination with one or
more other web structures. In some embodiments, web structure 313
may include two or more tetrahedrons 300a,b. Tetrahedron 300a may
include four triangular faces in which three of the four triangles
meet at each vertex. In some embodiments, two tetrahedrons 300a and
300b may be placed together at two adjacent faces to form web
structure 313 with a hexahedron-shaped frame (including six faces).
Hexahedron-shaped web structure 313 may include first vertex 301,
second vertex 309, third vertex 303, fourth vertex 305, and fifth
vertex 307. Common plane 311 may be shared by two tetrahedrons
(e.g., common plane 311 may include third vertex 303, fourth vertex
305, and fifth vertex 307) to form a hexahedron with first vertex
301 and second vertex 309 spaced away from common plane 311. As
depicted, the center portion of the triangular shaped building
blocks may have a void region in their center that does not include
any additional members (e.g., no members other than the struts
forming the triangular shaped building blocks) extending there
through.
[0065] As seen in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, multiple
hexahedron-shaped web structures 313 may be arranged in a
side-by-side manner. Two web structures 313 of implant 100 may be
connected via their first vertices 301a,b through strut 103r and
connected via their second vertices 309a,b through strut 103t.
Similarly, two web structures 313 may be connected via their first
vertices 301c,d through strut 103p and connected via their second
vertices 309c,d through strut 103s. Other connections are also
possible. For example, web structures 313 may connect directly
through side vertices (e.g., directly through corresponding
vertices (such as vertices 303a,b) and/or share a common strut
(such as strut 103u)) and/or through a side face (e.g., side faces
111a,b). Other struts are also shown (e.g., struts 103v, 103w).
[0066] FIG. 4A illustrates additional struts 103 (e.g., struts 103p
and 103r) connecting the first vertices (represented respectively
by 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d) of four hexahedron-shaped web
structures 313 in implant 100. FIG. 4B illustrates additional
struts 103 (e.g., struts 103s and 103t) connecting second vertices
309 (represented respectively by 309a, 309b, 309c, and 309d) of
four hexahedron-shaped web structures 313 in implant 100. In some
embodiments, additional struts 103 may also be used internally
between one or more vertices of the web structures to form
additional trusses (e.g., see web structures in FIGS. 1A-2B) (other
structures are also possible).
[0067] In some embodiments, top surface 115a and bottom surface
115b of implant 100 may include triangles, squares, circles or
other shapes (e.g., a random or custom design). Top and bottom
surfaces 115a,b may be used to connect the top and bottom vertices
of various geometrical building blocks used in the web structure of
implant 100. For example, each vertex may be connected through
struts to the neighboring vertices of other geometrical building
blocks. Top surface 115a may include other strut networks and/or
connections. In some embodiments, bottom surface 115b may mirror
the top surface (and/or have other designs). In some embodiments,
top surface 115a and bottom surface 115b may engage respective
surfaces of two adjacent vertebrae when implant 100 is
implanted.
[0068] As depicted in FIG. 1B, implant 100 may include lordosis
(e.g., an angle in top and/or bottom surfaces 115a,b approximately
in a range of 4 to 15 degrees (such as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 13, 14, or 15 degrees)) to further support the adjacent
vertebrae when implanted. As described above, lordosis may include
an angled orientation of surfaces (e.g., top and bottom) that
provide for differences in thickness in the anterior and posterior
portions of the implant such that the implant is conducive for
supporting the curvature of a vertebral column. In the illustrated
embodiment, the thickness of implant 100 is greater at or near the
anterior portion 118 and lesser at or near the posterior portion
120 of the implant. In the illustrated embodiment, the side
portions of external truss structure 105 are arranged substantially
vertically, and the lordosis is formed by the angles of the top
portion 111 and bottom portion 112 of external truss structure 105.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, top portion 111 and
bottom portion 112 of external truss structure 105 are not
perpendicular to the vertical plane defined by the side portion
113. Rather, the top portion 111 and bottom portion 112 are
arranged with an acute angle relative to the vertical plane of side
portion 113 at or near the anterior region 118 of implant 100 and
with an obtuse angle relative to the vertical plane of side portion
113 at or near posterior region 120 of implant 100. As depicted,
the vertical struts 103 that form the planar truss of side portion
113 of external truss structure 105 proximate posterior region 120
of implant 100 are shorter than struts 103 that form side portion
113 of external truss structure 105 proximate anterior region 118
of implant 100. In the illustrated embodiment, in which the
vertical trusses 103 are substantially evenly spaced, the struts
103 forming the "X" cross members of the side planar trusses
proximate the posterior region 120 of implant 100 are shorter than
struts forming the "X" cross members of the side planar trusses
proximate the anterior region 118 of implant 100. Other embodiments
may include variations in the arrangement of the trusses to provide
various configurations of the implant. For example, in some
embodiments only one or neither of the top and bottom external
truss portions may be non-perpendicular to the side portions of the
external truss proximate the anterior and posterior portions of the
implant. Further, the side, top, and/or bottom portions may include
multiple planar trusses angled relative to one another in any
orientation. For example, the top or bottom portions may include
four planar trusses, each formed of multiple truss units, such that
the portion(s) includes a pyramidal like shape.
[0069] In some embodiments, the implant may not include lordosis.
For example, FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate two views of an embodiment of
an implant 200 without lordosis. In some embodiments, the top
surface and bottom surface may not include connecting struts. For
example, FIGS. 2C-2D illustrate two views of implant 250 without
outer struts (e.g., without external truss portions formed of
planar trusses). In the illustrated embodiment, implant 250
includes internal web structure 104 (e.g., a space truss) and does
not include an external truss structure. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the exterior faces of implant 250 are
defined by a plurality of truss units that are angled relative to
each of its adjacent truss units. The relative alignment of the
truss units results in a non-planar exterior that includes a
plurality of pointed junctions. The pointed junctions (e.g.,
pointed junction 201) may operate to dig into the surrounding bone
to hold the implant in place (for example, if the implant is being
used in a corpectomy device).
[0070] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate progressive sectioned views of
implant 100 showing the internal structure of implant 100,
according to an embodiment. FIG. 5A illustrates a sectioned view of
a lower portion of implant 100. Bottom surface 115b is shown with
various struts (e.g., struts 103) extending upward from bottom
surface 115b. FIG. 5B illustrates a sectioned view approximately
mid-way through implant 100. Struts, such as struts 103e-f, shared
by various stacked tetrahedrons in the web structure are shown.
