Patent Grant
11439517
This invention relates generally to bone fusion devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices for fusing vertebrae of the spine that can be inserted arthroscopically.
The spinal column is made up of vertebrae stacked on top of one another. Between the vertebrae are discs which are gel-like cushions that act as shock-absorbers and keep the spine flexible. Injury, disease, or excessive pressure on the discs can cause degenerative disc disease or other disorders where the disc becomes thinner and allows the vertebrae to move closer together or become misaligned. As a result, nerves may become pinched, causing pain that radiates into other parts of the body, or instability of the vertebrae may ensue.
One method for correcting disc-related disorders is to insert a fusion cage between the vertebrae to act as a structural replacement for the deteriorated disc. The fusion cage is typically a hollow metal device usually made of titanium. Once inserted, the fusion cage maintains the proper separation between the vertebrae to prevent nerves from being pinched and provides structural stability to the spine. Also, the inside of the cage is filled with bone graft material which eventually fuses permanently with the adjacent vertebrae into a single unit.
The use of fusion cages for fusion and stabilization of vertebrae in the spine is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740 to Ray, et al. entitled, “V-Thread Fusion Cage and Method of Fusing a Bone Joint,” discloses a fusion cage with a threaded outer surface, where the crown of the thread is sharp and cuts into the bone. Perforations are provided in valleys between adjacent turns of the thread. The cage can be screwed into a threaded bore provided in the bone structure at the surgical site and then packed with bone chips which promote fusion.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,247 to Michelson entitled, “Threaded Spinal Implant,” discloses a fusion implant comprising a cylindrical member having a series of threads on the exterior of the cylindrical member for engaging the vertebrae to maintain the implant in place and a plurality of openings in the cylindrical surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,074 to Simpson entitled, “Anterior Lumbar Underbody Fusion Implant and Method For Fusing Adjacent Vertebrae,” discloses a one-piece spinal fusion implant comprising a hollow body having an access passage for insertion of bone graft material into the intervertebral space after the implant has been affixed to adjacent vertebrae. The implant provides a pair of screw-receiving passages that are oppositely inclined relative to a central plane. In one embodiment, the screw-receiving passages enable the head of an orthopaedic screw to be retained entirely within the access passage.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,287 to Bagby entitled, “Self-tapping Interbody Bone Implant,” discloses a bone joining implant with a rigid, implantable base body having an outer surface with at least one bone bed engaging portion configured for engaging between a pair of bone bodies to be joined, wherein at least one spline is provided by the bone bed engaging portion, the spline being constructed and arranged to extend outwardly of the body and having an undercut portion.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,467 to Teitelbaum et al. entitled, “Expandable Fusion Cage,” discloses an expandable fusion cage where the surfaces of the cage have multiple portions cut out of the metal to form sharp barbs. As the cage is expanded, the sharp barbs protrude into the subcortical bone of the vertebrae to secure the cage in place. The cage is filled with bone or bone matrix material.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,550 to Sertich entitled, “Interbody Fusion Cage,” discloses a prosthetic device which includes an inert generally rectangularly shaped support body adapted to be seated on hard end plates of vertebrae. The support body has top and bottom faces. A first peg is movably mounted in a first aperture located in the support body, and the first aperture terminates at one of the top and bottom faces of the support body. Further, the first peg projects away from the one of the top and bottom faces and into an adjacent vertebra to secure the support body in place relative to the vertebra.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,140 to Liu et al. entitled, “Expandable Interbody Fusion Cage and Method for Insertion,” discloses an expandable hollow interbody fusion device, wherein the body is divided into a number of branches connected to one another at a fixed end and separated at an expandable end. The expandable cage may be inserted in its substantially cylindrical form and may be expanded by movement of an expansion member to establish lordosis of the spine. An expansion member interacts with the interior surfaces of the device to maintain the cage in the expanded condition and provide a large internal chamber for receiving bone in-growth material.
These patents all disclose fusion cage devices that can be inserted between vertebrae of the spine in an invasive surgical procedure. Such an invasive surgical procedure requires a long recovery period.
