US6500205B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expandable threaded arcuate interbody spinal fusion implant with cylindrical configuration during insertion
Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Inc
•
Filing: 2000-04-19
•
Granted: 2002-12-31
•
Expires: 2020-04-19
Abstract
Abstract An at least in part cylindrical threaded interbody spinal fusion implant having an expandable height.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary K. Michelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/4455; A61F2/446; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30744; A61F2/442; A61F2/4465; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2/28; A61F2002/2817; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30261; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30331; A61F2002/30383; A61F2002/3039; A61F2002/30392; A61F2002/30476; A61F2002/30517; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30537; A61F2002/30538; A61F2002/30556; A61F2002/30593; A61F2002/30621; A61F2002/30624; A61F2002/30632; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30774; A61F2002/30777; A61F2002/30779; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30785; A61F2002/30787; A61F2002/30789; A61F2002/3079; A61F2002/30841; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30891; A61F2/3094; A61F2002/30975; A61F2002/448; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/0033; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0082; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0004; A61F2250/0006; A61F2250/0009; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00023; A61F2310/00179
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 210
Claim 1
Independent Claim
465 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one blocker adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said blocker being located at a predetermined location along the length of said implant and remaining at the predetermined location in transitioning said implant from said first position to said second position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
465 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one blocker adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said blocker being located at a predetermined location along the length of said implant and remaining at the predetermined location in transitioning said implant from said first position to said second position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 1 , further in combination with a fusion promoting substance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The threaded implant of claim 2 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is bone morphogenetic protein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 2 , wherein said fusion promoting substance includes hydroxyapatite.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The threaded implant of claim 2 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 2 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is bone.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The threaded implant of claim 1 , further comprising a hollow defined between said upper and lower members in communication with said openings in each of said upper and lower members, said hollow being adapted to receive fusion-promoting substances.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The threaded implant of claim 7 , wherein said hollow has a width that is unobstructed by any mechanism for moving said blocker.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The threaded implant of claim 7 , further comprising a second hollow between said upper and lower members located between said blocker and said end of said implant proximate said blocker.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant has a constant width in both the collapsed height and the increased height.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said blocker is located at least in part between said upper and lower members.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said blocker is located proximate at least one of said ends of upper and lower members.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
60 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said blocker is adapted to cooperatively engage a tool used to move said blocker from an initial position to a final position to increase the height of said implant, said tool not being a part of said implant and being removed from said implant after moving said blocker into the final position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant has a width and said blocker has a width less than the width of said implant.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said each of said upper and lower members are adapted to cooperate with and to fixedly locate said blocker.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 15 , wherein each of said upper and lower members have a track configured to permit said blocker to seat therein.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
The threaded implant of claim 16 , wherein at least one of said tracks and said blocker are adapted to cooperate with each other to center said blocker along a longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said blocker moves said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members from a parallel orientation to an angled orientation relative to one another.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said blocker is an expander adapted to expand said implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height when moved from a first to a second position.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said implant has a longitudinal axis and said expander rotates in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said implant to increase the height of said implant.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said expander is located along the length of said implant.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said expander is located proximate said proximal ends of said upper and lower members.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
45 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said hollow is substantially unobstructed by said expander extending along a substantial portion of the length of said hollow so as to permit growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said expander remains in the same location along the longitudinal axis of the implant when rotated.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
60 words
The threaded implant of claim 14 , wherein said expander is adapted to cooperatively engage a tool used to move said expander from an initial position to a final position to increase the height of said implant, said tool not being a part of said implant and being removed from said implant after moving said expander into the final position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
41 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said expander is adapted to cooperatively engage a tool that rotates about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said implant to rotate said expander to increase the height of said implant.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 26 , wherein said expander rotates in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said implant to increase the height of said implant.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
The threaded implant of claim 27 , wherein said expander remains in the same location along the longitudinal axis of the implant when rotated.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said expander moves said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members from a parallel orientation to an angled orientation relative to one another.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein each of said upper and lower members are adapted to cooperate with said expander.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 30 , wherein each of said upper and lower members have a track configured to permit said expander to rotate therein.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 31 , wherein said track of said upper member and said track of said lower member are in the same plane.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 31 , wherein said track of said upper member and said track of said lower member are parallel to one another.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
33 words