Some struts extend through central portion 501a and/or 501b of
implant 100. FIG. 5B also shows central portions 501a,b of implant
100. In some embodiments, central portion 501a may include a
rectangular region that has a width of approximately 50% of the
implant width, a height of approximately 50% of the implant height,
and a length of approximately 50% of the implant length and located
in the center of implant 100. In some embodiments, central portion
501b may encompass a region (e.g., a spherical region, square
region, etc.) of approximately a radius of approximately 1/8 to 1/4
of the width of implant 100 around a position located approximately
at one half the width, approximately one half the length, and
approximately one-half the height of implant 100 (i.e., the center
of implant 100). Other central portions are also contemplated. For
example, the central portion may include a square region with a
length of one of the sides of the square region approximately 1/4
to 1/2 the width of implant 100 around a position approximately at
one half the width, approximately one half the length, and
approximately one half the height of the implant. An example height
502a, width 502b, and length 502c, is shown in FIG. 5D. In some
embodiments, the height may be up to about 75 mm or more. In some
embodiments, such as those used for long bone reconstruction, the
width and/or length could be approximately 7 inches or longer. In
some embodiments, the width, length, and/or height may vary along
implant 100 (e.g., the height may vary if the implant includes
lordosis). The height may be taken at one of the opposing sides,
the middle, and/or may be an average of one or more heights along
the length of implant 100. The web structure may extend through
central portion 501a,b of the implant (e.g., at least one strut of
the web structure may pass at least partially through central
portion 501a,b). FIG. 5C illustrates another sectioned view showing
sectioned views of top tetrahedrons in the web structure. FIG. 5D
shows a complete view of implant 100 including top surface 115a
with vertices 301a-d.
[0071] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate alternate embodiments of implant 100.
In some embodiments, different sections of the hexahedron-shaped
geometric design may be used. For example, as seen in FIG. 6A, the
bottom half of the hexahedron-shaped geometric design may be used
(primarily including the lower tetrahedron structures). If using
the bottom half of the design, design 600 may be expanded
proportionately to have similar overall dimensions as the
hexahedron-shaped geometric design (e.g., the tetrahedrons may be
expanded to approximately twice the height of the tetrahedrons in
the hexahedron-shaped geometric design to give design 600 a height
approximately the same as the hexahedron-shaped geometric design).
In some embodiments, design 600 may also be angled (e.g., on top
surface 601a and/or bottom surface 601b) to provide design 600 with
lordosis to, in some embodiments, have a better fit between the
vertebral endplates. Top surface 601a and/or bottom surface 601b
may also include struts to connect nodes of design 600 (e.g., see
the strut network on the top surface in FIG. 6a). Other patterns of
struts for top surface 601a and/or bottom surface 601b may also be
used. In some embodiments, design 600 may not include negative
angles between struts and may thus be easier to create through a
casting or molding process.
[0072] FIGS. 6C-6D illustrate another alternate embodiment of
implant 100. In some embodiments, approximately the middle 40 to 60
percent of the hexahedron-shaped geometric design may be used. For
example, if an overall height of the hexahedron-shaped geometric
design is approximately 37 mm, approximately the bottom 10 mm and
approximately the top 10 mm of the design may be removed and
approximately the middle 17 mm of the design may be used for the
implant. Middle portion design 650 may then be expanded
proportionately such that the approximate height of the expanded
design may be approximately 37 mm (or a different height as
needed). Top surface 651a and bottom surface 651b may include a
network of struts (e.g., see the struts on top surface 651a of FIG.
6C) (other networks of struts are also contemplated). Other
portions of the design for the implant are also contemplated (e.g.,
the top half of the design shown in FIG. 1A, the bottom half of the
design shown in FIG. 1A, etc). Design portions may be
proportionately expanded to meet specified dimensions (e.g.,
specified height, width, and length). In some embodiments, the
amount of struts may be reduced or material in the implant may be
redistributed so that some struts may have a larger diameter and
some may have a smaller diameter (e.g., the different diameters may
reinforce against different directional forces). In some
embodiments, a partial-design cage may be used (e.g., with half of
the web structure so that the structure includes a tetrahedron.
Further, in some embodiments, the implant may include angled
surfaces (e.g., an angled top surface 651a and/or angled bottom
surface 651b) to provide lordosis for implants to be implanted
between the vertebral endplates.
[0073] In some embodiments, the web structure of implant 100 may
distribute forces throughout implant 100 when implanted. For
example, the connecting struts of the web structure may extend
throughout the core of implant 100, and the interconnectivity of
struts 103 may disperse the stress of compressive forces throughout
implant 100 to reduce the potential of stress risers (the
distribution of forces throughout implant 100 may prevent
concentration of stress on one or more portions of the vertebrae
that may otherwise result in damage to the vertebrae).
[0074] In some embodiments, the web structure of implant 100 (e.g.,
the external and internal struts of implant 100) may also provide
surface area for bone graft fusion. For example, the web structure
extending throughout implant 100 may add additional surface areas
(e.g., on the surface of the struts making up implant 100) to fuse
to the bone graft material and prevent bone graft material from
loosening or migrating from implant 100. In some embodiments, the
web structure may also support bone in-growth. For example, when
implanted, adjacent bone (e.g., adjacent vertebrae if the implant
is used as a spinal implant) may grow over at least a portion of
struts 103 of implant 100. The bone growth and engagement between
the bone growth and implant 100 may further stabilize implant 100.
In some embodiments, the surfaces of implant 100 may be formed with
a rough surface to assist in bone in-growth adhesion.