The present invention is directed to a bone fusion device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises at least one extendable tab and one or more tab extension assemblies. Each tab extension assembly is able to be adjusted in order to individually control the extension or contraction of a side of the tab thereby enabling adjustment of the height and/or angle of the tab with respect to the body of the bone fusion device. The bone fusion device is in its most compact state when the tab is aligned with the body of the device such that the tab lies within the exterior of the body of the device. In this compact form, the bone fusion device is preferably inserted between the vertebrae by using an arthroscopic procedure. After the device has been positioned between the vertebrae, the tab is extended using the extension assemblies such that the tab abuts the bottom surface of the upper vertebrae. The angle of the tab with respect to the body of the device is able to be adjusted such that it corresponds to the vertebrae. Specifically, each extension assembly is able to be individually adjusted such that the side controlled by each assembly is raised or lowered until the desired tab angle is achieved. In this way, the tab is advantageously positioned and angled to correspond to the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused and to provide a larger surface area to which the bones attach and fuse during a healing period.
A first aspect of the present application is directed to a bone fusion device for insertion into a desired location. The device comprises a body having an interior cavity, a tab configured to fit within the interior cavity and selectively move from a retracted position within interior cavity of the body to an extended position extending out of the body and a plurality of extension assemblies coupled to a different portion of the tab and configured to move the different portions of the tab between the retracted position and the extended position independent of the remainder of the extension assemblies. In some embodiments, each of the extension assemblies comprise a worm gear operably coupled between a drive screw and a support jack such that rotation of the drive screw rotates the worm gear which retracts or extends the support jack into or out of the worm gear. In some embodiments, at least one of the drive screws of the extension assemblies is accessible through a first lateral side of the body and at least a second one of the drive screws is accessible through a second lateral side of the body. In some embodiments, the extension assemblies are pivotably coupled to the different portions of the tab such that the tab is able to pivot about the extension assembly. In some embodiments, the body has a bottom surface and an upper surface, wherein the upper surface is angled with respect to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the device further comprises one or more plugs, wherein the body and the tab comprise one or more holes that extend from outside the device to the inner cavity and are configured to be removably filled by the plugs. In some embodiments, the plugs comprise bone material. In some embodiments, the tab comprises one or more tangs positioned along the perimeter of the top surface of the tab and fit within recesses in the top surface of the body when the tab is in the retracted position. In some embodiments, one or more of the tangs extend from the perimeter of the tab to the perimeter of the body. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a support webbing positioned within the inner cavity of the body between one or more walls of the inner cavity and the exterior of the worm gears such that the support webbing resists lateral movement of the worm gears with respect to the walls of the inner cavity.
A second aspect of the present application is directed to a method of implanting a bone fusion device into a desired location. The method comprises inserting the bone fusion device in the desired location, wherein the bone fusion device comprises a body having an interior cavity, a tab configured to fit within the interior cavity and selectively move from a retracted position within interior cavity of the body to an extended position extending out of the body and a plurality of extension assemblies coupled to a different portion of the tab and configured to move the different portions of the tab between the retracted position and the extended position independent of the remainder of the extension assemblies and independently extending one or more of the different portions of the tab from the retracted position within the interior cavity to a position at least partially outside the interior cavity by moving at least one of the extension assemblies. In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting the amount which one or more of the different portions of the tab are extended compared to the remainder of the different portions of the tab such that the angle of the tab with respect to the body is adjusted. In some embodiments, each of the extension assemblies comprise a worm gear operably coupled between a drive screw and a support jack such that rotation of the drive screw rotates the worm gear which retracts or extends the support jack into or out of the worm gear. In some embodiments, at least one of the drive screws of the extension assemblies is accessible through a first lateral side of the body and at least a second one of the drive screws is accessible through a second lateral side of the body. In some embodiments, the extension assemblies are pivotably coupled to the different portions of the tab such that the tab is able to pivot about the extension assembly. In some embodiments, the body has a bottom surface and an upper surface, wherein the upper surface is angled with respect to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the method further comprises removably filling one or more holes with one or more plugs, wherein the body and the tab comprise the one or more holes, which extend from outside the device to the inner cavity and are configured to be removably filled by the plugs. In some embodiments, the plugs comprise bone material. In some embodiments, the tab comprises one or more tangs positioned along the perimeter of the top surface of the tab and fit within recesses in the top surface of the body when the tab is in the retracted position. In some embodiments, one or more of the tangs extend from the perimeter of the tab to the perimeter of the body. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a support webbing positioned within the inner cavity of the body between one or more walls of the inner cavity and the exterior of the worm gears such that the support webbing resists lateral movement of the worm gears with respect to the walls of the inner cavity. In some embodiments, the method further comprises retracting the tab of the bone fusion device into the retracted position before inserting the bone fusion device into the desired location.
