Patent Application
20250017743
The present invention relates in general to surgery on the human spine, and more particularly, to an anchor and an interbody for use in interbody fusion.
Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with a spinal implant as an example.
An intervertebral disc in a human spine may be replaced by a spinal implant to promote fusion of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc.
U.S. Pat. No. 11,273,048, to Cain et al., is said to disclose an orthopedic implant which generally includes a frame structure and a porous structure, in which both the frame and porous structure at least partially define at least six surfaces which make a three-dimensional profile of the implant, and in which the porous structure is positioned at least partially within the three-dimensional profile.
U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2022/0117753, by Rucker et al., is said to disclose a surgical implant device, including: a solid surface; and a lattice structure disposed adjacent to the solid surface, wherein the lattice structure includes a first plurality of struts that define a first plurality of voids adjacent to the solid surface and a second plurality of struts that define a second plurality of voids remote from the solid surface. Each of the first plurality of struts is said to have an average cross-sectional diameter that is smaller than an average cross-sectional diameter of each of the second plurality of struts. Each of the first plurality of voids is said to have an average internal diameter that is smaller than an average internal diameter of each of the second plurality of voids. The surgical implant device is also said to include a needle-populated porous surface disposed adjacent to the solid surface opposite the lattice structure.
Despite these advances, a need remains for ALIF anchors and interbodies that address the shortcomings discussed herein.
As embodied and broadly described herein, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to an anchor and interbody for interbody fusion, comprising: an interbody for insertion between vertebrae of a human spine, comprising: an interbody cage comprising a plurality of anchor receptacles, each anchor receptacle configured to receive an anchor to secure the interbody to a vertebra; and the anchor, comprising: a head configured to engage one of the plurality of anchor receptacles; a curved partial-tubular shank connected to or integral with the head at a proximal end of the curved partial-tubular shank, extending from the head, and comprising a plurality of concentric grooves on an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank; and a straight tapered tip portion at a distal end of the curved partial-tubular shank and extending from the curved partial-tubular shank. In one aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of teeth disposed on an edge of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of indentations in an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of protrusions on an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of grooves in an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises porosity in an external surface, an internal surface, or both, of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the curved partial-tubular shank are not concentric, such that the curved partial-tubular shank varies in thickness. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises an anchor locking tab configured to be depressed inward toward the head as the anchor is inserted into the interbody and the interbody further comprises a pocket configured to engage with the anchor locking tab when it springs outward once the anchor is inserted fully into the interbody. In another aspect, the interbody further comprises an interbody locking tab configured to be moved outward while the head is being inserted into the interbody and to spring inward once the head is fully inserted into the interbody, engaging the head. In another aspect, the straight tapered tip portion comprises one or more reliefs.
As embodied and broadly described herein, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to an anchor and interbody kit for interbody fusion, comprising: an interbody for insertion between vertebrae of a human spine, comprising: an interbody cage comprising a plurality of anchor receptacles, each anchor receptacle configured to receive an anchor to secure the interbody to a vertebra; and the anchor, comprising: a head configured to engage one of the plurality of anchor receptacles; a curved partial-tubular shank connected to or integral with the head at a proximal end of the curved partial-tubular shank, extending from the head, and comprising a plurality of concentric grooves on an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank; and a straight tapered tip portion at a distal end of the curved partial tubular shank and extending from the curved partial-tubular shank; and one or more tools configured to manipulate the interbody or the anchor. In one aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of teeth disposed on an edge of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of indentations in an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of protrusions on an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of grooves in an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises porosity in an external surface, an internal surface, or both, of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the curved partial-tubular shank are not concentric, such that the curved partial-tubular shank varies in thickness. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises an anchor locking tab configured to be depressed inward toward the head as the anchor is inserted into the interbody and the interbody further comprises a pocket configured to engage with the anchor locking tab when it springs outward once the anchor is inserted fully into the interbody. In another aspect, the interbody further comprises an interbody locking tab configured to be moved outward while the head is being inserted into the interbody and to spring inward once the head is fully inserted into the interbody, engaging the head. In another aspect, the straight tapered tip portion comprises one or more reliefs.
