Expandable fusion cage

US6582467B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Vertelink Corporation · US

Inventors

• George P. Teitelbaum · Santa Monica, US
• Samuel M. Shaolian · Newport Beach, US
• To V. Pham · Trabuco Canyon, US
• Thanh Van Nguyen · El Monte, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 31, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 24, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2310/00023
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Disclosed is an expandable fusion cage which facilitates the fusion of adjacent bony surfaces, preferably those in the spine. In a preferred embodiment, the fusion cage. The surfaces of the cage which are intended to contact the vertebral endplates have multiple portions cut out of the metal to form sharp barbs. As the cage is expanded to come into apposition with endplates above and below, the sharp barbs protrude into the subcortical bone of the vertebral body thus securing the cage in place. Multiple holes or fenestrations are present on the superior and inferior surfaces of the cage to permit contact of morselized autologous bone and/or an artificial bone matrix material with the prepared endplate surface.