A third aspect of the present application is directed to a distraction instrument for use with a bone fusion device. The distraction instrument comprises a tubular body, a control rod positioned at least partially within the tubular body, wherein the control rod comprises a first end coupled with a handle and extending out a first side of the tubular body and a second end including an engaging element and extending out a second side of the tubular body and a head assembly comprising a plurality of plates and operably coupled with engaging element of the control rod such that manipulating the control rod with respect to the head assembly causes the plates to separate. In some embodiments, the head assembly is operably coupled with the engaging element such that rotation of the control rod with respect to the head assembly causes the plates to separate and rotation in the opposite direction causes the plates to contract. In some embodiments, the head assembly further comprises a jack mechanism coupled between the plates that effectuates the separating and the contracting of the plates and is configured to fit within one or more recesses within the plates when the plates are fully contracted. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises an indicator positioned on the surface of the instrument, wherein the indicator dynamically indicates the distance between the plates. In some embodiments, the indicator indicates one or more values corresponding to how much one or more controls of one or more bone fusion implant devices must be rotated to extend one or more tabs of the devices such that the devices have height equal to the distance between the plates. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises a force sensor coupled to the head assembly, wherein the force sensor measures a level of force resisting the separation of the plates. In some embodiments, the indicator indicates the level of force measured by the force sensor. In some embodiments, the head assembly is configured to stop the plates from further separating once the level of force measured by the force sensor equals a threshold level. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises a motor and a motor control coupled with the control rod, wherein the motor control controls the operation of the motor and the motor enables motorized manipulation of the control rod to separate the plates.
A fourth aspect of the present application is directed to a method of using a distraction instrument to measure the amount of space in a desired location. The method comprises inserting the distraction instrument in the desired location, wherein the distraction instrument comprises a tubular body, a control rod positioned at least partially within the tubular body, wherein the control rod comprises a first end coupled with a handle and extending out a first side of the tubular body and a second end including an engaging element and extending out a second side of the tubular body and a head assembly comprising a plurality of plates and operably coupled with engaging element of the control rod such that moving the control rod with respect to the head assembly causes the plates to separate and separating the plates until the plates reach bounds of the desired location by manipulating the control rod with respect to the head assembly. In some embodiments, the manipulating the control rod comprises rotating the control rod with respect to the head assembly wherein rotation in a first direction causes the plates to separate and rotation in a second direction causes the plates to contract. In some embodiments, the head assembly further comprises a jack mechanism coupled between the plates that effectuates the separating and the contracting of the plates and is configured to fit within one or more recesses within the plates when the plates are fully contracted. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises an indicator positioned on the surface of the instrument, wherein the indicator dynamically indicates the distance between the plates. In some embodiments, the indicator indicates one or more values corresponding to how much one or more controls of one or more bone fusion implant devices must be rotated to extend one or more tabs of the devices such that the devices have height equal to the distance between the plates. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises a force sensor coupled to the head assembly, wherein the force sensor measures a level of force resisting the separation of the plates. In some embodiments, the indicator indicates the level of force measured by the force sensor. In some embodiments, the head assembly is configured to stop the plates from further separating once the level of force measured by the force sensor equals a threshold level. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises a motor and a motor control coupled with the control rod, wherein the motor control controls the operation of the motor and the motor enables motorized manipulation of the control rod to separate the plates.
A fifth aspect of the present application is directed to a bone fusion device for insertion into a desired location. The device comprises a body having an interior cavity, a tab configured to fit within the interior cavity and selectively move from a retracted position within interior cavity of the body to an extended position extending out of the body, a plurality of extension assemblies coupled to a different portion of the tab and configured to move the tab between the retracted position and the extended position and a position locking mechanism operably coupled with each of the plurality of extension assemblies and configured to provide a plurality of locking positions that the plurality of extension assemblies are biased to stay in by the position locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the plurality of extension assemblies are configured to move the different portions of the tab between the retracted position and the extended position independent of the remainder of the extension assemblies. In some embodiments, the position locking mechanism comprises a dial operably coupled with one of the plurality of extension assemblies such that when the one of the plurality of extension assemblies is rotated the dial is also rotated. In some embodiments, the position locking mechanism comprises one or more stops operably coupled with the dial such that when the one of the plurality of extension assemblies is in one of the locking positions the interface between the dial and the stops provides a biasing force that resists the movement of the one of the plurality of extension assemblies out of the one of the locking positions.
