Posterior expandable fusion cage
US6443989B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00023
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An interbody device for use between a pair of adjacent vertebrae includes a body and at least one expansion member. The body has upper and lower walls that are joined by a rear wall that functions as a spring hinge. The walls have anterior or distal ends that are supported in a non-expanded configuration by spaced feet that project out from the walls. The expansion member is elongate and has a threaded portion that is threadably received in the rear wall. Each expansion member also includes a head having an anterior wedge portion that engages the anterior ends of the walls and forces the walls apart as the expansion member is screwed into the body. A surface engages the expansion member after expansion and supports the walls during usage. Preferably, the expansion member is only one of a plurality of expansion members found in a kit which vary with respect to the diameter of the head thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.