Minimally invasive expandable interbody fusion cage

摘要

An interbody fusion cage comprised of two support elements that separate after insertion into the interbody space to form a pocket into which graft material may be inserted. The expansion of the support elements deploys ribbons between the two support elements to further insulate the pocket into which the graft material is inserted, thereby holding it securely in place. Ribbons may be formed of a flexible material so that graft material can be inserted by a surgeon above or below them. Ribbons may also be deployed manually by the surgeon so as to allow insertion of graft material before the ribbon is deployed.

主权项

1. An interbody fusion cage for insertion between adjacent vertebra, comprising:
a body portion comprising a pair of support elements each having an upper surface and a lower surface joined by an inner surface and an outer surface, said pair of support elements movable from a first position in which the inner surface of the first of said pair of support elements is engaged to the inner surface of the second of said pair of support elements along a plane of engagement, and a second position in which said inner surfaces are disengaged each of said pair of support elements further comprising a pair of pins; a first ribbon having a first end wrapped about one of the pins of one of said support elements and engaged at a second end to one of the pins of the other support element, said first ribbon being received within said first or said second support elements when said support elements are in said first position; a second ribbon having a first end wrapped about one of the pins of one of said support elements and engaged at a second end to another of the pins of the other support element, said second ribbon being received within said first or said second support elements when said support elements are in said first position; whereby said first ribbon and said second ribbon are drawn from said first or second support elements when said support elements are moved to said second position thereby permitting movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of engagement of said first and second support elements while resisting movement in a direction along said plane of engagement, and thereby defining an area bordered by said support elements and said ribbons in which to contain graft material.