Expandable spinal implant system and method of using same

US10940020B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Inventors

• Charles Branch · Advance, US
• Charles Fisher · Vancouver, CA
• Mladen Djurasovic · Louisville, US
• Marcel Dvorak · Vancouver, CA
• Sigurd Berven · San Francisco, US
• Anthony J. Melkent · Germantown, US
• Jonathan M. Dewey · Memphis, US
• Keith E. Miller · Germantown, US
• Adriaan J. Kuyler · St. Augustine, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 7, 2019
• Grant date: Mar 9, 2021
• Expiry date: Jun 13, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

An expandable spinal implant includes a distal projection extending from only one side of the implant, ending in an anterior tip, the anterior portion and anterior tip defining an elongated distal end hook, which is wider than the proximal end. The distal end hook rotates around the spinal cord, aligning the implant with a desired pathway, then inserts into place in the disc space between the vertebrae. The elongated widened distal end hook provides a TLIF approach, distributes loads, provides anterior rim engagement, and creates lordosis.