In the following description, numerous details and alternatives are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention can be practiced without the use of these specific details. For instance, the figures and description below often refer to the vertebral bones of a spinal column. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that some embodiments of the invention are practiced for the fusion of other bones, including broken bones and/or joints. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail. Further, although the figures and description below refer to a bone fusion device having a single tab and a pair of tab extension assemblies, it is understood that the bone fusion device is able to comprise multiple tabs each having any number of tab extension assemblies.
The bone fusion device 100 is able to be constructed from a high strength biocompatible material, such as titanium, which has the strength to withstand forces in the spine that are generated by a patient's body weight and daily movements. Alternatively, part or all of the bone fusion device 100 is able to be constructed from one or more of the group consisting of ceramics, high strength biocompatible material, a polymer such as PEEK, PEKK and other polymeric materials, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys such as nitinol and other biocompatible metals. In some embodiments, the materials used to construct the bone fusion device include using additives, such as carbon fibers for better performance of the materials under various circumstances. The base biocompatible material is often textured or coated with a porous material conducive to the growth of new bone cells on the bone fusion device 100.
It should be noted that although
In some embodiments, the body 102 has a substantially rectangular structure with an angled upper surface that aligns with the upper surface of the tab 104 when the tab 104 is retracted. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the body 102 is angled downward from front to back such that the front wall is higher than the back wall. Alternatively, the upper surface of the body 102 is able to be angled upward from front to back and/or otherwise angled. Alternatively, the body 102 is able to comprise other shapes such as shapes that substantially conform to the shape of vertebrae. In some embodiments, the screw channels 204 positioned such that the screws 106A, 106B are accessible from the same side of the body 102. Alternatively, the channels 204 are able to be positioned such that the screws 106A, 106B are accessible from one or more different sides of the body 102. The apertures 206 of the body 102 extend from the cavity 202 to the exterior of the body 102. As a result, the apertures 206 permit bone graft material to be inserted into the device 100 and to contact the vertebral bone before or after the device 100 has been inserted between the vertebrae of the patient. As used herein, bone graft material is able to refer to materials, biologics or other structures that promote osteoinduction and/or osteoconduction as are well known in the art. For example, the bone graft material is able to comprise, in combination or separately, one or more of autologous bone, allograft bone, artificial bone paste, artificial bone putty, osteoinduction material, osteoconduction material or other “scaffolding” for bone to grow upon and to induce bone growth as are well known in the art. The bone graft material and the surface texturing of the device 100 encourage the growth and fusion of bone from the neighboring vertebrae. The fusion and healing process will result in the bone fusion device 100 aiding in the bridging of the bone between the two adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine which eventually fuse together during the healing period. Additionally, it is understood that although as shown in
In some embodiments, the body 102 of the bone fusion device 100 comprises one or more gripping channels (not shown) each having at least one gripping aperture. In such embodiments, the gripping apertures are able to receive the gripping fingers of a bone fusion device insertion instrument such that the instrument cannot slip out of place during operation. In particular, the gripping channels and insertion instrument are able to be substantially similar in operation and structure to the bone fusion device channels and bone fusion device insertion instrument described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/521,681, filed Aug. 9, 2011 and entitled “BONE FUSION DEVICE, APPARATUS AND METHOD,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. As a result, an insertion instrument is able to grip and insert the bone fusion device 100 while preventing or at least minimizing the risk of the insertion instrument and/or bond fusion device 100 slipping out of place. Indeed, this security is necessary to ensure that the surgeon is able to precisely place and control the device 100 within a patient during surgery.