[0075] In some embodiments, struts 103 may have a diameter
approximately in a range of about 0.025 to 5 millimeters (mm)
(e.g., 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 3 mm, etc). Other diameters are also
contemplated (e.g., greater than 5 mm). In some embodiments, the
struts may have a length approximately in a range of 0.5 to 20 mm
(e.g., depending on the implant size needed to, for example, fit a
gap between vertebral endplates). As another example, struts may
have a length approximately in a range of 30-40 mm for a hip
implant. In some embodiments, the reduced strut size of the web
structure may allow the open cells in implant 100 to facilitate
bone growth (e.g., bone may grow through the open cells once
implant 100 is implanted in the body). Average subsidence for
implants may be approximately 1.5 mm within the first 3 weeks post
op (other subsidence is also possible (e.g., approximately between
0.5 to 2.5 mm)). A strut size that approximately matches the
subsidence (e.g., a strut size of approximately 1.5 mm in diameter
and a subsidence of approximately 1.5 mm) may result in a net 0
impedance (e.g., the bone growth growing around the struts) after
implant 100 has settled in the implanted position. The net 0
impedance throughout the entire surface area of the
implant/vertebrae endplate interface may result in a larger fusion
column of bone that may result in more stable fusion. Other fusion
column sizes are also contemplated. The configuration of the
implant 100 may redistribute the metal throughout the implant 100.
In some embodiments, a rim may not be included on the implant 100
(in some embodiments, a rim may be included). The resulting bone
growth (e.g., spinal column) may grow through the implant 100.
[0076] In some embodiments, greater than 50% of the interior volume
of implant 100 may be open. In some embodiments, greater than 60%,
greater than 70%, and/or greater than 80% of implant 100 may be
open (e.g., 95%). In some embodiments, the open volume may be
filled with bone growth material. For example, cancellous bone may
be packed into an open/internal region of implant 100.
[0077] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surfaces of
implant 100 may be coated/treated with a material intend to promote
bone growth and/or bone adhesion and/or an anitmicrobial agent to
prevent infections. For example, in some embodiments, the surface
of the struts (e.g., struts 103 forming the web structure) may be
coated with a biologic and/or a bone growth factor. In some
embodiments, a biologic may include a coating, such as
hydroxyapatite, bone morphaginic protein (BMP), insulinlike growth
factors I and II, transforming growth factor-beta, acidic and basic
fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and/or
similar bone growth stimulant that facilitates good biological
fixation between the bone growth and a surface of the implant. In
some embodiments, a bone growth factor may include a naturally
occurring substance capable of stimulating cellular growth,
proliferation and cellular differentiation (e.g., a protein or
steroid hormone).
[0078] In some embodiments, a biologic and/or growth factor may be
secured to a central region of implant 100. For example, in some
embodiments, a biologic or growth factor may be provided on at
least a portion of a strut that extends through central portion
501a and/or 501b of implant 100. Such an embodiment may enable the
delivery of a biologic and or a growth factor to a central portion
of an implant. For example, the biologic or growth factor may be
physically secured to a strut in a central portion of implant 100
as opposed to being packed into an open volume that does not
include a strut provided therein for the physical attachment of the
biologic and/or growth factor.
[0079] As implant 100 settles into the implant site, subsidence may
place additional pressure on the bone graft material (which may
already be under compressive forces in implant 100) and act to push
the bone graft material toward the sides of implant 100 (according
to Boussinesq's theory of adjacent material, when a force is
applied to a member that is adjacent to other materials (such as
sand, dirt, or bone graft material) the force against the member
creates a zone of increased pressure (e.g., 60 degrees) in the
adjacent material). Struts 103 of the web structure may resist bone
graft material protrusion from the sides of the web structure and
may increase the pressure of the bone graft material. Bone graft
material may need to be implanted in a higher-pressure environment
to create an environment conducive to strong bone growth (e.g.,
according to Wolf's law that bone in a healthy person or animal
will adapt to the loads it is placed under). The web structure may
thus increase the chance of stronger fusion.
[0080] FIG. 7A illustrates a web structure formed with two
pyramids, according to an embodiment. The geometric building blocks
for implant 100 include pyramids. For example, top/upper pyramid
705a and bottom/lower pyramid 705b may be joined to form a
octahedron building block 703. The octahedron building blocks 703
may be joined, for example, at a face (e.g., a base 706 of the top
and bottom pyramids 705a and 705b) by sharing a surface, etc. In
one embodiment one or both of top and bottom pyramid 705a,b may
include a square pyramid. The resulting octahedron thus includes
two opposing pyramid shaped truss structures that share a common
square shaped truss unit at their base (e.g., where the two bases
of the pyramids meet).
[0081] It is further noted that the geometric building block may
include one or more additional struts extending through an interior
region defined by the faces of the building blocks. For example, in
the illustrated embodiment, the octahedron building block formed
from top and lower pyramids 705a,b include two struts 103a
extending diagonally between opposing vertices of the face (e.g.,
the square shaped truss unit) shared by top and lower pyramids
705a,b, and having an intersection 710. Accordingly, the opposing
vertices are directly connected by one or more struts arranged in a
substantially straight line between each pair of the opposing
vertices. In one embodiment, struts 103a may be formed from four
separate strut sections that extend from each respective vertex to
intersection 710. The illustrated embodiment also includes an
additional central strut 103b that extends between vertices 701,
709 of top and bottom pyramids 705a,b, and that intersects struts
103a at or near intersection 710. In one embodiment, strut 103b may
be formed from one or two separate strut sections that extend from
each respective vertex 701, 709 of top and bottom pyramids 705a,b
to intersection 710. Accordingly, the opposing vertices of the
octahedron that do not lie in the common face (e.g. base) of the
two pyramids 705a,b forming the octahedron are directly connected
by one or more struts arranged in a substantially straight line
between the opposing vertices. Other embodiments may include any
combination of struts 103a,b. For example, one embodiment may
include only one or two of struts 103a extending between opposing
vertices of the square shaped common truss unit and without strut
103b. For example, one embodiment may include only two opposing
vertices of the square shaped common truss unit being connected to
one another via a strut. One embodiment may include only strut 103b
extending between the opposing vertices of the octahedron without
struts 103a.
[0082] FIG. 7B illustrates a web structure formed with two
heptahedrons, according to an embodiment. The geometric building
blocks for implant 100 include heptahedrons. For example, top/upper
heptahedron 705a and bottom/lower heptahedron 705b may be joined to
form a dodecahedron building block 703. The dodecahedron building
blocks 703 may be joined, for example, at a face (e.g., their
bases) by sharing a side surface, etc. Embodiments may include
additional members, such as struts 103a,b that extend between
vertices of the heptahedron 705a,b in a manner similar to that
described with respect to FIG. 7A.
