U.S. patent application number 16/583880 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for spinal implant.
The applicant listed for this patent is K2M, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jennifer Anne Moore, Todd Wallenstein.
Application Number | 20200093610 16/583880 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53773945 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200093610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wallenstein; Todd ; et
al. |
March 26, 2020 |
Spinal Implant
Abstract
A spinal implant configured for positioning within a space
between adjacent vertebral bodies includes first and second bone
screws and a body. The body includes a back surface having first
and second openings for receiving the first and second screws. The
first and second openings are configured for orientation towards
opposing vertebral bodies. The body further includes first and
second side surfaces extending from opposing ends of the back
surface and first and second end surfaces extending from respective
first and second side surfaces, wherein the ends of the first and
second end surfaces meet and define an atraumatic nose. A first
angle is formed between the first side surface and the first end
surface that is different than a second angle that is formed
between the second side surface and the first end surface. A method
using same is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Wallenstein; Todd; (Ashburn,
VA) ; Moore; Jennifer Anne; (Leesburg, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
K2M, Inc. |
Leesburg |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53773945 |
Appl. No.: |
16/583880 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14620788 |
Feb 12, 2015 |
10426630 |
|
|
16583880 |
|
|
|
|
61938725 |
Feb 12, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/30593
20130101; A61F 2002/30787 20130101; A61F 2002/3008 20130101; A61B
17/86 20130101; A61F 2002/30827 20130101; A61F 2002/30149 20130101;
A61B 17/8047 20130101; A61F 2002/30904 20130101; A61F 2/4455
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/44 20060101
A61F002/44 |
Claims
1. A spinal implant, comprising: a planar back surface defining
first and second openings each configured for receiving a bone
screw; first and second end surfaces extending from opposing ends
of the back surface, the first and second end surfaces defining a
divergent angle with respect to one another; first and second side
surfaces extending from the respective first and second end
surfaces, wherein ends of the first and second side surfaces meet
and define a nose, wherein the first side surface defines a first
longitudinal axis extending perpendicular thereto, the first
longitudinal axis bisecting the first side surface, wherein the
implant is asymmetrical about the first longitudinal axis; top and
bottom surfaces connected to the back surface, the first and second
end surfaces, and the first and second side surfaces, the first
opening oriented towards the top surface and the second opening
oriented towards the bottom surface; a first angle formed between
the first side surface and the first end surface; a second angle
formed between the second side surface and the first side surface,
the second angle being less than the first angle; wherein each of
the top and bottom surfaces has a first portion having ridges
configured to engage first and second vertebral bodies and a second
portion lacking ridges, the second portions being proximate to the
back surface.
2. The spinal implant of claim 1, further comprising a first insert
slot defined in one of the top and bottom surfaces and being in
communication with the first opening and configured to receive a
plate insert, and a second insert slot defined in one of the top
and bottom surfaces and being in communication with the second
opening and configured to receive a plate insert.
3. The spinal implant of claim 2, wherein the back surface defines
a second longitudinal axis extending perpendicular thereto, the
back surface oriented relative to the first side surface such that
the second longitudinal axis defines an oblique angle with respect
to the first longitudinal axis.
4. The spinal implant of claim 3, wherein the first insert is
disposed on one side of the second longitudinal axis and the second
insert slot is disposed on an opposite side of the second
longitudinal axis.
5. The spinal implant of claim 3, wherein the first and second
openings are disposed parallel to a plane containing the second
longitudinal axis.
6. The spinal implant of claim 3, further comprising a plate insert
including a screw opening defined therethrough and configured to be
received within one of the first and second insert slots with the
screw opening substantially aligned with the respective one of the
first and second openings.
7. The spinal implant of claim 1, wherein a through-bore is defined
through the top and bottom surfaces.
8. A method of performing surgery, comprising: preparing an
intervertebral space between first and second vertebral bodies to
receive a spinal implant; inserting the spinal implant of claim 1
into the prepared intervertebral space; inserting a bone screw
through the first opening of the spinal implant and into the first
vertebral body; and inserting a bone screw through the second
opening of the spinal implant and into the second vertebral
body.
9. The method of claim 8, further including packing a through-bore
with biological material, the through-bore defined by an interior
perimeter of the first and second end surfaces, the first and
second side surfaces, and the back surface.
