Modular Spinal Implant

Abstract

The current modular implant is particularly useful in spinal surgical procedures. The modular implant can be provided with two anchors and a central section.

Claims

1) A modular spinal implant adapted for implantation into a surgically created cavity; the modular spinal implant comprising: a) a cylindrical-like central section comprising a first end interlocker and an opposed second end interlocker; b) a first anchor positioned at a first site of the surgically created cavity; the first anchor comprising: a first inward side interlocker adapted to engage the first end interlocker and extending toward the first end interlocker and a second outward side comprising first grippers adapted to engage the first site; and c) a second anchor positioned at a second site of the surgically created cavity; the second anchor comprising: a first inner side interlocker adapted to engage the second end interlocker and extending toward the second end interlocker and a second outer side comprising second grippers adapted to engage the second site of the surgically created cavity, wherein the modular spinal implant is assembled in the surgically created cavity or prior to implantation into the surgically created cavity.

2) The modular spinal implant of claim 1, wherein: a) the first anchor comprises at least one or more curved edges extending between the first inward side of the first anchor and the second outward side of the first anchor; and b) the second anchor comprises one or more curved margins extending between the first inner side of the second anchor and the second outer side of the second anchor.

3) The modular spinal implant of claim 1, wherein a) the first anchor comprises first and second slots adapted to receive a surgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant and b) the second anchor comprises first and second slits adapted to receive a surgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant.

4) The modular spinal implant of claim 1 comprising: a) an internal chamber; and b) one or more apertures exposing the internal chamber to the surgically created cavity.

5) The modular spinal implant of claim 1, wherein: a) the first anchor comprises a first orifice extending through the first anchor; b) the second anchor comprises a second orifice extending through the second anchor; and c) a first portion of the first and second grippers encircles the first and second orifices and a second portion of the first and second grippers spans across the first and second orifices.

6) The modular spinal implant of claim 3 further comprising a device distinct from the modular spinal implant for inserting the modular spinal implant into the surgically created cavity, wherein the device comprises: a) a first handle comprising two prongs adapted to engage the first and second slots of the first anchor; and b) a second handle comprising two tines adapted to engage the first and second slits of the second anchor.

7) A modular spinal implant adapted for implantation into a surgically created cavity; the modular spinal implant comprising: a) a central section comprising a first end interlocker and an opposed second end interlocker; b) a first anchor comprising: a first inward side interlocker adapted to engage the first end interlocker and a second outward side comprising first grippers; and c) a second anchor comprising: a first inner side interlocker adapted to engage the second end interlocker and a second outer side comprising second grippers, wherein the modular spinal implant is assembled in the surgically created cavity or prior to implantation into the surgically created cavity and the combination of first grippers, second grippers, first inward side interlocker, first inner side interlocker, first end interlocker and second end interlocker secure modular spinal implant to the surgically created cavity.

8) The modular spinal implant of claim 7, wherein: a) the first anchor comprises at least one or more curved edges extending between the first inward side of the first anchor and the second outward side of the first anchor; and b) the second anchor comprises one or more curved margins extending between the first inner side of the second anchor and the second outer side of the second anchor.

9) The modular spinal implant of claim 7, wherein a) the first inward side interlocker extends toward the first end interlocker; and b) the first inner side interlocker extends toward the second end interlocker.

10) The modular spinal implant of claim 7, wherein a) the first anchor comprises first and second slots adapted to receive a surgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant; and b) the second anchor comprises first and second slits adapted to receive a surgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant.

11) The modular spinal implant of claim 7 comprising: a) an internal chamber; and b) one or more apertures exposing the internal chamber to the surgically created cavity.

12) The modular spinal implant of claim 7, wherein: a) the first anchor comprises a first orifice extending through the first anchor; b) the second anchor comprises a second orifice extending through the second anchor; and c) a first portion of the first and second grippers encircles the first and second orifices and a second portion of the first and second grippers spans across the first and second orifices.

13) The modular spinal implant of claim 10 further comprising a device distinct from the modular spinal implant for inserting the modular spinal implant into the surgically created cavity, wherein the device comprises: a) a first handle comprising two prongs adapted to engage the first and second slots of the first anchor; and b) a second handle comprising two tines adapted to engage the first and second slits of the second anchor.

14) An anchor for securing a first side of a modular spinal implant to a first site of a surgically created cavity; the anchor comprising: a) a inward side interlocker extending toward and adapted to engage a corresponding interlocker of the spinal implant; b) a second outward side comprising grippers adapted to engage the first site; c) at least one curved edge extending between the inward side and the second outward side, wherein the anchor can be connected with the modular spinal implant in the surgically created cavity or prior to implantation into the surgically created cavity.

15) The anchor of claim 14 comprising first and second slots adapted to receive a surgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant.

16) The anchor of claim 15 comprising an orifice extending through the anchor.