[0083] FIG. 7C illustrates a web structure formed with two
dodecahedrons, according to an embodiment. For example, top/upper
dodecahedron 705a and bottom/lower dodecahedron 705b may be joined
to form a 22-sided polyhedron building block 703. The 22-sided
polyhedron building blocks 703 may be joined, for example, at a
face by sharing a side surface, etc. Embodiments may include
additional members, such as struts 103a,b that extend between
vertices of the dodecahedrons 705a,b in a manner similar to that
described with respect to FIG. 7A.
[0084] Web structures formed from other truss configurations are
also contemplated. For example, the trusses may include a series of
packing triangles, a two-web truss, a three-web truss, etc.
Further, the web structure for implant 100 may include one or more
trusses as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,812 titled "Web
Structure and Method For Making the Same", which issued Aug. 23,
2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as
though fully and completely set forth herein.
[0085] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method for making
implant 100. In some embodiments, implant 100 may be made through
rapid prototyping (e.g., electron beam melting, laser sintering,
etc). It should be noted that in various embodiments of the methods
described below, one or more of the elements described may be
performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be
omitted entirely. Other additional elements may also be performed
as desired. In some embodiments, a portion or the entire method may
be performed automatically by a computer system.
[0086] At 1001, a three dimensional model of implant 100 may be
generated and stored in a storage medium accessible to a controller
operable to control the implant production process. At 1003, a
layer of material (e.g., a powder, liquid, etc.) may be applied to
a support. In some embodiments, the powder may include .gamma.TiAl
(.gamma.Titanium Aluminides) which may be a high strength/low
weight material. Other materials may also be used. The powder may
be formed using a gas atomization process and may include granules
with diameters approximately in a range of 20 to 200 micrometers
(.mu.m) (e.g., approximately 80 .mu.m). The powder may be delivered
to the support through a distributer (e.g., delivered from a
storage container). The distributer and/or the support may move
during distribution to apply a layer (e.g., of powder) to the
support. In some embodiments, the layer may be approximately a
uniform thickness (e.g., with an average thickness of 20 to 200
micrometers (.mu.m)). In some embodiments, the distributer and
support may not move (e.g., the material may be sprayed onto the
support). At 1005, the controller may move an electron beam
relative to the material layer. In some embodiments, the electron
beam generator may be moved, and in some embodiments the support
may be moved. If the material is .gamma.TiAl, a melting temperature
approximately in a range of 1200 to 1800 degrees Celsius (e.g.,
1500 degrees Celsius) may be obtained between the electron beam and
the material. At 1007, between each electron beam pass, additional
material may be applied by the distributer. At 1009, the unmelted
material may be removed and implant 100 may be cooled (e.g., using
a cool inert gas). In some embodiments, the edges of the implant
may be smoothed to remove rough edges (e.g., using a diamond
sander). In some embodiments, the implant may include rough edges
to increase friction between the implant and the surrounding bone
to increase adhesion of the implant to the bone.
[0087] Other methods of making implant 100 are also contemplated.
For example, implant 100 may be cast or injection molded. In some
embodiments, multiple parts may be cast or injection molded and
joined together (e.g., through welding, melting, etc). In some
embodiments, individual struts 103 forming implant 100 may be
generated separately (e.g., by casting, injection molding, etc.)
and welded together to form implant 100. In some embodiments,
multiple implants of different sizes may be constructed and
delivered in a kit. A medical health professional may choose an
implant (e.g., according to a needed size) during the surgery. In
some embodiments, multiple implants may be used at the implant
site.
[0088] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate various views of implant handler
1100, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, handler 1100
may include jaws 1107 to grip and release implant 100. Jaws 1107
may be operated by trigger 1109 coupled to cam 1115 that acts to
push block 1101 when trigger 1109 is pushed away from handle 1117.
In some embodiments, leaf spring 1111 may act to push trigger 1109
away from handle 1117. As block 1101 is pushed by cam 1115, block
1101 may push against compression spring 1103 and shaft 1105 (which
may be flexible shaft inside tube 1119). Shaft 1105 may push
against jaws 1107 and push them open (see FIG. 11D). As trigger
1109 is pulled toward handle 1117, the force on block 1101 may be
released and coil compression spring 1103 may push block 1101
toward handle 1117. Shaft 1105 may also be pulled with block 1101
toward handle 1117 (in some embodiments, shaft 1105 may be coupled
to block 1101). As shaft 1105 is pulled toward handle 1117, shaft
1105 may pull jaws 1107 closed (e.g., see FIGS. 11c and 12) such
that struts of implant 100 may be gripped in grooves 1119 in jaws
1107 (e.g., see FIG. 12 which illustrates handler 1100 gripping
implant 100). In some embodiments, block 1201 (see FIG. 12) may be
gripped between jaws 1107 and at least partially in contact with
implant 100 to at least partially distribute forces from a hammer
(used to implant the implant 100) over a greater contact area on
implant 100 (to prevent a concentration of impact force on a
limited number of struts). Handler 1100 is one embodiment of a
handler for implant 100; other handlers and handler types are also
contemplated.
[0089] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method for implanting a
spinal implant, according to an embodiment. It should be noted that
in various embodiments of the methods described below, one or more
of the elements described may be performed concurrently, in a
different order than shown, or may be omitted entirely. Other
additional elements may also be performed as desired. In some
embodiments, a portion or the entire method may be performed
automatically by a computer system.
[0090] At step 1301, an intersomatic space may be accessed. For
example, an anterior opening may be made in a patient's body for an
anterior lumbar inter-body fusion (ALIF) approach or a posterior
opening may be made for a posterior lumbar inter-body fusion (PLIF)
approach. At 1303, at least a portion of the intersomatic space may
be excised to form a cavity in the intersomatic space. At 1305, the
implant may be inserted into the cavity in the intersomatic space.
In some embodiments, handler 1100 may be used to grip implant 100.
In some embodiments, force may be applied to the implant (e.g.,
through a hammer) to insert the implant into the cavity. After
placement of implant 100, trigger 1109 on handler 1100 may be
released to release implant 100. At 1307, before and/or after
insertion of the implant, the implant and/or space in the cavity
may be packed with bone graft material. At 1309, the access point
to the intersomatic space may be closed (e.g., using sutures).