10. A method of performing surgery, comprising: preparing an
intervertebral space between first and second vertebral bodies to
receive a spinal implant; inserting the spinal implant of claim 2
into the prepared intervertebral space; inserting a bone screw
through the first opening of the spinal implant and into the first
vertebral body; and inserting a bone screw through the second
opening of the spinal implant and into the second vertebral body,
wherein the step of inserting the bone screw through the first
opening further includes inserting a plate insert within the first
insert slot, and the step of inserting the bone screw through the
second opening further includes inserting a plate insert within the
second insert slot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/620,788, filed on Feb. 12, 2015, issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 10,426,630, which claims priority to, and the benefit
of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/938,725, filed
on Feb. 12, 2014, the entire contents of all of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to devices and
methods for treating spinal conditions, and in particular, to
spinal implants configured for positioning within an intervertebral
space.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The human spine includes thirty-three vertebrae. The
vertebrae interlock with one another to form a spinal column. Each
vertebra has a cylindrical bony body (vertebral body), two pedicles
extending from the vertebral body, a lamina extending from the
pedicles, two wing-like projections extending from the pedicles, a
spinous process extending from the lamina, a pars interarticularis,
two superior facets extending from the pedicles, and two inferior
facets extending from the lamina. The vertebrae are separated and
cushioned by thin pads of tough, resilient fiber known as
intervertebral discs. Intervertebral discs provide flexibility to
the spine and act as shock absorbers during activity. A small
opening (foramen) located between each vertebra allows passage of
nerves. When the vertebrae are properly aligned, the nerves pass
through without a problem. However, when the vertebrae are
misaligned or a constriction is formed in the spinal canal, the
nerves get compressed and may cause back pain, leg pain, or other
neurological disorders.
[0004] Disorders of the spine that may cause misalignment of the
vertebrae or constriction of the spinal canal include spinal
injuries, infections, tumor formation, herniation of the
intervertebral discs (i.e., slippage or protrusion), arthritic
disorders, and scoliosis. In these pathologic circumstances,
surgery may be tried to either decompress the neural elements
and/or fuse adjacent vertebral segments. Decompression may involve
laminectomy, discectomy, or corpectomy. Laminectomy involves the
removal of part of the lamina, i.e., the bony roof of the spinal
canal. Discectomy involves partial or complete removal of the
intervertebral discs. Corpectomy involves removal of the vertebral
body as well as the adjacent intervertebral discs.
[0005] The time-honored method of addressing the issues of neural
irritation and instability resulting from severe disc damage have
largely focused on removal of the damaged disc and fusing the
adjacent vertebral elements together. Removal of the disc relieves
the mechanical and chemical irritation of neural elements, while
osseous union (bone knitting) solves the problem of
instability.
[0006] While cancellous bone appears ideal to provide the biologic
components necessary for osseous union to occur, it does not
initially have the strength to resist the tremendous forces that
may occur in the intervertebral disc space, nor does it have the
capacity to adequately stabilize the spine until long term bony
union occurs. For these reasons, many spinal surgeons have found
that interbody fusion using bone alone has an unacceptably high
rate of bone graft migration, expulsion, or nonunion due to
structural failures of the bone or residual degrees of motion that
retard or prohibit bony union. Therefore, intervertebral prostheses
in various forms have been used to provide immediate stability and
to protect and preserve an environment that fosters growth of
grafted bone such that a structurally significant bony fusion can
occur.
[0007] Many intervertebral implants are formed from biocompatible
materials, such as titanium. However, such materials are rigid and
provide minimal cushioning. Such rigidity, in extreme situations,
may be a cause of subsidence, which can generate additional pain
and trauma to a spinal column.
[0008] Therefore, a need exists for an intervertebral implant that
provides cushioned support and remains in place during use.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present disclosure relates to spinal implants configured
for positioning within an intervertebral space. The spinal implant
includes first and second bone screws and a body. The body includes
a back surface having first and second openings for receiving the
first and second screws. The first opening is configured for
orientation towards a first vertebral body and the second opening
is configured for orientation towards a second vertebral body. The
body also includes first and second side surfaces extending from
opposing ends of the back surface and first and second end surfaces
extending from the respective first and second side surfaces. The
ends of the first and second end surfaces meet and define an
atraumatic nose. A first angle is formed between the first side
surface and the first end surface and a second angle is formed
between the second side surface and the first end surface. The
first angle is different than the second angle.
