Articulated expandable spinal fusion cage system
US6454807B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00131
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for implanting an articulated spinal fusion cage into the intervertebral space and adjusting the cage in situ to support the adjacent vertebrae in a normal curved alignment. The invention provides a greatly improved modular cage system having a base unit with a pair of sockets for receiving the ends of a pair of legs. The sockets permit pivotal movement of the legs about a posterior fulcrum from a closed, parallel insertion position to an anteriorly open, wedge-shaped orientation. The base has a threaded bore for receiving a driver, which is operable to urge the anterior ends of the legs apart as well as to support the front of the installed fusion cage. Interchangeable drivers are provided having various sized tips. The interior end surface of each leg unit includes a driver-receiving groove for providing torsional stability. Alternatively, a pair of pins and bores are provided on the inner surfaces of the opposed ends for receiving a driver tip. In certain embodiments the base is of integral construction with one of the legs, and includes a socket for receiving a pivot end of the second leg.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.