[0091] FIG. 14 illustrates knee replacement implant 1400 that
includes a web structure, according to an embodiment. In some
embodiments, portions of knee replacement implant 1400 may include
a web structure to, for example, increase bone graft fusion with
surrounding bone (e.g., along portions of implant 1400 that are
anchored in the bone). Portion 1401a and 1401b may include the web
structure for bone in-growth to further support and secure the knee
implant. Other portions of knee implant 1400 may also include a web
structure.
[0092] FIG. 15 illustrates hip replacement implant 1500 that
includes a web structure, according to an embodiment. Portions of
shaft 1501 of hip implant 1500 may include a web structure for bone
in-growth along the shaft to support and secure the hip implant
1500. In some embodiments, implant 1500 may use a web structure in
place of (or in addition to) texture along shaft 1501 for securing
implant 1500.
[0093] FIG. 16 illustrates long bone reconstruction implant 1600
that includes a web structure, according to an embodiment. In some
embodiments, a web structure may be used in implant 1600 for
securing a long bone (e.g., the femur or tibia). For example, if
the long bone has a compound fracture, the implant may be fastened
to the bone along the bone (e.g., using bone screws 1601) to keep
the bone segments in place during healing. The bone may also grow
into the implant web structure to further secure the implant to the
long bone. Other bones are also contemplated (e.g., clavicle,
phalanges, metatarsals, etc). The implant may be coated and/or
infused with a biologic material to encourage bone growth or an
antimicrobial agent to reduce the chance of infection.
[0094] FIG. 17 illustrates cranio-maxifacial implant 1700 that
includes a web structure, according to an embodiment. In some
embodiments, implant 1700 may be used to reconstruct a portion of
the jaw. The top and bottom surfaces of implant 1700 may include
additional struts (e.g., as seen in FIG. 1A) or may include point
junctions (e.g., as seen in FIG. 2D). Implant 1700 may be secured
to the implant site (e.g., through bone screws 1701) or may be self
securing (e.g., between two or more bones).
[0095] In some embodiments, the implant may be customized. For
example, three dimensional measurements and/or shape of the implant
may be used to construct an implant that distributes the web
structure throughout a three-dimensional shape design. As noted in
FIG. 10, the three-dimensional shape design of the implant may be
entered into a computer system/controller that may control the
electron beam melting process. In some embodiments, the truss
design and orientation may be preset or predetermined by the
computer system/controller. In some embodiments, a user may select
the truss design to use (e.g., one or more of truss designs shown
in FIG. 3A, 7A, or 8A-9) and/or may select the orientation of the
trusses in the implant. In some embodiments, the user may enter the
outer dimensions of the three dimensional shape and the computer
system/controller may generate a three-dimensional design that
includes the truss design and orientation. The computer
system/controller may generate the three-dimensional design by
providing a uniform distribution of the truss design throughout a
three-dimensional shape with the outer dimensions provided by the
user. In some embodiments, the heights and widths of the trusses
used in the design may be proportional to the overall height and
width of the three-dimensional shape (e.g., the trusses may have
heights approximately equal to 1/2 the overall height and a width
of approximately 1/16 the overall width). Other heights and widths
are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the user may provide
the height and width and/or the computer system/controller may have
default heights and widths to use.
[0096] Embodiments of a subset or all (and portions or all) of the
above may be implemented by program instructions stored in a memory
medium or carrier medium and executed by a processor (e.g., a
processor on the controller operable to control the implant
production process). A memory medium may include any of various
types of memory devices or storage devices. The term "memory
medium" is intended to include an installation medium, e.g., a
Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), floppy disks, or tape
device; a computer system memory or random access memory such as
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Double Data Rate Random Access
Memory (DDR RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Extended Data
Out Random Access Memory (EDO RAM), Rambus Random Access Memory
(RAM), etc.; or a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic media,
e.g., a hard drive, or optical storage. The memory medium may
comprise other types of memory as well, or combinations thereof. In
addition, the memory medium may be located in a first computer in
which the programs are executed, or may be located in a second
different computer that connects to the first computer over a
network, such as the Internet. In the latter instance, the second
computer may provide program instructions to the first computer for
execution. The term "memory medium" may include two or more memory
mediums that may reside in different locations, e.g., in different
computers that are connected over a network.
[0097] In some embodiments, a computer system at a respective
participant location may include a memory medium(s) on which one or
more computer programs or software components according to one
embodiment of the present invention may be stored. For example, the
memory medium may store one or more programs that are executable to
perform the methods described herein. The memory medium may also
store operating system software, as well as other software for
operation of the computer system.
[0098] In some embodiments, a truss/web structure may be disposed
on at least a portion of an implant to facilitate coupling of the
implant to an adjacent structure. For example, where an implant is
implanted adjacent a bony structure, one or more truss structures
may be disposed on and/or extend from a surface (e.g., an interface
plate) of the implant that is intended to contact, and at least
partially adhere to, the bony structure during use. In some
embodiments, such as those including an intervertebral implant
disposed between the end plates of two adjacent vertebrae during,
one or more truss structures may be disposed on a contact surface
of the intervertebral implant to facilitate bone growth that
enhances coupling of the intervertebral implant to the bony
structure. For example, a truss structure may include one or more
struts that extend from the contact surface to define an open space
for bone growth therethrough, thereby enabling bone through growth
to interlock the bone structure and the truss structure with one
another to couple the implant to the bony structure at or near the
contact face. Such interlocking bone through growth may inhibit
movement between the implant and the bony structure which could
otherwise lead to loosening, migration, subsidence, or dislodging
of the implant from the intended position. Similar techniques may
be employed with various types of implants, including those
intended to interface with tissue and/or bone structures. For
example, a truss structure may be employed on a contact surface of
knee implants, in a corpectomy device, in a hip replacement, in a
knee replacement, in a long bone reconstruction scaffold, or in a
cranio-maxifacial implant hip implants, jaw implant, an implant for
long bone reconstruction, foot and ankle implants, shoulder
implants or other joint replacement implants or the like to enhance
adherence of the implant to the adjacent bony structure or
tissue.
[0099] FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment of an implant 1800 in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.