17) The anchor of claim 16, wherein a first portion of the grippers encircles the orifice and a second portion of the grippers spans across first orifice.

18) The anchor of claim 17, wherein first and second slots traverse an approximate length of each curved edge.

19) The anchor of claim 18, wherein the corresponding interlocker is a groove and the inward side interlocker is a tongue.

20) The anchor of claim 19, wherein the tongue is lesser length than inward side of anchor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective of modular spinal implant (30).

[0022] FIG. 1a is frontal view of endplate (40).

[0023] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the modular spinal implant (30) shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective of endplate (40, 60).

[0025] FIG. 4 is a top view of end plate (40, 60) shown in FIG. 3.

[0026] FIG. 5 is another perspective of endplate (40, 60).

[0027] FIG. 6 is side view of endplate (40, 60) shown in FIG. 3.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective of central section (90).

[0029] FIG. 8 is another perspective of central section (90).

[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective of insertion tool component (120).

[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective of insertion tool component (120).

[0032] FIG. 11 is perspective of insertion tool component (120) and modular spinal implant (30).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Although the disclosure hereof is detailed to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the embodiments published herein merely exemplify the present invention.

[0034] In the most general sense, the present invention is an implant for bone. The implant can be a modular spinal implant. Among other things, the current invention can be adapted for use with mammalian vertebra. It is believed that the present implant is particularly adapted for implantation into any region of the spine. The current modular spinal implant is adaptable for use with either the state-of-the art anterior entry or posterior entry spinal surgical techniques.

[0035] Advantageously, the modular spinal implant can be assembled within the surgical field or surgically created cavity or the spinal implant can also be assembled prior to insertion into the surgically created cavity. Further, embodiments of the modular spinal implant are capable of providing distraction forces and a corridor for insertion of graft and other medically useful substances into the modular spinal implant. It is also anticipated that the corridor or conduit can transport biocompatible devices/substances, such as adhesives, cameras, cannulas, fiber optics, implants, pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are manufactured of titanium alloys, stainless steel, non-resorbable polymers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or any other composition acceptable in the art. Embodiments of the current spinal implant can be manufactured of any biocompatible substance or material acceptable in the art or any combination thereof. The present spinal implant can be inserted into the surgical cavity with or without radiography.

[0037] Within the scope of the present invention, it has advantageously been discovered apertures of the central section of implant range from about 3 millimeters to about 50 millimeters; widths of the central section range from about 10 millimeters to about 40 millimeters; lengths of the central section range from about 10 millimeters to about 120 millimeters; and depths of the central section range about 10 millimeters to about 28 millimeters. Endplates or anchors of the current invention can have widths of up to about 38 millimeters and heights of up to about 20 millimeters. Endplates can be adapted to provide lordosis for the central section that ranges from about 0 to 20 degrees relative to ground.

[0038] Enabled preferred embodiments of spinal implant component (30) and insertion tool component (120) are portrayed in FIGS. 1-11. In some of the Figures, for similar parts of spinal implant's (30) first endplate or anchor (40) and second endplate or anchor (60), different reference numbers identify similar elements associated with both the first anchor (40) and the second anchor (60). Those skilled in the art recognize that spinal implant (30) can be used in numerous surgeries in different regions of the body. Because of this fact, the potential kinds of surgically created cavities into which spinal implant (30) can be implanted or inserted are not shown in the Drawings.

[0039] The spinal implant or spinal implant component (30) adapted for implantation into a surgically created cavity is provided with a first endplate (40) positioned at a first site of the surgically created cavity, a second endplate (60) positioned at a second site opposed from the first site of the surgically created cavity and a central section (90) positioned between the opposed endplates (40, 60).

[0040] First endplate (40) has a first planar side (42) that includes a first tongue or interconnector (44) perpendicular to the first planar side (42) and extending toward the center of the spinal implant (30) and a second side (46) opposed to the first planar side (42) where the second side (46) has grippers (48) adapted to engage the first site. First endplate (40) can be provided with first orifice (41) extending through the first endplate (42). In select embodiments of first endplate (40), a first portion of grippers (48) encircles the first orifice (41) and a second portion of the grippers (48) spans across the first orifice (41). First endplate (40) is also provided with opposed first and second curved edges (50, 52) positioned between opposed first and second linear edges (54, 56) where the edges (50, 52, 54, 56) extend between the first planar side (42) and the second side (46). As shown, the first linear edge (54) is of lesser length than the second linear edge (56) creating an angled second side (46) relative to the first planar side (42). Slots (58F, 58S) traverse the approximate length of each curved edge (50, 52). Select preferred embodiments of first tongue (44) can include a channel (110) adapted to receive a first guidewire (200). Interlocker (44) can include a gap (45) extending outward from the first orifice (41).