[0010] In aspects, the first end surface defines a first
longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis bisects the first
end surface and extends perpendicular therefrom. The body is
asymmetrical about the first longitudinal axis.
[0011] In aspects, the back surface defines a second longitudinal
axis extending perpendicular therefrom. The back surface is
oriented relative to the first end surface such that the second
longitudinal axis defines an oblique angle with respect to the
first longitudinal axis.
[0012] In aspects, the second angle is greater than the first
angle.
[0013] In aspects, the back surface, the first and second end
surfaces, and the first and second side surfaces define top and
bottom surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces include ridges adapted
to engage the first and second vertebral bodies.
[0014] In aspects, at least one insert slot is defined in one of
the top and bottom surfaces. The at least one insert slot is in
communication with a corresponding opening of the first and second
openings and is configured to receive a plate insert.
[0015] In aspects, the plate insert includes a screw opening
defined therethrough. The plate insert is configured to be received
within the at least one insert slot with the screw opening
substantially aligned with a corresponding opening of the first and
second openings of the body.
[0016] In aspects, a through-bore is defined through the top and
bottom surfaces of the body.
[0017] In aspects, the body includes a body portion and a
plate.
[0018] In aspects, the plate includes a leading surface defined
opposite the back surface that includes a T-shaped projection.
[0019] In aspects, the body portion includes a trailing surface
defined opposite the first end surface. The trailing surface is
configured to mate with the leading surface of the plate and
includes a T-shaped slot defined therein. The T-shaped slot is
configured to slidably engage the T-shaped projection of the plate,
thereby permitting the plate and the body portion to be selectively
engaged.
[0020] In aspects, the T-shaped projection and the T-shaped slot
are oriented such that when the body portion and plate are slidably
engaged, the body portion and the plate are prevented from moving
relative to each other in a caudal or cephalad direction.
[0021] In aspects, the body portion is formed of a material that is
softer than that of the plate material.
[0022] A method of performing surgery is also disclosed. The method
includes providing a spinal implant including first and second bone
screws and a body. The body includes a back surface having first
and second openings for receiving the first and second screws. The
first opening is configured for orientation towards a first
vertebral body and the second opening is configured for orientation
towards a second vertebral body. The body also includes first and
second side surfaces extending from opposing ends of the back
surface and first and second end surfaces extending from the
respective first and second side surfaces. The ends of the first
and second end surfaces meet and define an atraumatic nose. A first
angle is formed between the first side surface and the first end
surface and a second angle is formed between the second side
surface and the first end surface. The first angle is different
than the second angle. The method further includes preparing an
intervertebral space between the first and second vertebral bodies
to receive the spinal implant, inserting the spinal implant into
the prepared intervertebral space, and inserting the first and
second bone screws through the first and second openings of the
spinal implant and into each of the respective first and second
vertebral bodies.
[0023] In aspects, the method further includes packing a
through-bore with biological material. The through-bore is defined
by an interior perimeter of the first and second end surfaces, the
first and second side surfaces, and the back surface.
[0024] In aspects, inserting the first and second bone screws
includes inserting at least one plate insert within an insert slot
defined in one of a top surface or a bottom surface. The top and
bottom surfaces are defined by the back surface, the first and
second end surfaces, and the first and second side surfaces, and
the insert slot is in communication with an opening of the first
and second openings.
[0025] In aspects, providing the spinal implant includes the body
of the spinal implant having a body portion and a plate, wherein
the plate is slidably engageable with the body portion.