In some embodiments, implant 1802 may include a spinal implant, a
knee implant, a hip implant, a jaw implant, an implant for long
bone reconstruction, or the like. In one such embodiment, implant
1800 may include an intervertebral implant that is to be implanted
between end plates of two adjacent vertebras during a spinal
implant procedure. For example, implant 1800 may include a fusion
implant (e.g., a fusion cage) intended to rigidly fix the relative
positions of the two adjacent vertebrae, or and dynamic
intervertebral device intended to couple to each of the two
adjacent vertebrae and to facilitate motion (e.g., flexion,
extension, and/or lateral bending) between the two adjacent
vertebrae.
[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, implant 1800 includes a body
1802 having two contact faces 1804a,b. As used herein, the term
"contact face" refers to a portion of an implant intended to be in
contact or near contact with an adjacent structure (e.g., a bony
structure) to adhere/couple with the adjacent structure when
implanted. A contact surface may include an interface plate of an
implant, for instance. An implant may include any number of contact
faces. For example an implant may include one or more contact faces
intended to couple to one or more adjacent bony structures. As
depicted, in some embodiments, contact face 1804a may include an
upper contact face intended to contact and secure to a first
adjacent bony structure, and 1804b may include a lower contact face
intended to contact and secure to a second adjacent bony structure.
For example, where implant 1800 is intended to sandwich between two
adjacent bony structures (e.g., end plates of two adjacent
vertebrae), contact face 1804a may couple to a portion of the first
bony structure disposed above implant 1800 and contact face 1804b
may couple to the second bony structure disposed below implant
1800. It will be appreciated that the number and orientation of the
contact surfaces may vary based on the intended application, and,
thus, relative terms such as upper and lower are intended as
exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. For example, one or
both of the upper and lower contact faces 1804a,b may be oriented
such that the are disposed laterally (e.g., as right, left, back
and/or front sides of implant body 1802. Moreover, the cubic shape
of body 1802 is intended to be exemplary and is not intended to be
limiting. For example, body 1802 may include any desirable implant
construct such as fusion cages with different shapes or a
mechanical construct that allows for motion preservation. Contact
surface(s) may take any suitable shape, e.g., a substantially flat
planar surface, a curved/contoured surface, ridges, or the
like.
[0101] In some embodiments, a single, a plurality or all of the
contact faces of an implant may include one or more truss
structures. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, upper
contact face 1804a includes a truss structure 1806 disposed
thereon. Such an embodiment may be of particular use when implant
1800 is intended to create a fixation for a tibila tray and femoral
component for a knee replacement implant or any other joint
replacement implant. It will be appreciated that although truss
structure 1806 is illustrated on a single contact surface, other
embodiments may include any number of truss structures disposed on
any number of contact faces. For example, in some embodiments,
implant 1800 may include one or more truss structures 1806 disposed
on one or both of upper and lower contact surfaces 1804a,b. Such an
embodiment may be of particular use when implant 1800 is intended
to span the distance between two adjacent bony structures (e.g.,
the end plates of two adjacent vertebrae).
[0102] In some embodiments, a truss structure includes one or more
struts that extend from a respective contact surface and defines an
opening that enables bone through growth to facilitate coupling of
the truss structure and the implant to the bony structure. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, truss structure 1806
includes a space truss formed of three struts 1807a,b,c that each
include elongate members each having a first end coupled to contact
surface 1804a and a second end coupled to each of the other struts
at a vertex 1810. Each face of the triangular shaped truss
structure includes a planar truss structure having a triangular
opening with a perimeter defined by two of struts 1807a,b,c and the
adjacent portion of contact face 1804a. As depicted, truss
structure 1806 includes a generally triangular shaped space truss
that defines a four sided, substantially open volume 1812.
[0103] In some embodiments, open volume 1812 may facilitate bone
growth through truss structure 1806, thereby enhancing coupling of
implant 1800 to the adjacent bony structure. For example, in some
embodiments, at least a portion of truss structure 1806 is in
contact or near contact with the adjacent bony structure, thereby
enabling bone growth to extend into and/or through at least a
portion of open volume 1812 of truss structure 1806 such that the
bone growth interlocks with one or more struts 1808a,b,c of truss
structure 1806. The interlocking of the bone growth and the struts
may rigidly fix implant 1800 in a fixed location relative to the
bony structure.
[0104] In some embodiments, implant 1800 may be pressed into
contact with the adjacent bony structure such that at least a
portion of truss structure 1806 is disposed inside of the adjacent
bony structure upon implantation. For example, in some embodiments,
implant 1800 may be pressed into contact with the adjacent bony
structure such that vertex 1810 pierces into the bony structure and
is advanced such that at least a portion of struts 1808a,b,c and
open volume 1812 extend into the bony structure. Such a technique
may encourage bone to grow into and/or through open volume 1812. In
some embodiments, implant 1800 may be advanced/pressed into the
adjacent bony structure until the respective contact surface (e.g.,
upper contact surface 1804a) is in contact or near contact with the
adjacent bony structure. In some embodiments, at least a portion of
the truss structure and/or the contact surface may be
coated/treated with a material intend to promote bone growth and/or
bone adherence and an antimicrobial to prevent infection to the
truss structure and/or the contact surface. For example, in some
embodiments, the surface of the struts and/or the contact surface
may be coated with a biologic and/or a bone growth factor, such as
those described herein.
[0105] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the adjacent bony
structure in which the truss structure is to be implanted may be
pierced/cut/slit prior to truss structure 1806 being
advanced/pressed into the adjacent bony structure. In some
embodiments, a cutting tool/edge may be used to cut into the
adjacent bony structure such that the resulting cuts accommodate
one or more struts of truss structure 1806. For example, where
truss structure 1806 includes a triangular shape, such as that
depicted in FIG. 18, one or more complementary cuts may be made
into the adjacent bony structure in a complementary pattern. FIG.
19 illustrates a cut 1820 that may be made into adjacent bony
structure 1822 prior to or as a result of truss structure 1806
being advanced/pressed into the adjacent bony structure 1822. FIG.
19 may be representative of an end view of a vertebra (e.g.,
looking upward/downward into the end plate of the vertebrae). In
some embodiments, cut 1820 may include one or more segments
intended to accommodate one or more struts of truss structure 1806.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, cut 1820 includes three
slits 1820a,b,c formed in bony structure 1822. Slits 1820a,b,c may
extend from the face of the bony structure into the bony structure
in a direction substantially perpendicular to a face of the bony
structure and/or substantially parallel to the intended direction
of advancement of truss structure 1806 and/or implant 1800 into the
bony structure.
