Expandable variable angle intervertebral fusion implant
US6159244A · kind A · utility
541Cited by
11References
8Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00179
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An expandable intervertebral fusion implant includes a pair of semi-cylindrical shells having mating surfaces which resist shifting when the parts are assembled. The shells have pillars provided with teeth which permit the shells to be ratcheted outward after they have been placed between spinal elements. The pillars are curved, or extend from their shells at a non-perpendicular angle, so that the resulting implant is tapered, to accommodate non-parallel spinal element end plates and thus maintain proper spinal curvature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.