The threaded implant of claim 31 , where said track of said upper member and said track of said lower member are in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
28 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said upper and lower members structurally cooperate with said expander so as to keep said expander located within said implant.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
50 words
The threaded implant of claim 31 , wherein at least one of said tracks of said upper and lower members has a cooperating surface, said expander having a corresponding cooperating surface that contacts said cooperating surface of said at least one track to orient said expander in a predetermined location.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
The threaded implant of claim 36 , wherein said cooperating surfaces orient said expander within said implant such that the axis of rotation of said expander is parallel with the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
34 words
The threaded implant of claim 37 , wherein said cooperating surfaces center said expander within said implant such that the axis of rotation of said expander coincides with the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
36 words
The threaded implant of claim 30 , wherein said upper and lower members are adapted to cooperate with said expander so as to center said expander within a cross section of the upper and lower portions.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
55 words
The threaded implant of claim 30 , wherein at least one of said tracks of said upper and lower members includes at least one side having a cooperating surface, said expander having a corresponding cooperating surface that contacts said cooperating surface of said at least one side to orient said expander in a predetermined location.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
The threaded implant of claim 40 , wherein said cooperating surface of said at least one side is a detent and said corresponding cooperating surface of said expander is a projection.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
36 words
The threaded implant of claim 41 , wherein said detent and said projection center said expander within said implant such that the axis of rotation of said expander coincides with the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said expander is located proximate said distal ends of said upper and lower members.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
69 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said expander has a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is moved into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height being greater than said first height.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
45 words
The threaded implant of claim 44 , wherein the difference between said first height and said second height of said expander approximates the difference in height of said implant between said first position and said second position as measured proximate the location of said expander.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 19 , wherein said expander has a depth dimension less than that of said first and second height of said expander.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 46 , wherein said expander has a fixed shape during movement from an initial insertion position to a final deployed position within said implant.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
41 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said upper and lower members are configured to cooperate with one another so as to stop said upper and lower members from being moved apart from one another more than a predetermined distance.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant has a side surface when in a final position that is contoured to cooperate with another implant.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
33 words
The threaded implant of claim 49 , wherein said implant and said cooperating other implant have a combined width therebetween less than the combined height of said implant and said cooperating other implant.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said upper and lower members have walls contacting one another.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
The threaded implant of claim 51 , wherein said walls are aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The threaded implant of claim 51 , wherein said walls are at least in part overlapping.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
34 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said upper and lower members have a rotational articulation therebetween adjacent one of said proximal end and said distal end of said upper and lower members.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
31 words
The threaded implant of claim 54 , wherein said rotational articulation is at one of said proximal end and said distal end of said upper and lower members opposite said blocker.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 54 , wherein said rotational articulation allows for expansion.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 56 , wherein said rotational articulation allows for limited expansion.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
86 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein one of said upper and lower members has an interior wall, which is unexposed, extending therefrom toward the other of said upper and lower members when said implant is in an initial insertion position, and when said implant is in a final position said implant has a shape such that each of said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members are separated by at least a portion of said interior wall, which now has an exposed side.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
20 words
The threaded implant of claim 58 , wherein said upper and lower members have side walls for engaging each other.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
The threaded implant of claim 59 , wherein said side walls of said upper and lower members are at least partially overlapping walls.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
The threaded implant of claim 58 , wherein said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members form an angular orientation relative to one another when said implant is in the final position.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 58 , wherein said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members when said implant is in the initial position form a cylindrical shape.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
38 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , further comprising a cap for closing one of said proximal end and said distal end of said upper and lower members, said cap having an exterior surface and an interior surface.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
31 words
The threaded implant of claim 63 , wherein said interior surface of said cap has spaced slots about its circumference to facilitate a snap fit of said cap into said implant.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
17 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant comprises an artificial material other than bone.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
21 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is stronger than bone.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is harder than bone.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
12 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant comprises bone.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
13 words
The threaded implant of claim 68 , wherein said bone includes cortical bone.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant comprises bone growth promoting material.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
The threaded implant of claim 70 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 70 , wherein said bone growth promoting material includes hydroxyapatite.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
21 words
The threaded implant of claim 70 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
18 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant is a source of osteogenesis.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
16 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant is at least in part bioabsorbable.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
12 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant comprises metal.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