[0106] In some embodiments, slits 1820a,b,c include cuts into the
bone that do not require any bony material to be removed. For
example, a sharp cutting edge may be advanced into the bone to
create the slit, with no substantial amount of bone being removed.
During implantation of implant 1800 into bony structure 1822,
struts 1808a,b,c may slide into slits 1820a,b,c, respectively.
Although the illustrated embodiments includes three slits oriented
at approximately one-hundred twenty degrees relative to one another
about a vertex 1824, other embodiments may include any number of
slits in any variety of orientation to accommodate one or more
struts of a truss structure extending from a contact face of an
implant. Cut 1820 may be complementary to the shape/orientation of
struts 1808 of truss structure 1806. For example, where truss
structure is substantially pyramidal in shape (e.g., see truss
structure 1806b described below with respect to FIG. 23), cut 1820
may include four slits oriented at approximately ninety-degrees
relative to one another.
[0107] In some embodiments, cut 1820 may be formed by one or more
complementary cutting members (e.g., knives/blades) that are
pressed, slid, or otherwise advanced into bony structure 1822. In
one embodiment, a cutting member includes one or more cutting edges
arranged complementary to the profile of the struts of the truss
structure such that advancement of the cutting edge cuts one, a
plurality, or all of the slits to accommodate the truss structure
being advanced/pressed into the bony structure.
[0108] FIG. 20 illustrates a cutting member 1830 in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present technique. Cutting member
1830 includes three cutting blades 1830a,b,c oriented at
approximately one-hundred twenty degrees relative to one another
about a vertex 1834. In some embodiments, cutting members
1830a,b,c, are arranged complementary to slits 1820a,b,c of cut
1820 and/or struts 1808a,b,c of truss structure 1806. Although the
illustrated embodiment includes three cutting blades oriented at
approximately one-hundred twenty degrees relative to one another
about a vertex 1834, other embodiments may include any number of
cutting blades in any variety of orientation to accommodate one or
more struts of a truss structure extending from a contact face of
an implant. For example, where truss structure is substantially
pyramidal in shape (e.g., see truss structure 1806b described below
with respect to FIG. 23), cutting member 1830 may include four
cutting blades oriented at approximately ninety-degrees relative to
one another.
[0109] In some embodiments, the cutting blades may be advanced into
bony structure 1822 at a depth that is about the same or deeper
than the height of truss structure 1806. In some embodiments, the
cutting blades may be advanced into bony structure 1822 at a depth
that is about the same or shallower than the height of truss
structure 1806. In some embodiments, a leading edge of the cutting
blades may be shaped to be complementary to the shape of the
struts. For example, the leading edge of one, a plurality, or all
of cutting blades 1830a,b,c, may be angled similar to the angle of
struts 1808a,b,c extending from contact surface 1804a, as
illustrated by dashed line 1846.
[0110] In some embodiments, cutting member 1830 may be provided as
an instrument that is advanced into the bony structure. In some
embodiments, cutting member 1830 may be integrated with or more
other devices used during the implantation procedure. For example,
during a spinal implant procedure, cutting member 1830 may be
coupled to a distractor typically positioned between the vertebrae
and expanded to set the relative positions of the vertebrae. The
force of distraction may act to advance the cutting member into the
bony structure.
[0111] FIG. 20 illustrates a cutting member 1830 is disposed on a
top surface 1844a of a body 1842 of a distractor 1840, in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technique.
In some embodiments, one or more cutting members may be disposed on
other portions of distractor, such as a bottom surface 1844b.
During use, distractor 1840 may be disposed between the adjacent
bony structures and expanded such that top and bottom surfaces
1844a,b move away from one another, thereby pressing one or more of
cutting members 1830 into the adjacent bony structure (e.g., 1822)
to form one or more cuts (e.g., 1820) in the bony structure, where
the cuts are intended to accommodate struts (e.g., 1808a,b,c) of
the truss structure (e.g., e.g., 1806) of an implant (e.g., 1800)
to be engaged with the bony structure. In some embodiments, the
distractor may be used to increase a separation distance between
two adjacent bony structures (e.g., between end plates of adjacent
vertebrae). In some embodiments, subsequent to making the cuts, the
distractor is unexpanded and/or removed, and the implant (e.g.,
1800) is disposed between the bony structures (e.g., in
substantially the same position as the distractor) such that one or
more truss structures are aligned/engaged with one or more of the
cuts.
[0112] Although several of the above embodiments have been
described with regard to a single truss structure, other
embodiments may include any number of truss structures. For
example, as depicted in FIG. 21, a plurality of truss structures
may be provided on one or more contact surfaces of implant 1800. In
the illustrated embodiment, four truss structures 1806a,b,c,d are
disposed substantially adjacent one another on contact surface
1804a,b of implant 1800 such that one, a plurality, or all of
struts of truss structures 1806a,b,c,d share common vertices at the
contact surface 1804a. In some embodiments, one, a plurality or all
of truss structures may be spaced apart from one another. For
example, one, a plurality, or all of truss structures 1806a,b,c,d
may not share a vertices at or near contact surface 1804a. In some
embodiments, any number of truss structures may be provided on any
portion of implant 1800. In some embodiments, the shape and
orientation of the truss structures may be varied to mimic various
desired shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the truss
structures may be varied in height to provide a curved profile
similar to that of a ball and/or a socket of a joint.
[0113] In some embodiments, implant 1800 may include a plurality of
truss structures stacked upon one another to form a web-like
structure disposed on one or more faces of implant 1800. FIG. 22
illustrates a multi-layer truss-structure (e.g., web structure)
disposed on a contact surface of implant 1800 in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present technique. In the
illustrated embodiment, a triangular truss structure 1806e is
stacked atop vertices of truss structures 1806b,c,d. In some
embodiments, a truss structure provided at a contact surface of an
implant may include a web structure, such as those described with
respect to implants 100, 200 250, 600 and 650 described herein. In
some embodiments, the shape and orientation of the web structures
may be varied to mimic various desired shapes. For example, in some
embodiments, the web structure may be varied in height to provide a
curved profile similar to that of a ball and/or a socket of a
joint.
