Spinal implant devices and methods

摘要

Systems, devices and methods relating to a spinal implant for placement in a disc space of a spine are described. A spinal implant (1) can include a plurality of wedge members including a leading wedge (22), a trailing wedge (28), and one or more intermediary wedges (26) therebetween. The spinal implant (1) can be configured to have a first linear configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are in a linearly expanded form and a second circular configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are positioned circumferentially relative to a center axis. In its first configuration, the spinal implant (1) can be delivered to a disc space, whereby it can assume its second configuration within the disc space, thereby forming a replacement nucleus. The spinal implant (1) can be kept in its first configuration by a rod member (41) received as through the plurality of wedge members. The wedge members can be slidably removed off of the rod member (41) and can assume the second configuration.

主权项

1. A spinal implant system for insertion in a disc space between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra comprising:
a plurality of wedge members comprising a leading wedge, a trailing wedge, and one or more intermediary wedges positioned therebetween, wherein the wedge members are coupled in series and are configured to be delivered to the disc space, wherein each of the plurality of wedge members has a generally triangular cross-section along a longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the plurality of wedge members includes a mating surface on a first side of the wedge member and a receiving surface on a second side of the wedge member for slidably coupling a mating surface of another wedge member, wherein the mating surface of each of the plurality of wedge members comprises a tongue extending along an entire length of the first side and the receiving surface of each of the plurality of wedge members comprises a groove extending along an entire length of the second side; and wherein the spinal implant system has a first configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are arranged for delivery to the disc space and a second configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are positioned circumferentially relative to a center axis, and wherein in the second configuration the mating surface of the leading wedge is proximate to the receiving surface of the trailing wedge.