As embodied and broadly described herein, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for using an anchor and interbody for interbody fusion, comprising: providing a patient in need of an interbody fusion; providing an anchor and interbody for interbody fusion, comprising: an interbody cage comprising a plurality of anchor receptacles, each anchor receptacle configured to receive an anchor to secure the interbody to a vertebra; and the anchor, comprising: a head configured to engage one of the plurality of anchor receptacles; a curved partial-tubular shank connected to or integral with the head at a proximal end of the curved partial-tubular shank, extending from the head, and comprising a plurality of or concentric grooves on an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank; and a tapered tip portion at a distal end of the curved partial-tubular shank; inserting the interbody between two vertebrae of the patient; and inserting the anchor into one of the plurality of anchor receptacles. In one aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of teeth disposed on an edge of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of indentations in an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of protrusions on an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of grooves in an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises porosity in an external surface, an internal surface, or both, of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the curved partial-tubular shank are not concentric, such that the curved partial-tubular shank varies in thickness. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises an anchor locking tab configured to be depressed inward toward the head as the anchor is inserted into the interbody and the interbody further comprises a pocket configured to engage with the anchor locking tab when it springs outward once the anchor is inserted fully into the interbody. In another aspect, the interbody further comprises an interbody locking tab configured to be moved outward while the head is being inserted into the interbody and to spring inward once the head is fully inserted into the interbody, engaging the head. In another aspect, the straight tapered tip portion comprises one or more reliefs.
For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures, in which:
Illustrative embodiments of the system of the present application are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” or other like terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.
The anchors and spinal implants can be made of biocompatible materials, such as, stainless steel, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, chromium alloys, metal alloys, CoCrMo, hydroxyapetite, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone (PEKK), carbon fiber, ABS plastic, polyurethane, polyethylene, photo-polymer, resin, fiber-encased resinous material, a polymer, natural materials, other biocompatible materials, and combinations thereof. The anchors and spinal implants may be produced at least in part by traditional subtractive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, 3D printing, stercolithography (STL), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), electron beam melting (EBM), multi-jet fusion (MJF), or an additive manufacturing machine.
Embodiments of the present invention may include a curved partial-tubular shank (e.g., 110) with an interior that tapers from a head (e.g., 105) toward a straight tapered tip portion (e.g., 115), to create a thicker cross-section closer to the head and, when inserted into the interbody, closer to the interbody. Embodiments of the present invention my include a straight tapered tip portion (e.g., 115) with reliefs on the straight tapered tip portion. Embodiments of the present invention may also include a straight tapered tip portion (e.g., 115) extending from the curved partial-tubular shank (e.g., 105) non-tangentially from the curve of the curved partial-tubular portion. Embodiments of the present invention may also include a head (e.g., 105) that includes threads within the head for removal of an anchor (e.g., 100). Embodiments of the present invention may also include porous material in the interior of a curved partial-tubular shank (e.g., 105) for bone growth within the curved partial tube. Embodiments of the present invention may also include porosity in an external surface, an internal surface, or both, of a curved partial-tubular shank (e.g., 105).
As embodied and broadly described herein, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to an anchor and interbody for interbody fusion, comprising, consisting essentially of, or comprising: an interbody for insertion between vertebrae of a human spine, comprising: an interbody cage comprising a plurality of anchor receptacles, each anchor receptacle configured to receive an anchor to secure the interbody to a vertebra; and the anchor, comprising: a head configured to engage one of the plurality of anchor receptacles; a curved partial-tubular shank connected to or integral with the head at a proximal end of the curved partial-tubular shank, extending from the head, and comprising a plurality of concentric grooves on an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank; and a straight tapered tip portion at a distal end of the curved partial-tubular shank and extending from the curved partial-tubular shank. In one aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of teeth disposed on an edge of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of indentations in an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of protrusions on an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of grooves in an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises porosity in an external surface, an internal surface, or both, of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the curved partial-tubular shank are not concentric, such that the curved partial-tubular shank varies in thickness. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises an anchor locking tab configured to be depressed inward toward the head as the anchor is inserted into the interbody and the interbody further comprises a pocket configured to engage with the anchor locking tab when it springs outward once the anchor is inserted fully into the interbody. In another aspect, the interbody further comprises an interbody locking tab configured to be moved outward while the head is being inserted into the interbody and to spring inward once the head is fully inserted into the interbody, engaging the head. In another aspect, the straight tapered tip portion comprises one or more reliefs.
