EXPANDABLE AND ADJUSTABLE LORDOSIS INTERBODY FUSION SYSTEM

摘要

An expandable housing for an interbody fusion system has movable tapered external helical threaded members that travel along tracking to operably engage against the top and bottom shell members, urging them apart to cause expansion in the height of the housing. In an embodiment, the tapered members are disposed in a dual arrangement such that independent engagement of the tapered members along lateral portions of the top and bottom shells cause an angular tilt to the exterior surface of the housing when the tapered members are moved to different degrees. This function permits adjustment in the angular relationship between adjacent vertebrae and assists the lordotic adjustment of the patient's spine. When the functions of the device are used in combination by the surgeon, the device provides an effective tool for in situ adjustment when performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

主权项

1. A spinal implant device for placement between vertebral bodies, the device comprising:
an expandable shell; at least one wedge member; and at least one drive shaft; the expandable shell comprising a top member and a bottom member, at least the bottom member having tracking for receiving the wedge member, the drive shaft being operably engagable with the wedge member for moving the wedge member along the tracking, the wedge member engaging the top member and the bottom member, whereby the top member and bottom member move relative to each other in response to movement of the wedge member along the tracking to effect an expansion of the shell.