[0114] In some embodiments, one or more additional struts may be
provided between one, a plurality, or all of the vertices of truss
structures. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, struts
1808d,e,f,g,h extend between the vertices of truss structures
1806a,b,c,d. In some embodiments, one or more struts may extend
between a plurality or all of the struts at or near the point where
they are coupled to the contact face. For example, one or more
struts may extend in place of one or more of the dashed lines
illustrated in FIGS. 18, 21, 22 and 23.
[0115] Some of the above embodiments have been described with
respect to a particular shaped truss structure (e.g., a triangular
shaped space truss structure 1806) although various shapes of truss
structures are contemplated. It will be appreciated that such
description is intended to be exemplary and is not intended to be
limiting. FIG. 23 illustrates a plurality of exemplary truss
structures that may be coupled to a contact face of an implant in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
technique.
[0116] In some embodiments, a truss structure 1806 may include a
triangular-shaped planar truss. For example, truss structure 1806a
includes two substantially shaped truss members extending from
contact surface 1804a and coupled to one another at a vertex to
define an open region 1812a through which bone growth may occur.
Other embodiments may include any variety of geometrical truss
structure shapes, such as four-sided (e.g., pyramidal), five-sided,
six-sided, seven sided (not depicted), and/or eight sided truss
structures 1806b,c,d,e, respectively. Additionally, cubic,
rectangular or pentagonal block shaped structures may be used.
Moreover, embodiments may include any of the truss-structures
disclosed herein, such as those disclosed with respect to FIGS.
1A-9. In some embodiments, any type, size, number, or combination
of number, types and sizes of truss structures may be provided on
one, a plurality, or all of the contact faces of an implant.
[0117] FIG. 24 is a flowchart that illustrates a method 1900 of
implanting an implant in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the present technique. In the illustrated embodiment, method 1900
includes preparing a bony structure, as depicted at block 1902, and
inserting an implant (e.g., 1800), as depicted at block 1904. In
some embodiments, preparing a bony structure includes positioning
the bony structure. For example, a distractor (e.g., 1840) may be
used to separate adjacent bony structures such that the implant can
be sandwiched between the two adjacent bony structures. In some
embodiments, preparing a bony structure includes cutting/slitting
the bony structure to accommodate one or more struts of a truss
structure of an implant to be coupled to the bony structure. For
example, a cutting member (e.g., 1830) may be advanced into the
bony structure to create a cut (e.g., 1820) including one or more
slits (e.g., 1820a,b,c). In some embodiments, distraction and
cutting may be provided simultaneously via use of a distractor that
includes one or more cutting members coupled to one or more of its
contact faces (e.g., distractor 1830 having cutting members 1830
coupled thereto).
[0118] In some embodiments, inserting the implant includes
positioning the implant (e.g., 1800) adjacent the bony structure
(e.g., 1822), aligning the truss structure (e.g., 1806) with a
complementary portion of the bony structure (e.g., 1820) and/or
advancing a contact surface (e.g., 1804a,b) toward the bony
structure such that at least the truss structure is in contact or
near contact with the bony structure. In some embodiments, the
implant may be advanced until the contact surface is in contact or
near contact with the bony structure, such that at least portion or
substantially all of the truss structure is disposed in the bony
structure. For example, substantially all of the struts of the
truss structure may be disposed in the slits provided in the bony
structure.
[0119] As will be appreciated, method 1900 is exemplary and is not
intended to be limiting. One or more of the elements described may
be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may
be omitted entirely. Method 1900 may include any number of
variations. For example, in some embodiments, struts 1806 may
include a sharp/thin profile such that minimal preparation of the
bony structure needed (e.g., cuts do not need to be provided in the
bony structure) as the struts of the truss structure may, pierce
the bony structure as the implant is advanced into contact with the
bony surface. Accordingly, in some embodiments, steps 1902 and 1904
of method 1900 may be combined into a single step.
[0120] In this patent, certain U.S. patents, U.S. patent
applications, and other materials (e.g., articles) have been
incorporated by reference. The text of such U.S. patents, U.S.
patent applications, and other materials is, however, only
incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists
between such text and the other statements and drawings set forth
herein. In the event of such conflict, then any such conflicting
text in such incorporated by reference U.S. patents, U.S. patent
applications, and other materials is specifically not incorporated
by reference in this patent.
[0121] In accordance with the above descriptions, in various
embodiments, an implant may include a web structure. The web
structure for the implant may include a micro truss design. In some
embodiments, the micro truss design may include a web structure
with multiple struts. Other web structures are also contemplated.
The web structure may extend throughout the implant (including a
central portion of the implant). The web structure may thus
reinforce the implant along multiple planes (including internal
implant load bearing) and provide increased area for bone graft
fusion. The web structure may be used in implants such as spinal
implants, corpectomy devices, hip replacements, knee replacements,
long bone reconstruction scaffolding, and cranio-maxifacial
implants. Other implant uses are also contemplated. In some
embodiments, the web structure for the implant may include one or
more geometric objects (e.g., polyhedrons). In some embodiments,
the web structure may not include a pattern of geometrical building
blocks (e.g., an irregular pattern of struts may be used in the
implant). In some embodiments, the web structure may include a
triangulated web structure including two or more tetrahedrons. A
tetrahedron may include four triangular faces in which three of the
four triangles meet at each vertex. The web structure may further
include two tetrahedrons placed together at two adjacent faces to
form a web structure with a hexahedron-shaped frame (including six
faces). In some embodiments, multiple hexahedron-shaped web
structures may be arranged in a side-by-side manner. The web
structures may connect directly through side vertices (e.g., two or
more hexahedron-shaped web structures may share a vertex). In some
embodiments, the web structure may be angled to provide lordosis to
the implant.
[0122] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various
aspects of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the
art in view of this description. For example, although in certain
embodiments, struts have been described and depicts as
substantially straight elongated members, struts may also include
elongated members curved/arched along at least a portion of their
length. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as
illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled
in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is
to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and
described herein are to be taken as embodiments. Elements and
materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described
herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features
of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be
apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this
description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements
described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as described in the following claims. Furthermore, it is
noted that the word "may" is used throughout this application in a
permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to),
not a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term "include", and
derivations thereof, mean "including, but not limited to". As used
in this specification and the claims, the singular forms "a", "an"
and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly
indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a strut"
includes a combination of two or more struts. The term "coupled"
means "directly or indirectly connected".
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