As shown in
The tab 104 is shaped such that the tab 104 is able to fit within the cavity 202 of the body 102. For example, in some embodiments the tab 104 is shaped such that its perimeter profile matches the perimeter of the cavity 202 and/or such that the outwardly facing surface of the tab 104 is substantially flush with the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 when the tab 104 is in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the tab 104 is angled downward from front to back such that the front wall is higher than the back wall. Alternatively, the upper surface of the tab 104 is able to be angled upward from front to back and/or otherwise angled. Alternatively, the tab 104 is able to comprise other shapes as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, tabs 104 having upper surfaces of varying angles are able to be interchanged within the bone fusion device 100. As a result, a user is able to exchange the current tab 104 of a device 100 with a different tab 104 having a differently angled upper surface. This allows the same bone fusion device 100 to be switched from having the maximum parallel distraction 120 with a tab 104 with a parallel upper surface as shown in
As shown in
The positioning apertures 214 of the drive screws 106A, 106B are positioned on the end of the screws 106A, 106B such that they are accessible when the drive screws 106A, 106B are within the screw channels 204 of the body 102. As a result, a user is able to insert one or more tool engaging members (not shown) into the positioning apertures 214 in order to rotate the drive screws 106A, 106B. The structure of the positioning apertures 214 is configured such that the structure enables one or more engaging members of tools to rotate the drive screws 106A, 106B. For example, the positioning apertures 214 are able to match the engaging members of allen wrenches, flat-head screw drivers, phillips screw drivers and/or the engaging members of other types of tools as are well known in the art. The recessed portions 216 of the drive screws 106A, 106B are positioned such that they are adjacent to and/or surround the gear 108A, 108B that is not mechanically coupled to the threaded portion 212 of that drive screw 106A, 106B. As a result, the recessed portions 216 are able to help hold the gears 108A, 108B and screws 106A, 106B in place with respect to each other while not translating the rotation of the screws 106A, 106B to the gear 108A, 108B of the other tab extension assembly. Alternatively, the recessed portions 216 are able to be omitted. For example, the recessed portions 216 are able to be omitted and the threaded portion 212 is able to protrude out from the cylindrical body of the screws 106A, 106B in order to maintain mechanical coupling with the gear teeth 218. In some embodiment, the body 102 further comprises one or more tool channels (not shown) that selectively couple with a tool when the engaging member of the tool is coupled with one or more of the positioning apertures 214. As a result, the tool and its engaging member is able to be prevented from slipping out of the positioning apertures 214 which is able to cause harm to a patient during an insertion procedure.
In some embodiments, the body 502 of one or more of the plugs 500 has a thickness greater than the thickness of the apertures 206, 210 such that the plugs 500 are able to protrude into and/or out of the bone fusion device 100 when positioned within one of the apertures 206, 210. Alternatively, the body 502 is able to be less thick and/or be positioned such that body 502 aligns with the surface of the bone fusion device 100 when inserted in an aperture 206, 210. In some embodiments, the body 502 of the plugs 500 comprises bone. Alternatively, the body 502 is able to comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of bone, bone graft material capable of retaining a desired shape, bone-like substances known to aid in the fusion process and other biocompatible materials as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the one or more of the plugs 500 are flexible. Alternatively, the plugs 500 are able to be inflexible or rigid. Although the bone plugs 500 are described in reference to the bone fusion device 100, it is understood that they are able to be sized in order to fill the apertures of other types of bone fusion devices.
Alternatively, the bone fusion device 100 is able to be inserted posteriorly, laterally, far lateral, extra lateral, extreme lateral, transforaminaly, or other directions as are well known in the art. The user rotates one or more of the drive screws 106A, 106B of the tab extension assemblies until the tab 104 is extended to a desired height at the step 406. In some embodiments, the desired height comprises the height required such that the tab 104 abuts the vertebrae. The user rotates one or more of the drive screws 106A, 106B of the tab extension assemblies until the tab 104 is rotated to a desired angle at the step 408. In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a single tab extension assembly such that only the drive screw or screws associated with the single tab extension assembly need to be rotated. In some embodiments, the desired angle comprises the angle required to cause the outward facing surface of the tab 104 to substantially match the angle of the surface of the adjacent vertebrae. In some embodiments, the angle of the surface of the tab 104 is able to be adjusted before and/or during the extension of the tab 104 to the desired height. As a result, the tab 104 and the remainder of the bone fusion device 100 is able to exert a satisfactory force between the bone fusion device and the bones to be fused. At that point the bone fusion device 100 is able to remain in place. Thereafter, in some embodiments, material, such as autograft material, for fusing the bones together is able to be inserted through the apertures 206, 210 of the bone fusion device 100 to promote healing. Alternatively, the insertion of the material is able to be omitted or occur before insertion of the bone fusion device 100. In some embodiments, the method is able to comprise a plurality of bone fusion devices 100 that are each able to be used as described herein. In such embodiments, the plurality of bone fusion devices 100 are able to be inserted and/or adjusted together or separately. Alternatively, a single bone fusion device 100 is able to be used. For example, a single bone fusion device 100 is able to be used for a cervical surgery operation. Therefore, the bone fusion device 100 provides the advantage of a small incision and minimally invasive (arthroscopic) surgical procedure which advantageously promotes health and rapid recovery by the patient. Preferably, bone growth occurs around the bone fusion device and particularly at the location of the extended tab, such that the bone fusion device is further secured by the bone growth, which further promotes a superior, robust bone fusion result.