21 words
The threaded implant of claim 77 , wherein said metal is ASTM material suitable for use said treated spinal fusion implant.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
12 words
The threaded implant of claim 77 , wherein said metal includes titanium.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant comprises a plastic material.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant comprises a ceramic material.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
16 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
34 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant is formed of a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone form adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
30 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said implant has an interior surface and a hollow body defined therein, said hollow being capable of containing bone growth promoting material.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
32 words
The threaded implant of claim 84 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 84 , wherein said bone growth promoting material includes hydroxyapatite.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
22 words
The threaded implant of claim 84 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is genes coding for the production of the bone.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
19 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said at least one opening is adapted to retain fusion-promoting materials.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of said implant is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said implant and said adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
17 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , in combination with a chemical substance to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
65 words
The threaded implant of claim 8 , wherein said blocker is an expander having an external thread, each of said upper and lower members having a threaded converging portion adapted to cooperate with said external thread of said expander to expand said implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height when said expander is rotated from a first to a second position.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
453 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one blocker adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in final deployed position, said implant having side walls and said blocker not contacting said side walls when said implant is in the final deployed position.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
453 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one blocker adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in final deployed position, said implant having side walls and said blocker not contacting said side walls when said implant is in the final deployed position.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
506 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander being adapted to expand said implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height when moved from a first to a second position, each of said upper and lower members being adapted to cooperate with said expander, each of said upper and lower members having a track configured to permit said expander to rotate therein, said tracks permitting said expander to move from side to side within said track.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
506 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander being adapted to expand said implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height when moved from a first to a second position, each of said upper and lower members being adapted to cooperate with said expander, each of said upper and lower members having a track configured to permit said expander to rotate therein, said tracks permitting said expander to move from side to side within said track.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
501 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one blocker adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander being adapted to expand said implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height when moved from a first to a second position, said expander having an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces as defined when said expander is positioned to increase the height of said implant, said side surfaces intersecting said upper and said lower surfaces at two diametrically opposed junctions.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
501 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one blocker adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander being adapted to expand said implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height when moved from a first to a second position, said expander having an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces as defined when said expander is positioned to increase the height of said implant, said side surfaces intersecting said upper and said lower surfaces at two diametrically opposed junctions.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
27 words
The threaded implant of claim 94 , wherein said two diametrically opposed junctions are a pair of diametrically opposed corners and a pair of diametrically opposed arcs.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
20 words
The threaded implant of claim 94 , wherein each of said upper and lower surfaces lie generally in a plane.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
19 words
The threaded implant of claim 94 , wherein said upper and lower surfaces are generally parallel to one another.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
24 words
The threaded implant of claim 94 , wherein said side surfaces and said upper and lower surfaces are oriented to substantially form a parallelogram.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
19 words
The threaded implant of claim 95 , wherein said two diametrically opposed arcs are each of the same radius.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 99 , wherein the distance across said two diametrically opposed arcs generally approximates the distance between said upper and lower surfaces of said expander.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
17 words
The threaded implant of claim 95 , wherein said two diametrically opposed corners form a 90-degree angle.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
453 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located for allowing for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members having a rotational articulation therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said rotational articulation being formed by said upper and lower members interdigitating so as to cooperatively engage, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one blocker adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
453 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located for allowing for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members having a rotational articulation therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said rotational articulation being formed by said upper and lower members interdigitating so as to cooperatively engage, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one blocker adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 102 , wherein said rotational articulation is configured such that engagement occurs when said upper and lower members are substantially perpendicular to one another.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
36 words
The threaded implant of claim 103 , wherein said rotational articulation is configured to remain engaged within a range of movement of said upper and lower members resulting from positioning said implant in the second position.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
554 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said first height and said second height being in a plane, the plane being perpendicular to an axis of rotation of said expander.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
554 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said first height and said second height being in a plane, the plane being perpendicular to an axis of rotation of said expander.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
