Minimally invasive collapsible cage

摘要

An articulating fusible support cage comprises a first support member having a first and second end and a second support member having a first and second end. A first end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the first ends. The first end cap supports a jackscrew for rotation. A second end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the second ends opposite the first ends. The second end cap has a threaded sleeve configured to engage a portion of the jackscrew. Rotation of the jackscrew into the threaded sleeve causes the first and second support members to extend outwardly from a collapsed condition to a deployed condition.

主权项

1. A method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a support cage that includes:
(1) a first leg segment connected to a first end cap;(2) a second leg segment connected to a second end cap;(3) a hinge pivotably connecting the first and second leg segments;(4) a jackscrew supported on the first end cap and having an externally threaded section; and(5) an internally threaded sleeve supported on the second end cap that cooperates with the externally threaded section of the jackscrew;wherein the first leg segment and the second leg segment define first and second vertebra-engaging surfaces that are separated by a distance; (b) inserting the support cage between first and second vertebrae such that the first vertebra-engaging surface engages the first vertebra and the second vertebra-engaging surface engages the second vertebra; and (c) rotating the jackscrew relative to the internally threaded sleeve so as to cause relative pivoting movement of the first and second leg segments from a collapsed condition, wherein the first end cap and the second end cap are positioned at a first distance from one another, to a deployed condition, wherein the first end cap and the second end cap are positioned at a second distance from one another that is less than the first distance, without changing the distance between the first and second vertebra-engaging surfaces.