A method of using the bone fusion device 600 according to some embodiments is illustrated by the flow chart in
As a result, the bone fusion device 800 provides the advantage of substantially matching the horizontal profiles of the bones to be fused, thereby increasing the strength and efficiency of the fusion process. Further, the profile shapes provide the advantage of enabling a user to select a bone fusion device 800 with a top profile shape whose orientation matches the insertion orientation of the operation. Additionally, the angles at which the drive screws 808 are oriented with respect to the elongated axis 815 of the body 814 is able to be selected to match the angle of access provided by a desired operation. As a result, the bone fusion device 800 does not need to be turned to be in the proper orientation between the bones of the patient whether the procedure is anterior, posterior, lateral, far-lateral or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Moreover, the upper surface angles provide the advantage of enabling a user to select a bone fusion device 800 with a body 814 and/or tab 830 angle that matches the angle between the target vertebrae.
A method of using the bone fusion device 800 according to some embodiments is illustrated by the flow chart in
A method of using the bone fusion device 900 according to some embodiments is illustrated by the flow chart in
In some embodiments, one or more of the handle 1302, engaging element 1304 and/or the guide element 1306 comprise one or more indicators 1308 that indicate values corresponding to the current separation between the plates 1402 of the head 1204 (see
In some embodiments, the indicators 1308 indicate a number of revolutions or rotations that the positioning element of a bone fusion device will require in order to extend the tabs to the height indicated by the separation of the plates 1402. For example, in some embodiments the a user is able to input or the instrument 1200 is able to be pre-programmed with the type of bone fusion device to be used and based on this data, the indicators 1308 are able to indicate the number of rotations/revolutions that the positioning element of a bone fusion device will require in order to extend the tabs to the height indicated by the separation of the plates 1402. In some embodiments, based on the determined current separation of the plates 1402, the indicators 1308 are able to indicate a recommended size and/or type of bone fusion device to be used for filling the measured space. As a result, the distraction instrument 1200 provides the advantage of indicating the best type/size of bone fusion device to use and/or the exact amount of rotation needed to a user of a bone fusion device such that the user does not overextend the tabs of the bone fusion device.
In some embodiments, the instrument 1200 comprises a force measurement component (not shown) and/or the indicators 1308 indicate the amount of force on the plates 1402 that is resisting the expansion/distraction of the plates 1402. In such embodiments, the distraction instrument 1200 is able to be configured to prevent the user from further extending/distracting the plates 1402 when a predefined and/or adjustable force threshold value is detected by the force measurement component. For example, if the distraction is effectuated by an electronically controlled motor the distraction system is able to be configured to automatically stop when the force threshold value is detected. Alternatively, the force measurement component is able to be implemented mechanically such that the components of the instrument 1200 that effectuate the distraction of the plates 1402 prevent further distraction when a predetermined and/or adjustable amount of resistance is present. As a result, the distraction instrument 1200 provides the benefit of enabling a user to manually stop, automatically stopping and/or preventing the user for continuing to distract the plates 1402 when the force measurement component and/or indicators 1308 indicate that a predetermined amount of expansion resistant force is detected on the plates 1402. Thus, the distraction instrument 1200 prevents over distraction that which results in inaccurate measurements and possible injury.
In some embodiments, the conduit 1416 of the rear fitting 1414 is bare whereas the conduit 1416 of the front fitting 1415 has an inner threading 1418 that is operably coupled to the threaded portion 1312 of the engaging element 1304 when the engaging element 1304 is positioned within the conduits 1416 of the retraction head 1204. As a result, the engaging element 1304 is able to freely move independent of the rear fitting 1414, but causes the front fitting 1415 to move toward or away from the rear fitting 1414 along the engaging element 1304 when rotated. Alternatively, the threading 1418 of the conduit 1416 of the front fitting 1415 is able to be omitted and the engaging element 1304 is able to be otherwise coupled to the front fitting 1415 such that when the engaging element 1304 is pulled into or pushed out of the guide element 1306 the coupling causes the front fitting 1415 to correspondingly slide toward or away from the rear fitting 1414. In some embodiments, the rear fitting 1414 comprises one or more stop apertures 1417 that couple with the stop pins 1310 in order to prevent the distraction head 1202 from rotating with the engaging element 1304 and to keep the rear fitting 1414 of the rear jack assembly 1404 in contact with the end of the guide element 1306. Alternatively, the stop pins 1310 and stop apertures 1417 are able to be omitted and the rear fitting 1414 is able to be coupled to the guide element 1306 via other coupling mechanisms as are well known in the art.