55 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , further comprising a hollow defined between said upper and lower members in communication with said openings in each of said upper and lower members, said hollow being adapted to receive fusion-promoting substances, said hollow having a width that is substantially unobstructed by any mechanism for moving said expander.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
23 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , where said implant has a constant width in both the collapsed height and the increased height.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant has a width and said expander has a width less than the width of said implant.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
28 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant has a width and said expander has a width less than one half the width of said implant.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
37 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant has a longitudinal axis and said expander rotates in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said implant to increase the height of said implant.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
18 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said expander is located along the axis of said implant.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
22 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said expander is located proximate said proximal ends of said upper and lower members.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
60 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said expander is adapted to cooperatively engage a tool used to move said expander from an initial position to a final position to increase the height of said implant, said tool not being a part of said implant and being removed from said implant after moving said expander into the final position.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
41 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said expander is adapted to cooperatively engage a tool that rotates about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said implant to rotate said expander to increase the height of said implant.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 114 , wherein said expander rotates in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said implant to increase the height of said implant.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
24 words
The threaded implant of claim 115 , wherein said expander remains in the same location along the longitudinal axis of the implant when rotated.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
32 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said expander moves said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members form a parallel orientation to an angled orientation relative to one another.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
22 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein each of said upper and lower members are adapted to cooperate with said expander.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
55 words
The threaded implant of claim 118 , wherein at least one of said tracks of said upper and lower members includes at least one side having a cooperating surface, said expander having a corresponding cooperating surface that contacts said cooperating surface of said at least one side to orient said expander in a predetermined location.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
31 words
The threaded implant of claim 119 , wherein said cooperating surface of said at least one side is a detent and said corresponding cooperating surface of said expander is a projection.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
36 words
The threaded implant of claim 120 , wherein said detent and said projection center said expander within said implant such that the axis of rotation of said expander coincides with the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 118 , wherein each of said upper and lower members have a track configured to permit said expander to rotate therein.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
50 words
The threaded implant of claim 122 , wherein at least one of said tracks of said upper and lower members has a cooperating surface, said expander having a corresponding cooperating surface that contacts said cooperating surface of said at least one track to orient said expander in a predetermined location.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
36 words
The threaded implant of claim 123 , wherein said cooperating surfaces center orient said expander within said implant such that the axis of rotation of said expander is parallel with the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
34 words
The threaded implant of claim 124 , wherein said cooperating surfaces center said expander within said implant such that the axis of rotation of said expander coincides with the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 122 , wherein said track of said upper member and said track of said lower member are in the same plane.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 122 , wherein said track of said upper member and said track of said lower member are parallel to one another.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
33 words
The threaded implant of claim 122 , wherein said track of said upper member and said track of said lower member are in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
36 words
The threaded implant of claim 118 , wherein said upper and lower members are adapted to cooperate with said expander so as to center said expander within a cross section of the upper and lower portions.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
28 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said upper and lower members structurally cooperate with said expander so as to keep said expander located within said implant.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
41 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said upper and lower members are configured to cooperate with one another so as to stop said upper and lower members from being moved apart from one another more than a predetermined distance.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
45 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein the difference between said first height and said second height of said expander approximates the difference in height of said implant between said first position and said second position as measured proximate the location of said expander.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
26 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said expander has a depth dimension less than that of said first and second height of said expander.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 133 , wherein said expander has a fixed shape during movement from an initial insertion position to a final deployed position within said implant.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
22 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said expander is located proximate said distal ends of said upper and lower members.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , further in combination with a fusion promoting substance.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
16 words
The threaded implant of claim 136 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is bone morphogenetic protein.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 136 , wherein said fusion promoting substance includes hydroxyapatite.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
20 words
The threaded implant of claim 136 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 136 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is bone.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
18 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said upper and lower members have walls contacting one another.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
20 words
The threaded implant of claim 141 , wherein said walls are aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of said implant.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
16 words
The threaded implant of claim 141 , wherein said walls are at least in part overlapping.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
34 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said upper and lower members have a rotational articulation therebetween adjacent one of said proximal end and said distal end of said upper and lower members.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
