Expandable intervertebral fusion implant and applicator
US6183517A · kind A · utility
375Cited by
11References
3Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2018 |
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 cylinder thus formed is placed on a special installation tool, which is first used to place the cylinder in the intervertebral space. Thereafter, the tool is actuated to spread the shells, and a spacer of appropriate size and taper is slid over the tool shaft, and in between the shells to maintain their spacing after the tool is removed. Having spacers of different height and taper allow the surgeon to adapt the implant to various situations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.