Pivotable interbody spacer

Abstract
According to another exemplary embodiment, a pivotable interbody implant system includes an implant including a body defining an inner cavity and a plurality of teeth formed on one end of the implant, and an insertion instrument associated with the implant, wherein the insertion instrument includes a retractable latching mechanism and an internal gear configured to pivotably mate with said teeth formed on said implant.
Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present system and method and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the drawings demonstrate and explain the principles of the present system and method. The illustrated embodiments are examples of the present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.



FIGS. 1A and 1B are a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of a pivotable interbody implant, according to one exemplary embodiment.



FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pivoting instrument configured to be used in connection with the pivotable interbody implant of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one exemplary embodiment.



FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of pivotably inserting an interbody implant, according to one exemplary embodiment.



FIGS. 4A-4F are top and perspective views of pivotably inserting an interbody implant using the method of FIG. 3, according to various exemplary embodiments.


Claims
  • 1. A pivotable interbody implant, comprising: a body including a distal end and a proximal end; andat least one frictionally engaging feature disposed on at least one of said distal end or said proximal end of said body.
  • 2. The pivotable interbody implant of claim 1, wherein said at least one frictionally engaging feature comprises a plurality of teeth formed on one end of said implant.
  • 3. The pivotable interbody implant of claim 1, wherein said at least one frictionally engaging feature comprises a surface finish or a material.
  • 4. The pivotable interbody implant of claim 1, wherein said at least one frictionally engaging feature is disposed on an outer surface of at least one of said distal end or said proximal end of said body.
  • 5. The pivotable interbody implant of claim 1, wherein said at least one frictionally engaging feature is disposed on an internal surface of at least one of said distal end or said proximal end of said body.
  • 6. The pivotable interbody implant of claim 1, further comprising an arcuate anterior surface and an arcuate posterior surface.
  • 7. The pivotable interbody implant of claim 1, further comprising: a channel defined by said implant body; anda grasping member disposed in said channel.
  • 8. The pivotable interbody implant of claim 7, wherein said grasping member comprises an internal cylinder accessible through said channel.
  • 9. A pivotable interbody implant system, comprising: an implant including a body having a distal end and a proximal end, and at least one frictionally engaging feature disposed on at least one of said distal end or said proximal end of said body; andan insertion instrument configured to selectively pivot said implant including an extension member, an implant coupling mechanism, and a controllable friction transmitter configured to selectively manipulate said frictionally engaging feature.
  • 10. The pivotable interbody implant system of claim 9, wherein said at least one frictionally engaging feature comprises a plurality of teeth formed on one end of said implant.
  • 11. The pivotable interbody implant system of claim 10, wherein said controllable friction transmitter comprises a gear configured to mesh with said plurality of teeth.
  • 12. The pivotable interbody implant system of claim 9, wherein said at least one frictionally engaging feature comprises one of a surface finish or a material.
  • 13. The pivotable interbody implant system of claim 9, wherein said at least one frictionally engaging feature is disposed on an outer surface of at least one of said distal end or said proximal end of said body.
  • 14. The pivotable interbody implant system of claim 9, wherein said at least one frictionally engaging feature is disposed on an internal surface of at least one of said distal end or said proximal end of said body.
  • 15. The pivotable interbody implant system of claim 9, further comprising an arcuate anterior surface and an arcuate posterior surface.
  • 16. The pivotable interbody implant system of claim 9, wherein said implant coupling mechanism comprises: a stationary arcuate protrusion; anda retractable arcuate protrusion;wherein movement of said retractable arcuate protrusion modifies a coupling space.
  • 17. The pivotable interbody implant system of claim 9, wherein said controllable friction transmitter configured to selectively manipulate said frictionally engaging feature is ratchetable.
  • 18. A method for pivotably implanting an interbody implant, comprising: coupling said implant to a pivoting instrument;inserting said implant through a nerve foramen;pivoting said implant from one end of said implant to allow further insertion; andreleasing the implant from the instrument and removing the instrument
  • 19. The method for pivotably implanting an interbody implant of claim 18, wherein said pivoting said implant from one end of said implant comprises: selectively engaging a controllable friction transmitter to transmit friction to said implant.
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60784546 Mar 2006 US