[0026] In aspects, the method further includes slidably engaging
the plate with the body portion to prohibit the plate from moving
in a caudal or cephalad direction with respect to the body
portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and, together with a general description of the
disclosure given above, and the detailed description of the
embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosure, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a rear, perspective view, of a spinal implant
provided in accordance with the present disclosure, with parts
separated;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a rear, perspective view, of the assembled spinal
implant of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a side, perspective view, of the spinal implant of
FIG. 2;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a side view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1,
coupled to a vertebral body;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the spinal implant and vertebral
body of FIG. 4;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a rear, perspective view, of another spinal
implant provided in accordance with the present disclosure, with
parts separated;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a rear, perspective view, of the assembled spinal
implant of FIG. 6;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a rear, perspective, view of the spinal implant of
FIG. 6 coupled to a vertebral body;
[0036] FIG. 9A is a top view of a bone screw usable with the spinal
implant of FIGS. 1 and 6;
[0037] FIG. 9B is a side view of the bone screw of FIG. 9A; and
[0038] FIG. 9C is a side, cross-sectional view of the bone screw of
FIG. 9A taken alone line 9C-9C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure are now described in
detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of
the several views. As commonly known, the term "clinician" refers
to a doctor, a nurse, or any other care provider and may include
support personnel. Additionally, the term "proximal" refers to the
portion of the device or component thereof that is closer to the
clinician and the term "distal" refers to the portion of the device
or component thereof that is farther from the clinician. In
addition, the term "cephalad" is used in this application to
indicate a direction toward a patient's head, whereas the term
"caudal" indicates a direction toward the patient's feet. Further
still, for the purposes of this application, the term "lateral"
indicates a direction toward a side of the body of the patient,
i.e., away from the middle of the body of the patient. The term
"posterior" indicates a direction toward the patient's back, and
the term "anterior" indicates a direction toward the patient's
front. Additionally, in the drawings and in the description that
follows, terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, and
similar directional terms are used simply for convenience of
description and are not intended to limit the disclosure. In the
following description, well-known functions or constructions are
not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure
in unnecessary detail.
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one
embodiment of a spinal implant provided in accordance with the
present disclosure generally identified by reference numeral 100.
Spinal implant 100 generally includes a body 110, a plurality of
plate inserts 150, and a plurality of bone screws 190. Bone screws
190 are configured for securing spinal implant 100 in a position
relative to the adjacent vertebral bodies. Plate inserts 150
cooperate with body 110 to retain bone screws 190 therein, as will
be discussed in detail hereinbelow. Each of these components along
with the assembly and insertion of spinal implant 100 into the
intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies will be
described in turn hereinbelow.
[0041] The various components of expandable spinal implant 100, or
portions thereof, may be formed from various similar or different
materials, depending on a particular purpose. In particular, body
110 may be formed from a non-metallic material (e.g., polymeric
materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), carbon fiber, etc.),
organic materials such as bone, a metallic material (e.g.,
titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, or cobalt chrome
(CoCr)), or a ceramic material. Bone screws 190 may be formed from
titanium, titanium alloy, CoCr or other suitable metal that is
compatible with expandable spinal implant 100. Additionally, plate
inserts 150 may be formed from any softer compatible material than
that of bone screw 190, such as unalloyed titanium (e.g.,
commercially pure titanium).
[0042] Body 110 is illustrated as having a generally pentagonal
shape (FIG. 5); however, it is contemplated that body 110 may
include other shapes, such as square, rectangular, circular, oval,
or the like. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, body 110 includes a
substantially planar, first end surface 114, at a distal or leading
end 112, and a second end surface 118, opposite thereto at a
proximal or trailing end 116, having a substantially planar
configuration. As shown in FIG. 2, first end surface 114 defines
axis A-A oriented normal thereto and extending through second end
surface 118, thereby bisecting first end surface 114. Although
shown as generally forming a diverging angle with respect to first
end surface 114, it is contemplated that second end surface 118 may
define a substantially parallel configuration relative to first end
surface 114 (FIG. 5). Body 110 extends between first and second end
surfaces 114, 118 to define respective top and bottom surfaces 120
and 122 (FIG. 1), respectively, as well as opposed side surfaces
124 and 126 (FIG. 5). Top and bottom surfaces 120, 122 are
illustrated as being substantially parallel to each other; however,
it is contemplated that top surface 120 may be planar, convex, or
the like, and top surface 120 may approximate bottom surface 122,
or vice versa in order to provide a desired amount of lordosis.
