PLASTICALLY DEFORMABLE INTER-OSSEOUS DEVICE

摘要

Described here are deformable monolithic, stabilization devices, or implants, suitable for use within bone and between bones, for instance, to fuse vertebral bodies, to repair herniated discs, or to repair spinal compression fractures. The implants are introduced into a chosen site at a first, smaller height and then plastically deformed to achieve a second, but unique, pre-selected, larger height. Variations of the device provide one or more specific larger heights. The devices are particularly suitable as intervertebral spinal fusion implants for the immobilization of adjacent vertebral bodies. Methods of deploying the implants are also described as are instruments for such deployment.

主权项

1. An orthopedic stabilizing device for placement in an interosseous space defined by adjacent bony surfaces, comprising a deformable monolithic body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending through the distal and proximal ends, said device being expandable along a height axis between a first unexpanded height to a second and third larger expanded height by deformation of the monolithic body, said body including longitudinally separated first and second partial columns that are not engaged with each other at said first height and operative to move longitudinally and engage upon expansion to form a load-bearing column at one of said second larger height or said third larger height.