Expandable intervertebral implant

摘要

An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

主权项

1. A surgical method comprising:
forming an incision in a patient; removing tissue from the patient at a surgical site; inserting an expandable implant into the surgical site via an anterior approach; and expanding the expandable implant at the surgical site wherein the expandable implant comprises an upper endplate, a lower endplate, a moveable actuator positioned therebetween, and a rotatable actuator screw configured to actuate the moveable actuator, wherein the expandable implant further comprises a first bone fastener insertable through a first through hole in the upper endplate and a second bone fastener insertable through a second through hole in the lower endplate.