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. An orthopedic device for therapeutically separating bones comprising:
an implant, said implant comprising:
a first endplate configured to engage a first bone, and having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side;a second endplate configured to engage a second bone, and having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side;a frame at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the first endplate;an actuator screw rotatably connected to the frame;a carriage having an open area at least partially aligned with the openings in the first and second endplates; anda first socket,whereby rotation of the actuator screw moves the carriage with respect to the frame and the first and second endplates; andwherein the carriage comprises a plurality of ramps each engageable with at least one of the at least one ramped surfaces of the first and second endplates,wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, at least one of the at least one ramped surface of the first endplate and at least one of the at least one ramped surface of the second endplate each move along at least one of the plurality of ramps of the carriage to cause the endplates to move relative to each other in connection with the frame,wherein the implant has a length extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the implant and a width extending perpendicular to the length, the width of the implant is greater than the length of the implant; and a first anchor configured to fasten the implant to the first bone, wherein the anchor is received in the first socket.