The retraction plates 1402 each comprise one or more leg pin apertures 1408, a pair of fitting cavities 1410 and a plate channel 1412. The leg pin apertures 1408 are configured to rotationally couple to the leg pins 1424 such that the plates 1402 are coupled together via the front and rear jack assemblies 1404, 1406. Specifically, when the legs 1422 are caused to rotate about the protrusions 1421 (due to movement of the engaging element 1304), the legs 1422 also rotate within the leg pin apertures 1408 about the leg pins 1424 causing the plates 1402 to selectively move apart or come together. When the plates 1402 are positioned together the fitting cavities 1410 and plate channels 1412 of the upper plate 1402 align with the fitting cavities 1410 and plate channel 1412 of the lower plate 1402. As a result, the height of the retraction head 1204 in the retracted position is minimized because the rear and front fittings 1414, 1415 are able to fit within the aligned fitting cavities 1410 and the engaging element 1412 is able to fit within the aligned plate channels 1412. This provides the advantage of minimizing the size of the required surgical incision for the bone fusion surgery measurement operation.
The opening 2206 enables bone grating material to be packed into the bone grafting material bag 2104 and is able to vary in size based on the size of the mesh frame 2202. The bag fastener 2208 is positioned on the mesh frame 2202 such that the bag fastener 2208 is able to releasably close or fasten the opening 2206 shut such that bone grafting material within the material bag 2104 is unable to escape through the opening 2206. In some embodiments, the bag fastener 2208 comprises a hoop around the opening 2206 and a cinch cord to selectively cinch closed the opening 2206. Alternatively, the bag fasteners 2208 are able to comprise other types of fastening means as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the material bags 2104 are able to comprise a plurality of openings 2206 and at least one bag fastener 2208 for each opening. The bag coupling element 2210 enables the material bag 2104 to be coupled to one or more bone fusion devices 2102 and/or other material bags 2104. As a result, the bone fusion system 2100 provides the advantage of enabling the user to physically pack a material bag 2104 full of bone grafting material in order to maximize the amount of grafting material provided to the bones. Further, the system 2100 provides the advantage of keeping the bone grafting material in the desired location and shape with respect to the bones to be fused to and/or the position of the bone fusion device 2102 thereby increasing the efficiency of the bone growth and/or healing process. Additionally, it should be noted that one or more of the components of the bone fusion system 2100 are able to be incorporated into the bone fusion system 1000 described above in reference to
A method of using the bone fusion system 2100 according to some embodiments is illustrated by the flow chart in
The dial 2504 is configured to rotatably fit within the locking apertures 2502 and comprises a dial aperture 2512 and one or more dimples 2510 along the edge or perimeter of the dial 2504. The dial aperture 2512 is able to be sized or otherwise configured to receive an end of one of the drive screws 106A, 106B such that if a drive screw 106A, 106B is within the dial aperture 2512, the end of the drive screw 106A, 106B will cause the dial 2504 to rotate along with the drive screw 106A, 106B. In some embodiments, the drive screw 106A, 106B causes the dial 2504 to rotate by directly physically contacting the dial aperture 2512. Alternatively, the drive screw 106A, 106B is able to cause the dial 2504 to rotate via indirect contact. The one or more dimples 2510 are able to be configured to receive one or more bumps 2508 of the stoppers 2506. In particular, the dimples 2510 are able to have concave dimensions that substantially match convex dimensions of the bumps 2508. The stoppers 2506 are able to be configured to fit within the locking apertures 2502 adjacent to the dial 2504 and comprise one or more bumps 2508. The stoppers 2506, dials 2504 and apertures 2502 are configured such that when within the locking apertures 2502, the stoppers 2506 are adjacent or in contact with the dial 2504 and the bumps 2508 of the stoppers 2506 snap or spring fit within the dimples 2510 of the dial 2504 when a dimple 2510 and a bump 2508 are aligned. Additionally, when a dimple 2510 and a bump 2508 are not aligned, the bump 2508 is compressed against the dimple-less edge of the dial 2504 and primed to spring or decompress into a dimple 2510 when alignment is achieved.