Opposing side surfaces 124 and 126 may form an oblique angle with
respect to first end surface 114, such that body 110 increases in
width in a proximal direction along axis A-A. As best illustrated
in FIG. 5, although shown as having a curvate profile when viewed
from above, it is contemplated that side surface 124 may include
any suitable profile, such as planar. Side surface 126 is generally
shown has having a substantially planar configuration when viewed
from above, and defines an angle with respect to first end surface
114 that is greater than the angle that side surface 124 defines
with first end surface 114 (i.e., the angle formed by side surface
124 and first end surface 114 is more acute than the angle formed
by side surface 126 and first end surface 114). In this respect,
body 110 is asymmetrical about axis A-A with the relative width of
body 110 being greater on the side of side surface 126 than that of
side surface 124. It is contemplated that the angle defined by side
surface 126 and first end surface 114 is between 90 and 110
degrees, whereas the angle defined by side surface 124 and first
end surface 114 is between 110 and 160 degrees. Oblique end surface
(back surface) 128 is interposed between second end surface 118 and
side surface 126, and defines a generally planar configuration
including axis B-B extending perpendicular thereto (FIG. 2),
thereby bisecting oblique end surface 128. Oblique end surface 128
is oriented relative to first end surface 114 such that axis B-B
(FIG. 2) defines an angle .alpha. relative to axis A-A between 20
degrees and 60 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle .alpha. of
axis B-B relative to axis A-A is 40 degrees.
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 5, body 110 is configured such that
each of side surfaces 124, 126 and oblique end surface 128 define a
substantially atraumatic blunt nose profile with respect to each
other and first and second end surfaces 114, 118. The intersection
of top and bottom surfaces 120, 122 with each of side surfaces 124,
126 and oblique end surface 128 may be rounded to enhance the
atraumatic character of body 110.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, top surface 120 and bottom
surface 122 include a plurality of ridges 130 arranged thereon.
Although generally as shown as being disposed on the leading half
of top and bottom surfaces 120, 122, it is contemplated that ridges
130 may be disposed on any suitable portion of top and bottom
surfaces 120, 122. Ridges 130 are configured to frictionally engage
an adjacent surface of a vertebral body (i.e., a vertebral
endplate) to maintain spinal implant 100 in a position relative to
the adjacent vertebral body and to inhibit spinal implant 100 from
backing out of the intervertebral space since ridges 130 will bite
into the vertebral endplate. As can be appreciated, ridges 130 may
take any suitable form capable of engaging a surface of a vertebral
body, such as teeth, texturing, surface roughness patterning,
projections, and the like. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, ridges
130 are arranged in a parallel configuration relative to oblique
end surface 128, thereby forming an oblique angle with first end
surface 114. It is contemplated that ridges 130 may be oriented in
any suitable configuration relative to first end surface 114.
[0045] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, bottom surface 122 includes
at least one aperture 122a defined therein and at least partially
penetrating therethrough configured to receive an optional
fiduciary insert (not shown), thus allowing the orientation of
spinal implant 100 to be determined using a number of different
imaging modalities as are known in the art. This feature is
particularly important when spinal implant 100 is made from a
substantially radiolucent material (e.g., PEEK). It is contemplated
that top and bottom surfaces 120, 122 may include additional
apertures 122a.
[0046] Body 110 includes a through-bore 132 defined through top and
bottom surfaces 120, 122. Although generally shown as having a
configuration similar to that of the overall outer profile of body
110, it is contemplated that through-bore 132 may have any suitable
shape, such as square, rectangular, circular, or the like. As can
be appreciated, through-bore 132 is configured to receive
biological material, such as bone in-growth material, drugs, or
other suitable materials or compounds. Examples of such materials
are allograft material, autograft material, calcium phosphate/bone
marrow aspirate (BMA), autogenous bone material, or synthetic
materials comprised of a biocompatible, osteoconductive,
osteoinductive, or osteogeneic material such as VITOSS.RTM.
Synthetic Cancellous Bone Void Filler material.
[0047] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, lumen 134 is defined through
side surface 124 and an interior surface of through-bore 132.
Although generally shown as having a substantially quadrilateral
configuration, lumen 134 may have any suitable configuration such
as circular, square, rectangular, or the like.