31 words
The threaded implant of claim 144 , wherein said rotational articulation is at one of said proximal end and said distal end of said upper and lower members opposite said expander.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 144 , wherein said rotational articulation allows for expansion.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 146 , wherein said rotational articulation allows for limited expansion.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
86 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein one of said upper and lower members has an interior wall, which is unexposed, extending therefrom toward the other of said upper and lower members when said implant is in an initial insertion position, and when said implant is in a final position said implant has a shape such that each of said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members are separated by at least a portion of said interior wall, which now has an exposed side.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
20 words
The threaded implant of claim 148 , wherein said upper and lower members have side walls for engaging each other.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
23 words
The threaded implant of claim 149 , wherein said side walls of said upper and lower members are at least partially overlapping walls.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
33 words
The threaded implant of claim 148 , wherein said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members form an angular orientation relative to one another when said implant is in the final position.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
30 words
The threaded implant of claim 148 , wherein said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members when said implant is in the initial insertion position form a cylindrical shape.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
38 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , further comprising a cap for closing one of said proximal end and said distal end of said upper and lower members, said cap having an exterior surface and an interior surface.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
31 words
The threaded implant of claim 153 , wherein said interior surface of said cap has spaced slots about its circumference to facilitate a snap fit of said cap into said implant.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
17 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant comprises an artificial material other than bone.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
21 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is stronger than bone.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
21 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is harder than bone.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
12 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant comprises bone.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
13 words
The threaded implant of claim 158 , wherein said bone includes cortical bone.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
27 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant has a side surface when in a final position that is contoured to cooperate with another implant.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
33 words
The threaded implant of claim 160 , wherein said implant and said cooperating other implant have a combined width therebetween less than the combined height of said implant and said cooperating other implant.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant comprises bone growth promoting material.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
32 words
The threaded implant of claim 162 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from the growth consisting of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 162 , wherein said bone growth promoting material includes hydroxyapatite.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
21 words
The threaded implant of claim 162 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
18 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant is a source of osteogenesis.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
16 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant is at least in part bioabsorbable.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
12 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant comprises metal.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
21 words
The threaded implant of claim 169 , wherein said metal is ASTM material suitable for use said threaded spinal fusion implant.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
12 words
The threaded implant of claim 169 , wherein said metal includes titanium.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant comprises a plastic material.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
14 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant comprises a ceramic material.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
16 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
34 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant is formed of a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.
Claim 182
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said implant has an interior surface and a hollow defined therein, said hollow being capable of containing bone growth promoting material.
Claim 183
Dependent Claim
15 words
The threaded implant of claim 176 , wherein said bone growth promoting material includes hydroxyapatite.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
20 words
The threaded implant of claim 176 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is genes for the production of bone.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
32 words
The threaded implant of claim 176 , wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.
Claim 186
Dependent Claim
19 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said at least one opening is adapted to retain fusion-promoting materials.
Claim 187
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein at least a portion of said implant is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said implant and said adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
17 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , in combination with a chemical substance to inhibit scar formation.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
65 words
The threaded implant of claim 105 , wherein said blocker is an expander having an external thread, each of said upper and lower members having a threaded converging portion adapted to cooperate with said external thread of said expander to expand said implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height when said expander is rotated from a first to a second position.
Claim 190
Dependent Claim
554 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said implant having side walls and said expander not contacting said side walls when said implant is in the final deployed position.
Claim 191
Dependent Claim
554 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said implant having side walls and said expander not contacting said side walls when said implant is in the final deployed position.
Claim 192
Dependent Claim
548 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said expander remaining in the same location along the longitudinal axis of the implant when rotated.
Claim 193
Dependent Claim
548 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said expander remaining in the same location along the longitudinal axis of the implant when rotated.
Claim 194
Dependent Claim
562 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said expander being located at a predetermined location along the length of said implant and remaining so located in transitioning said implant from the first position to the second position.
Claim 195
Dependent Claim
562 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said expander being located at a predetermined location along the length of said implant and remaining so located in transitioning said implant from the first position to the second position.
Claim 196
Dependent Claim
578 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, each of said upper and lower members being adapted to cooperate with said expander, each of said upper and lower members having a track configured to permit said expander to rotate therein, said tracks permitting said expander to move from side to side within said track.
