Patent ID: 12201530

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring toFIGS.1A and1B, a first isometric view of the lumbar vertebrae fusion device with internal extension mechanism in a retracted position and a first isometric view an extended position are shown.

The spinal stabilization device100is shown with body110, the body110including tool interface recesses120into which the surgeon's insertion tool (not shown) fits to grip the spinal stabilization device100.

The anchoring element140moves inwardly and outwardly with respect to the body110, inward and outward movement caused by rotation of threaded actuator160.

Inward movement of the anchoring element140causes extension of the upper tangs142and lower tangs144, which then protrude beyond the body110.

In its fully seated position, the anchoring element head141sits within the recess128.

Also shown is cavity for bone graft180.

Referring toFIGS.2A and2B, a side view of the lumbar vertebrae fusion device with internal extension mechanism in a retracted position and a side view in an extended position are shown.

In the preferred embodiment, the upper surface112and lower surface116of the body110are angled with respect to each other to create a tapered profile122that matches the preferred spacing between adjacent vertebrae. In other embodiments, the upper surface112and lower surface116have other shapes or angles with respect to each other to best conform to the adjacent vertebrae based upon the location of placement within the spine.

The upper surface112includes upper surface prongs114to discourage motion of the body110with respect to the vertebrae. Similarly, the lower surface116includes lower surface prongs118.

The anchoring element140is moved by the threaded actuator160causing motion and deformation of the upper tangs142and lower tangs144.

Referring toFIGS.3A and3B, a partial cross-sectional view of the lumbar vertebrae fusion device with internal extension mechanism in a retracted position and a partial cross-sectional view in an extended position are shown.

Motion of the lower tang144through the body110, specifically through the tank deflection passage130with downward deflection ramp132, is shown.

As the anchoring element140, with head141, moves toward the recess128, the tangs142/144are forced through their respective tang deflection passages130, the tangs causing plastic deformation of the tangs142/144as they change shape to protrude upward and downward beyond the body110.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, a second partial cross-sectional view of the lumbar vertebrae fusion device with internal extension mechanism in a retracted position and a second partial cross-sectional view in an extended position are shown.

The anchoring element140is moved by rotation of the threaded actuator160. Threaded actuator160is interfaced with by the tool interface head162, into which the surgeon inserts the actuator driver (not shown).

The threaded actuator160includes a first thread set164with first diameter168and a second thread set166with second diameter170.

Body110includes a threaded actuator pass through126, into which the threaded actuator160moves as the anchoring element140is pulled into the body110.

The first thread set164interfaces with the first threaded actuator interface124of the body110.

The second thread set166interfaces with the second threaded actuator interface150of the anchoring element140.

As the threaded actuator160is rotated, the anchoring element140is drawn into the body110. In the preferred embodiment, motion of the anchoring element with respect to the body is created by the first thread set164being of opposite pitch as compared to the second thread set166. Stated differently, the first thread set164is, for example, right hand thread, and the second thread set166is, for example, left hand thread.

In an alternative embodiment both thread sets164/166shared the same thread direction, for example left hand thread, but have differing pitches resulting in a differing amount of linear motion per single rotation.

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, a second isometric view of the lumbar vertebrae fusion device with internal extension mechanism in a retracted position and a second isometric view in an extended position are shown.

The rear view of the spinal stabilization device100shows the body110with upward protruding upper tangs142and downward protruding lower tangs144.

The threaded actuator160is just visible after complete extension of the tangs142/144.

Referring toFIGS.6A and6B, an exploded view of the lumbar vertebrae fusion device with internal extension mechanism in a retracted position and an exploded view in an extended position are shown.

The threaded actuator160is shown with first thread set164, second thread set166, first diameter168, and second diameter170.

The anchoring element140is visible before and after tang deformation.

Referring toFIG.7, an end-on view of the body of the lumbar vertebrae fusion device with internal extension mechanism is shown.

The body110includes a tang deflection passage130for each tang142/144(seeFIG.1B).

Each tang deflection passage130includes either a downward deflection ramp132or an upward deflection ramp134depending upon whether the associated tang142/144is to protrude through the top or the bottom of the body110.

It is also noted that the tang deflection passages are angled outward to direct the tangs away from the center line of the body110, widening their interface with the adjacent vertebrae to increase stability.

Referring toFIG.8, an installed view of the lumbar vertebrae fusion device with internal extension mechanism is shown.

Two spinal stabilization devices100are shown, each interfacing with two vertebrae202of the lumbar spine200.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.