[0048] Referring back to FIG. 1, first and second screw holes 136,
138 extend through oblique end surface 128. Screw hole 136 is
obliquely angled relative to oblique end surface 128 and is
oriented toward top surface 120 (e.g., first screw hole 136 extends
in a non-perpendicular orientation relative to oblique end surface
128) thereby directing bone screw 190 therethrough at a similar
oblique angle towards one of the vertebral bodies "VB" (FIG. 4) for
engagement of bone screw 190 within the vertebral body "VB". Second
screw hole 138 is configured in a similar fashion to that of first
screw hole 136, however, second screw hole is obliquely angled
relative to oblique end surface 128 towards bottom surface 122.
First and second screw holes 136, 138 are arranged in a
side-by-side configuration. Although generally shown as having two
screw holes, it is contemplated that body 110 may include any
suitable number of screw holes for coupling body 110 to a vertebral
body. It is contemplated that only one bone screw may be used in a
particular application while in other situations three or more
screws may be used in varying orientations for coupling body 110 to
one or two adjacent vertebral bodies. As such, the bone screws may
be oriented towards a single vertebral body or the bone screws may
be arranged such that they engage both adjacent vertebral
bodies.
[0049] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, an insert slot 140 is
defined in top surface 120 commutating with first screw hole 136. A
corresponding insert slot is defined in bottom surface 122 (FIG. 5)
and is configured to communicate with second screw hole 138. In the
interest of brevity, only insert slot 140 will be described in
detail herein, although both are substantially identical. Insert
slot 130 is configured to receive a plate insert 150 therein.
Insert slot 140 is dimensioned such that plate insert 150 and
insert slot 140 engage in an interference fit, thereby retaining
plate insert 150 within insert slot 140. However, it is
contemplated that insert slot 140 may be dimensioned to slidably
receive plate insert 150. It is contemplated that plate insert 150
may be retained within insert slot 140 by any suitable bonding
means known in the art (e.g., adhesives, welding, etc.). It is
contemplated that each screw hole (i.e., first and second screw
holes 136, 138, or any suitable combination thereof) will have a
corresponding insert slot 140 for retaining a respective bone screw
190 therein.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, plate insert 150 includes a screw
opening 152 defined therethrough and an annular sidewall extending
downward from a top surface thereof to form a corresponding lip 154
proximate a bottom surface thereof. In operation, when plate insert
150 is inserted in a corresponding insert slot 140, screw opening
152 substantially aligns with a corresponding screw hole 136, 138
or is otherwise coincident therewith to permit bone screw 190 to be
advanced therethrough. Although described with reference to screw
hole 136, the use of plate insert 150 is equally applicable to
screw hole 138, and therefore in the interest of brevity, any
description thereof will not be discussed in detail herein. As bone
screw 190 is advanced through screw hole 136, thread 194b of bone
screw 190 threadingly engages lip 154, thereby retaining bone screw
190 within screw hole 136 and preventing bone screw 190 from
backing out of screw hole 136. In particular, bone screw 190 may be
formed from titanium alloy (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V) and the lip 154 may be
formed of a softer compatible material, such as unalloyed titanium.
As the lip 154 is formed from a softer material than the bone screw
190, advancement of bone screw 190 through screw hole 136 results
in the thread 194b deforming the lip 154 such that the bone screw
190 resists backing out of the screw hole 136. It is further
contemplated that any suitable locking means may be employed to
retain bone screws 190 within first and second screw holes 136,
138, such as expanding head screws, spring locking clips, cover
plates, and the like.
[0051] With reference to FIG. 2, body 110 includes a first recess
142 defined in second end surface 118 and adjacent to first screw
hole 136. First recess 142 includes a tapered surface 142a that
extends towards throughbore 132 and penetrates oblique end surface
128. Tapered surface 142a tapers in a distal direction and
increases in depth such that the distal end of first recess 142 is
more defined than the proximal end (i.e., the proximal end is
almost flush with second end surface 118, whereas the distal end
provides a deep recess). First recess terminates in a planar
surface 142b on a distal end and includes a threaded bore 142c is
defined therein. Threaded bore 142c is configured to threadably
engage a suitable insertion instrument (not shown), as will be
discussed in further detail hereinbelow.