In some embodiments, the dial 2504 is held in place within the locking apertures 2502 by force applied by the bumps 2508 of the stoppers 2506. Alternatively, the dial 2504 is able to be otherwise coupled or uncoupled within the locking apertures 2502 by one or more fastening elements as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the stoppers 2506 are held in place within the locking apertures 2502 by place holders 2507. In particular, the place holders 2507 are able to be tensioned and/or compressed by the wall of the locking apertures 2502 when the stoppers 2506 are inserted into the locking apertures 2502 and thus provide a spring force against the walls of the locking apertures 2502 to try and relieve that tensioning/compression. Accordingly, the spring force holds the stoppers 2506 within the locking apertures 2502. Alternatively, one or more of the stoppers 2506 are able to be otherwise coupled or uncoupled within the locking apertures 2502 by one or more fastening elements as are well known in the art. Although as shown in
In operation, as the drive screws 106A, 106B are rotated to extend or retract sides of the tab 104, the dial 2504 is rotated along with the drive screws 106A, 106B and the bumps 2508 compress and decompress into and out of the dimples 2510 as they move in an out of alignment with the bumps 2508. As a result, each point during the rotation of the drive screws 106A, 106B that results in an alignment of a bump 2508 and a dimple 2510 serves as a demarcated degree of rotation and/or degree of extension/retraction of the associated side of the tab 104. In this way, the position locking mechanism 2503 provides the advantage of enabling a user to rotate the drive screws 106A, 106B and thereby extend the sides of the tab 104 to predetermined rotation/extension amounts and/or by predetermined rotation/extension intervals represented by the spacing and number of dimple 2510 and bump 2508 alignment points. For example, the position and/or number of dimples 2510 and/or bumps 2508 of the position locking mechanism 2503 is able to be adjusted to adjust the number and/or position of the alignment points and therefore the number and/or position of plate extension points. Thus, the position locking mechanism 2503 of the bodiless bone fusion device 2500 is able to be tuned to different size devices 2500 based on the number of extension increments needed and the desired extension distance interval between each of the increments. In some embodiments, the increments are configured to be constant. Alternatively, the increments are able to be configured to decrease in size as the sides of the tab 104 approach their maximum extension level. Alternatively, other increment profiles are able to be used as are well known in the art. Further, the compression of the bumps 2508 and their resistance thereto during rotation of the drive screws 106A, 106B between alignment points provides a slipping resistance force the resists unintended rotation of the drive screws 106A, 106B out of an alignment point. As a result, the position locking mechanism 2503 provides the advantage of reducing the chance of the drive screws 106A, 106B unintentionally rotating and/or the sides of the tab 104 unintentionally extending or retracting.
Thus, the bone fusion device, system and method described herein has numerous advantages. First, the bone fusion device, system and method provide the advantage of substantially matching the device or tab top surface profiles with the horizontal profiles of the bones to be fused, thereby increasing the strength and efficiency of the fusion process. As a result, the bone fusion device does not need to be turned to be in the proper orientation between the bones of the patient whether the procedure is anterior, posterior, lateral or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Second, the bone fusion device, system and method provide the advantage of allowing the body to be extended from angles other than parallel to one or more of the drive screws, which is critical in procedures where the device is to be inserted from varying angles. Third, the extension measurement instrument provides the advantage of enabling a user to accurately measure the size of the space to be filled by the bone fusion device thereby allowing the correct bone fusion device to be selected, while also having a minimal profile such that the incision required is minimized. Further, the bone fusion device, system and method provides the advantage of enabling each side of the tab to be individually adjusted such that the side controlled by each assembly is raised or lowered until the desired tab angle is achieved. In this way, the tab is advantageously positioned and angled to correspond to the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused and to provide a larger surface area to which the bones attach and fuse during a healing period. Moreover, the bone fusion device, system and method provides the advantage of enabling the user to physically pack a material bag full of bone grafting material in order to maximize the amount of grafting material provided to the bones, as well as providing the advantage of keeping the bone grafting material in the desired location and shape with respect to the bones to be fused to and/or the position of the bone fusion device thereby increasing the efficiency of the bone growth and/or healing process. Additionally, the position locking mechanism provides the advantage of reducing the chance of the drive screws unintentionally rotating and/or the sides of the tab unintentionally extending or retracting. Finally, the bone fusion device, system and method provides the advantage of allowing the bone grafting material to be packed into the material bags and keeping the bone grafting material in the desired position and/or shape with respect to the adjacent bones.
The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modification may be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/987,787, filed on May 23, 2018 and entitled “BONE FUSION DEVICE,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/358,581, filed on Nov. 22, 2016 and entitled “BONE FUSION DEVICE,” which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/838,119, filed on Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled “BONE FUSION DEVICE,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/624,155, filed Apr. 13, 2012, and entitled “BONE FUSION DEVICE,” all of which is are hereby incorporated by reference.
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