Patent ID: 6685742
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A spinal fusion cage apparatus for implanting between adjacent vertebrae and comprising:a) a fusion cage having a first leg and a second leg, each leg having a first end, a second end, and an outer support surface therebetween, said first ends being expandably coupled, said cage being implantable between adjacent vertebrae with said support surfaces of said legs engaging said vertebrae; b) an articulated pivot joint coupled with said legs and positioned in between said first and second leg ends; said pivot joint including a knuckle positioned on said second leg; said knuckle having an elongated cylindrical socket extending laterally thereof and a threaded driver bore formed therethrough; said pivot joint including a cylindrical pivot member extending laterally across said first leg and received in said cylindrical socket to pivotally connect said first and second legs, said pivot member having a notch formed therein which is generally aligned with said driver bore in said knuckle when said pivot member is received in said socket; and c) a driver adjustably engaged between said first and second legs and operable for urging said first ends apart and pivoting said first leg for moving said support surface of said first leg of said fusion cage to form a selected angle relative to said support surface of said second leg; said driver being threaded and being threadedly received in said driver bore; and said driver cooperation with said notch in said pivot member to prevent lateral displacement of said first leg and said second leg.