[0041] Second endplate (60) has a first planar side (62) that includes a second tongue or interlocker (64) perpendicular to the first planar side (62) and extending toward the first tongue or interlocker (44) and a second side (66) opposed to the first planar side (62) where the second side (66) has grippers (68) adapted to engage the second site. Second endplate (60) can be provided with second orifice (63) extending through the second endplate (60). In select embodiments of second endplate (40), a first portion of grippers (68) encircles the second orifice (63) and a second portion of the grippers (68) spans across the second orifice (63). Second endplate (60) is also provided with opposed first and second curved margins (70, 72) positioned between opposed first and second linear margins (74, 76) where the margins (70, 72, 74, 76) extend between the first planar side (62) and the second side (66). As shown, the first margin (74) is of lesser length than the second linear margin (76) creating an angled second side relative to the first planar side (62). Slits (78F, 78S) traverse the approximate length of each curved margin (70, 72). Select preferred embodiments of second tongue (64) can include a conduit (112) adapted to receive a second guidewire (210). Interlocker (64) can include a gap (65) extending outward from the second orifice (63).

[0042] Spinal implant (30) is also provided with a central section (90) connected to the first endplate (40) and the second endplate (60). In select preferred embodiments of the current invention, central section (90) is sandwiched between first anchor (40) and second anchor (60) anchored to the surgically created cavity. Central section (90) has a first groove or interlocker (92) for engaging the first tongue or interlocker (44) and a second groove or interlocker (94) for engaging the second tongue or interlocker (64). The combination of grooves and tongues or interlockers (92, 94, 44, 64) secure the central section (90) between the first and second endplates (40, 60). Interlocker (92) can include first gateway (93) in wall (91) and interlocker (94) can include second gateway (95) in wall (91) of interlocker (94) providing engagement with interlockers (44, 64). Regardless of the design of interlockers (92, 94, 44, 64) utilized, each interlocker adapted to mate with its corresponding interlocker. In select preferred embodiments, one or more detents (not shown) can be included to further secure the combination of grooves and tongues (92, 94, 44, 64). Central section (90) can also be provided with: two opposed openings (96, 98) adapted to engage one or more guidewires (200, 210); a female receptacle (100) adapted to engage a surgical tool (not shown); an internal chamber (102); and one or more apertures (104) exposing the internal chamber (102) to the surgically created cavity (not shown).

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the insertion tool component (120) can be provided with: a detachable first handle (130) with two prongs (132F, 132S) for engaging the first and second slots (58F, 58S) of first endplate (40) and a detachable second handle (140) with two tines (142F, 142S) for engaging the first and second slits (78F, 78S) of second endplate (60). It was discovered that combination of first handle (130) and first endplate (40) and second handle (140) and second endplate (60) can create a distraction device for improving ease of insertion of central section (90) onto tongues (44, 64) of endplates or anchors (40, 60) attached to the surgically created cavity. Although not shown in the Drawings, it has been discovered that prongs (132F, 132S) can be provided with first and second caliper components to measure one or more spaces of the surgically created cavity.

[0044] In accordance with the present invention, when surgical parameters require, tongues (44, 64) can be positioned on central section (90) and grooves (92, 94) positioned on endplates or anchors (40, 60). Within the scope of the current invention, anchors (40, 60) can be structures other than plate-like endplates.

[0045] Another preferred embodiment of modular spinal implant (30) is provided with a first anchor (40) positioned at a first site of the surgically created cavity, a second anchor (60) positioned at a second site opposed from the first site of the surgically created cavity and a central section (90) positioned between opposed anchors (40, 60).

[0046] First anchor (40) has a first smooth side (42) that includes a first tongue (44) extending toward the center of the spinal implant (30) and a second side (46) opposed to the first planar side (42) where the second side (46) has grippers (48) adapted to engage the first site. First anchor (40) is also provided with opposed first and second curved edges (50, 52) positioned between opposed first and second linear edges (54, 56) where the edges (50, 52, 54, 56) extend between the first smooth side (42) and the second side (46). Slots (58F, 58S) traverse the approximate length of each curved edge (50, 52). Select preferred embodiments of first tongue (44) can include a channel (110) adapted to receive a first guidewire (200).

[0047] Second anchor (60) has a first smooth side (62) that includes a second tongue (64) extending toward the first tongue (44) and a second side (66) opposed to the first smooth side (62) where the second side (66) has grippers (68) adapted to engage the second site. Second anchor (60) is also provided with opposed first and second curved margins (70, 72) positioned between opposed first and second linear margins (74, 76) where the margins (70, 72, 74, 76) extend between the first planar side (62) and the second side (66). Slits (78F, 78S) traverse the approximate length of each curved margin (70, 72). Select preferred embodiments of second tongue (64) can include a conduit (112) adapted to receive a second guidewire (210).

[0048] Applicant has enabled, described and disclosed the invention as required by Title 35 of the United States Code.