[0052] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, a second recess 144 is
defined in side surface 126 and penetrates oblique end surface 128.
Second recess 144 is identical to that of first recess 142, except
second recess 144 is in a mirrored configuration to that of first
recess 142 about axis B-B. Although generally shown as not
including a threaded bore, it is contemplated that second recess
144 may include a threaded bore configured to engage a suitable
insertion instrument similarly to that of first recess 142. First
and second recesses 142, 144 cooperate to releasably engage
opposing prongs of a suitable insertion instrument (not shown),
thereby permitting a suitable insertion instrument (not shown) to
grasp spinal implant 100 and maneuver spinal implant 100 to a
suitable location within the intervertebral space, as will be
discussed in further detail hereinbelow.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9C, an illustration of bone screw
190 configured for use with spinal implant 100 is shown. As can be
appreciated, a plurality of bone screws 190 is configured to secure
body 110 of spinal implant 100 to adjacent vertebral bodies.
However, as bone screws 190 are similar to one another, only one is
described in detail herein. It is also contemplated that other
suitable bone screws 190 be provided for use with spinal implant
100.
[0054] Bone screw 190 generally includes a shank 192 and a head
194. Shank 192 defines a distal tip 192a and pitched threading 192b
disposed about shank 192. Distal tip 192a and pitched threading
192b facilitate driving bone screw 190 into bone and securement of
bone screw 190 therein. Head 194 of bone screw 190 defines a
tool-engaging recess 194a. Head 194 further includes a thread 194b
for threadably engaging lip 154 of plate insert 150. Pitched
threading 192a has a pitch greater than that of thread 194b.
Tool-engaging recess 194a may have any shape and/or dimension
suitable for transmitting rotational motion from a tool to bone
screw 190 (e.g., square, hex, pozidrive, or the like).
[0055] For a detailed discussion of the construction of exemplary
bone screws, reference may be made to U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0214166, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the insertion of a spinal
implant 100 into the intervertebral space between adjacent
vertebral bodies "VB" during the course of a spinal surgical
procedure is described. Initially, the intervertebral space is
prepared, e.g., damaged or diseased tissue is partially or totally
removed. Thereafter, the interior space of through-bore 132 of body
110 may be packed with biological material such as bone in-growth
material, drugs, or other suitable materials or compounds. Examples
of such materials are allograft material, autograft material,
calcium phosphate/bone marrow aspirate (BMA), autogenous bone
material, or synthetic materials comprised of a biocompatible,
osteoconductive, osteoinductive, or osteogeneic material such as
VITOSS.RTM. Synthetic Cancellous Bone Void Filler material. Next,
spinal implant 100 is affixed to a suitable insertion instrument by
releasably engaging first and second recesses 142, 144, and
thereafter, threadably engaging threaded bore 142c to releasably
retain body 110 thereto. At this point, each of plate inserts 150
may be advanced within a respective slot 140 of body 110 and
thereafter, retained to body 110 by any suitable means discussed
hereinabove. Spinal implant 100 may then be advanced into a
previously prepared intervertebral space of the patient's spine.
Typically, an incision is created through the patient's skin and
tissue is atraumatically moved to create a working space for an
anterior approach. It is contemplated that a lateral approach or an
anterior-lateral approach may be employed. As best illustrated in
FIG. 5, spinal implant 100 is oriented such that axis A-A lies
substantially parallel with an axis Y-Y defined along the
midsagittal plane of the spine, and substantially normal to an axis
X-X defined along the transverse plane of the spine. In this
orientation, the angle of oblique end surface 128 with respect to
axis A-A, Y-Y permits easier access to bone screw holes 136, 138,
and thereafter, bone screws 190 when driving bone screws 190 into a
respective adjacent vertebral body "VB". Bone screws 190 (FIGS.
9A-9C) are then inserted through respective screw holes 136, 138 of
body 110 and are driven into one of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Due to the obliquely angled configuration of screw holes 136, 138
relative to oblique end surface 128 mentioned above, bone screws
190 are guided through screw holes 136, 138 and into the vertebral
body "VB".
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of a spinal
implant in accordance with the present disclosure is shown,
generally referred to as spinal implant 200. Spinal implant 200 is
substantially similar to spinal implant 100, and therefore, in the
interest of brevity, only the differences between spinal implant
200 and spinal implant 100 will be described in detail
hereinbelow.