As embodied and broadly described herein, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to an anchor and interbody kit for interbody fusion, comprising, consisting essentially of, or comprising: an interbody for insertion between vertebrae of a human spine, comprising: an interbody cage comprising a plurality of anchor receptacles, each anchor receptacle configured to receive an anchor to secure the interbody to a vertebra; and the anchor, comprising: a head configured to engage one of the plurality of anchor receptacles; a curved partial-tubular shank connected to or integral with the head at a proximal end of the curved partial-tubular shank, extending from the head, and comprising a plurality of concentric grooves on an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank; and a straight tapered tip portion at a distal end of the curved partial tubular shank and extending from the curved partial-tubular shank; and one or more tools configured to manipulate the interbody or the anchor. In one aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of teeth disposed on an edge of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of indentations in an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of protrusions on an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of grooves in an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises porosity in an external surface, an internal surface, or both, of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the curved partial-tubular shank are not concentric, such that the curved partial-tubular shank varies in thickness. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises an anchor locking tab configured to be depressed inward toward the head as the anchor is inserted into the interbody and the interbody further comprises a pocket configured to engage with the anchor locking tab when it springs outward once the anchor is inserted fully into the interbody. In another aspect, the interbody further comprises an interbody locking tab configured to be moved outward while the head is being inserted into the interbody and to spring inward once the head is fully inserted into the interbody, engaging the head. In another aspect, the straight tapered tip portion comprises one or more reliefs.
As embodied and broadly described herein, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for using an anchor and interbody for interbody fusion, consisting essentially of, or comprising: providing a patient in need of an interbody fusion; providing an anchor and interbody for interbody fusion, comprising: an interbody cage comprising a plurality of anchor receptacles, each anchor receptacle configured to receive an anchor to secure the interbody to a vertebra; and the anchor, comprising: a head configured to engage one of the plurality of anchor receptacles; a curved partial-tubular shank connected to or integral with the head at a proximal end of the curved partial-tubular shank, extending from the head, and comprising a plurality of or concentric grooves on an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank; and a tapered tip portion at a distal end of the curved partial-tubular shank; inserting the interbody between two vertebrae of the patient; and inserting the anchor into one of the plurality of anchor receptacles. In one aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of teeth disposed on an edge of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of indentations in an exterior surface of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of protrusions on an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises a plurality of grooves in an interior surface the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises porosity in an external surface, an internal surface, or both, of the curved partial-tubular shank. In another aspect, an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the curved partial-tubular shank are not concentric, such that the curved partial-tubular shank varies in thickness. In another aspect, the anchor further comprises an anchor locking tab configured to be depressed inward toward the head as the anchor is inserted into the interbody and the interbody further comprises a pocket configured to engage with the anchor locking tab when it springs outward once the anchor is inserted fully into the interbody. In another aspect, the interbody further comprises an interbody locking tab configured to be moved outward while the head is being inserted into the interbody and to spring inward once the head is fully inserted into the interbody, engaging the head. In another aspect, the straight tapered tip portion comprises one or more reliefs.
While various features of the present invention are discussed and illustrated separately for clarity, each and every feature disclosed herein can be combined with any other disclosed feature in an embodiment unless such a combination in physically impossible.
It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.
All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.
As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In embodiments of any of the compositions and methods provided herein, “comprising” may be replaced with “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of.” As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” requires the specified integer(s) or steps as well as those that do not materially affect the character or function of the claimed invention. As used herein, the term “consisting” is used to indicate the presence of the recited integer (e.g., a feature, an element, a characteristic, a property, a method/process step, or a limitation) or group of integers (e.g., feature(s), element(s), characteristic(s), property (ies), method/process(s) steps, or limitation(s)) only.
The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.
As used herein, words of approximation such as, without limitation, “about,” “substantial” or “substantially” refers to a condition that when so modified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect but would be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the art to warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a change can be instituted and still have one of ordinary skill in the art recognize the modified feature as still having the required characteristics and capabilities of the unmodified feature. In general, but subject to the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of approximation such as “about” may vary from the stated value by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 or 15%.
All of the devices and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the devices and/or methods of this invention have been described in terms of particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.
To aid the Patent Office, and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) as it exists on the date of filing hereof unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/513,203, filed Jul. 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63513203 | Jul 2023 | US |
