Apparatus for fusing adjacent bone structures
US6979353B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00952
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for facilitating fusion of adjacent vertebrae includes an implant body dimensioned for positioning within an intervertebral space between upper and lower vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae in desired spaced relation to facilitate fusion thereof. The implant body includes lower and upper surfaces for engaging the respective lower and upper vertebrae and first and second side wall portions extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The first and second side wall portions are substantially solid. At least one of the first and second side wall portions have a substantially narrow longitudinal slit defined therein arranged to enhance flexibility of the one side wall portion. Preferably, each of the first and second side wall portions includes a longitudinal slit. The implant body may define an internal chamber dimensioned for reception of bone growth inducing substances. The implant body includes an internal bore extending through the upper and lower surfaces for reception of bone growth inducing substances. Preferably, the internal bore is cylindrical shaped to receive a cylindrical bone dowel harvested during the surgical procedure, or alternatively, to receive a pr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.