[0058] In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, spinal implant
200 includes a body portion 210 and a plate 220 which cooperate to
define two-part spinal implant 200 configured for positioning
between adjacent vertebral bodies. It is contemplated that body
portion 210 may be formed from a non-metallic material (e.g.,
polymeric materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), carbon
fiber, etc.), organic materials such as bone, whereas plate 220 may
before formed from a different material such as a metallic material
(e.g., titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, or cobalt chrome
(CoCr)) or a ceramic material and vice versa.
[0059] Continuing with FIG. 6, plate 220 defines a leading surface
222 disposed opposite oblique end surface 228 (comparable to
oblique end surface 128 of body 110 of spinal implant 100) and
oriented substantially parallel thereto. T-shaped projection 224 is
disposed on leading surface 222 and extends between side surfaces
214' (FIGS. 8) and 216' (comparable to the trailing ends of side
surfaces 124, 126 of body 110 of spinal implant 100) and
facilitates selective attachment to body portion 210, as
illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0060] Body portion 210 defines trailing surface 212 disposed
adjacent to and mirroring leading surface 222 of plate 220. A
T-shaped slot 218 is defined through side surfaces 214'' (FIGS. 8)
and 216'' (corresponding to the leading ends of side surfaces 124,
126 of body 110 of spinal implant 100) and includes a profile
corresponding to the profile of T-shaped projection 224. T-shaped
slot 218 includes an opening 218a defined through trailing surface
212 thereby permitting T-shaped projection 224 to engage T-shaped
slot 218 in order to facilitate selective attachment of body
portion 210 and plate 220 in a dovetail configuration by sliding
plate 220 in a direction from either side surface 214'' or 216''.
This configuration limits relative vertical movement (i.e.,
cephalad or caudal) between plate 220 and body portion 210.
[0061] As best illustrated in FIG. 6, screw holes 236, 238 are
defined in oblique surface 228 (comparable to screw holes 136, 138,
respectively, of body 110 of spinal implant 100) and include a lip
226 defined on the inner surface thereof. Screw holes 236, 238 are
substantially similar to that of screw holes 136, 138,
respectively, and therefore only the differences therebetween will
be discussed herein. Lip 226 is substantially similar in structure
to lip 154 of plate 150 and operates in a substantially similar
fashion, and therefore, in the interest of brevity, further details
will not be discussed hereinbelow. It is further contemplated that
any suitable locking means may be employed to retain bone screws
190 within first and second screw holes 236, 238, such as expanding
head screws, spring locking clips, cover plates, and the like.
Similarly to spinal implant 100, spinal implant 200 may include any
suitable number of screw holes for coupling body 110 to a vertebral
body. It is contemplated that only one bone screw may be used in a
particular application while in other situations three or more
screws may be used in varying orientations for coupling spinal
implant 200 to one or two adjacent vertebral bodies. As such, the
bone screws may be oriented towards a single vertebral body or the
bone screws may be arranged such that they engage both adjacent
vertebral bodies.
[0062] Continuing with FIG. 6, body portion 210 further includes a
pair of annular grooves 246, 248, which are defined through
trailing surface 212 and are aligned axially with screw holes 236,
238, respectively, to permit passage of bone screws 190
therethrough (FIG. 7).
[0063] With reference to FIG. 8, spinal implant 200 may be utilized
in a similar respect to spinal implant 100 as detailed above, with
the exception that body portion 210 and plate 220 are initially
engaged with each other by sliding T-shaped projection 224 of plate
220 into T-shape slot 218 of body portion 210 before insertion into
a previously prepared intervertebral space of the patient's spine.
Typically, an incision is created through the patient's skin and
tissue is atraumatically moved to create a working space for an
anterior approach. It is contemplated that a lateral approach or an
anterior-lateral approach may be employed. As each of screw holes
236, 238 include a corresponding lip 226, plate inserts 150 are
unnecessary.
[0064] It will be understood that various modifications may be made
to the embodiments of the presently disclosed expandable spinal
implant. Therefore, the above description should not be construed
as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those
skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the
scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
* * * * *