Claim 197
Dependent Claim
578 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, each of said upper and lower members being adapted to cooperate with said expander, each of said upper and lower members having a track configured to permit said expander to rotate therein, said tracks permitting said expander to move from side to side within said track.
Claim 198
Dependent Claim
573 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said expander having an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces as defined when said expander is positioned to increase the height of said implant, said side surfaces intersecting said upper and said lower surfaces at two diametrically opposed junctions.
Claim 199
Dependent Claim
573 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said expander having an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces as defined when said expander is positioned to increase the height of said implant, said side surfaces intersecting said upper and said lower surfaces at two diametrically opposed junctions.
Claim 200
Dependent Claim
27 words
The threaded implant of claim 188 , wherein said two diametrically opposed junctions are a pair of diametrically opposed corners and a pair of diametrically opposed arcs.
Claim 201
Dependent Claim
19 words
The threaded implant of claim 189 , wherein said two diametrically opposed arcs are each of the same radius.
Claim 202
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 190 , wherein the distance across said two diametrically opposed arcs generally approximates the distance between said upper and lower surfaces of said expander.
Claim 203
Dependent Claim
17 words
The threaded implant of claim 189 , wherein said two diametrically opposed corners form a 90-degree angle.
Claim 204
Dependent Claim
20 words
The threaded implant of claim 188 , wherein each of said upper and lower surfaces lie generally in a plane.
Claim 205
Dependent Claim
19 words
The threaded implant of claim 188 , wherein said upper and lower surfaces are generally parallel to one another.
Claim 206
Dependent Claim
24 words
The threaded implant of claim 188 , wherein said side surfaces and said upper and lower surfaces are oriented to substantially form a parallelogram.
Claim 207
Dependent Claim
575 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members having a rotational articulation therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said rotational articulation being formed by said upper and lower members interdigitating so as to cooperatively engage.
Claim 208
Dependent Claim
575 words
A threaded interbody spinal fusion implant for at least in part rotational insertion across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said implant comprising: an upper member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said upper member having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower member having a portion being at least in part arcuate adapted for placement toward and at least in part within the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said lower member having at least one opening adapted to communicate with the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower members being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant and being sufficiently sized and located to allow for interbody spinal fusion through said implant, said lower member having a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said proximal end and said distal end of said upper member, respectively, and a length between said proximal and distal ends, said upper and lower members having a rotational articulation therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members, said upper and lower members articulating therebetween adjacent one of said proximal ends and said distal ends of said upper and lower members and allowing for expansion of the height of said implant, said upper and lower members having a first position relative to one another allowing for a collapsed implant height and a second position relative to one another allowing for an increased height, said arcuate portions of said upper and lower members in the first position being parallel to one another over a substantial portion of the length of said implant and forming at least a portion of a cylinder along the length of said implant; at least a portion of a helical thread formed on the exterior of each of said opposed arcuate portions of said upper and lower members for penetrably engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and to facilitate securing said implant into the spine by at least in part rotating said implant about the longitudinal axis of said implant; and at least one expander adapted to expand said upper and lower members from the first position to the second position when moved from an expander insertion position to a final deployed expander position, said expander being adapted to cooperatively engage and hold at least a portion of said upper and lower members apart so as to maintain the increased height of said implant and resist the collapse of said implant to the collapsed implant height when said implant is in a final deployed position, said expander having a first height corresponding to the height of said expander when said implant is initially inserted into the spine, said expander having a second height corresponding to the height of said expander when said expander is rotated into a final deployed position to increase the height of said implant, said second height of said expander being greater than said first height of said expander, said rotational articulation being formed by said upper and lower members interdigitating so as to cooperatively engage.
Claim 209
Dependent Claim
29 words
The threaded implant of claim 196 , wherein said rotational articulation is configured such that engagement occurs when said upper and lower members are substantially perpendicular to one another.
Claim 210
Dependent Claim
36 words
The threaded implant of claim 197 , wherein said rotational articulation is configured to remain engaged within a range of movement of said upper and lower members resulting from positioning said implant in the second position.
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US6102950A
Cited
WO2000074605A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-12-30 | 2006-07-01 | 2006-12-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-12-30 | 2010-07-01 | 2010-12-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-12-30 | 2014-07-01 | 2014-12-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |