Adjustable distraction cage with linked locking mechanisms

US9545316B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Howmedica Osteonics Corp. · US

Inventors

• John Ashley · Danville, US
• Philip J. Simpson · Encinitas, US
• Walter Dean Gillespie · Carlsbad, US
• Damien Shulock · San Francisco, US
• Murali Kadaba · Foster City, US
• David G. Matsuura · Encinitas, US
• George A. Mansfield, III · San Diego, US
• Thomas Grotz · Novato, US
• Rudy Pretti · Auburn, US
• Dennis Crandall · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 11, 2015
• Grant date: Jan 17, 2017
• Expiry date: Mar 11, 2035

Classification

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

Abstract

A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.