Apparatus for promoting movement of nutrients to intervertebral space and method of use

摘要

Devices and methods are disclosed for treating an intervertebral space. A device is provided that extends from the middle of at least one vertebral body to the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. The device allows nutrients, such as bone marrow, blood, etc., to migrate from the vertebral body to the disc space to help promote fusion of the two adjacent vertebral bodies. The device can be tubular, perforated and can be made of an absorbent or wicking material that is able to promote the nutrients to travel through the apparatus.

主权项

1. A method for promoting fusion within a spine segment having a disc comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, comprising:
accessing an endplate of a vertebral body by creating an opening at the outer side surface of the disc and creating a path starting at the opening and extending to an endplate; perforating the endplate of the vertebral body after creating a path starting at the opening; providing an implant for treating the spine comprising a porous member configured to promote transfer of nutrients from the vertebral body to the disc; inserting the implant into the path so that a first end of the implant is adjacent a cancellous bone portion of the vertebral body and a second end of the implant extends into the disc or an interbody spacer; and placing the interbody spacer within a disc space between the endplate and an opposing end plate.