Anterior expandable spinal fusion cage system
US6821298B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S623/908
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fenestrated, hollow intervertebral cage containing a packed, harvested bone graft for fusing adjacent vertebrae together while maintaining or correcting the angular alignment and balance of the spine. Use of the device for an anterior interbody fusion results in a fused bone segment having a predetermined fixed angular orientation. The apparatus has a cage unit adjustably coupled to an expansion cap, and an adjustable wedge to support the adjacent vertebrae with facing surfaces at a predetermined angle relative to each other. A connecting bolt may be threaded or fixed to the rear of the cage unit. In certain embodiments, the cage unit and expansion cap are interlocking. Also in certain embodiments, especially utilizing round cages, the expansion cap may also include upper and lower horizontal bone-supporting surfaces and an anterior recess for receiving fasteners. A pair of independently adjustable cage units can be fixedly intercoupled by a link.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.