Expandable interbody spacer

摘要

The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating one or more damaged, diseased, or traumatized portions of the spine, including intervertebral discs, to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to an expandable interbody spacer. The expandable interbody spacer may comprise a first jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The expandable interbody spacer further may comprise a second jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a proximal end of the expandable interbody spacer. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a distal end of the expandable interbody spacer.

主权项

1. A surgical method comprising:
inserting in a disc space an expandable spacer, wherein the expandable spacer has a first unexpanded configuration and a second expanded configuration that is larger than the first unexpanded configuration, wherein the expandable spacer comprises:
an upper endplate and a lower endplate, wherein the upper endplate comprises a first endplate portion and a second endplate portion;a translation member and an actuation member, wherein the actuation member is operably coupled to the translation member; andat least one side slot, wherein the at least one side slot extends a majority of the length of the translation member; and rotating the actuation member in a first direction to cause lateral translation of the translation member in the first direction to thereby cause sliding engagement between ramps of the translation member and ramps of inner sidewalls of the upper and lower endplates thereby causing outward expansion of the upper and lower endplates, wherein an installation instrument engages with the at least one side slot, wherein in the first unexpanded configuration, the first endplate portion and the second endplate portion align with one another such that no opening extends through a midline of the expandable spacer and the first endplate portion and second endplate portion are in contact with the actuation member, and in the second expanded configuration, the first endplate portion and the second endplate portion spread away from one another such that an opening extends through the midline of the expandable spacer and the first endplate portion and second endplate portion are no longer in contact with the actuation member, and wherein the upper endplate and the lower endplate are hinged in the first unexpanded configuration and the second expanded configuration.