OBLIQUE INTERBODY DEVICE

Abstract

An oblique interbody spacer system includes a spacer body, a fixation plate and a plurality of angled fixation channels. The fixation plate is integrated with the spacer body such that the spacer body and fixation plate form a singular component for insertion. The implant can be affixed to the superior and inferior vertebral bodies with screws obliquely (in the range of about 30 from straight anterior).

Claims

1. An oblique interbody spacer system with integrated fixation, comprising: a spacer body; a fixation plate integrated with the spacer body such that the spacer body and fixation plate form a singular component for insertion; and a plurality of angled fixation channels defined within the spacer body and fixation plate.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of angled fixation channels include a first angled fixation channel that is angled differently with respect to the spacer body than the a second angled fixation channel.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of fixation members corresponding to the plurality of angled fixation channels.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of fixation members is a screw.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fixation member backout preventer provided to the fixation plate.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of angled fixation channels defines a different trajectory.

7. A method of placing an implant into an intervertebral space of a patient, the method comprising: employing an oblique approach to the spine to place the implant and an integrated fixation plate simultaneously into the intervertebral space; and inserting fixation screws obliquely prior to rolling the patient over and installing a posterior hardware component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a conventional approach to implant insertion.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the present invention according to an oblique approach to implant insertion.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of an implant according to certain embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective of an implant according to certain embodiments.

[0013] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular example embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For illustrative purposes, cross-hatching, dashing or shading in the figures is provided to demonstrate sealed portions and/or integrated regions or devices for the package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explained with reference to example embodiments thereof. However, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to any specific example, embodiment, environment, applications or particular implementations described in these embodiments. Therefore, description of these embodiments is only for purpose of illustration rather than to limit the present invention. It should be appreciated that, in the following embodiments and the attached drawings, elements unrelated to the present invention are omitted from depiction; and dimensional relationships among individual elements in the attached drawings are illustrated only for ease of understanding, but not to limit the actual scale.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a standard or conventional anterior approach to the spine is depicted.

[0016] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein the implant 10 is introduced from an oblique approach to the spine.

[0017] Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, a spacer body 10 that can be used with the oblique approach is shown. Body 10 includes an integrated fixation plate 20 thereon, making body 10 and plate 20 one singular component for insertion. Thus, the surgeon need not separately dispose a plate on the implant body post-insertion.

[0018] FIG. 3 further depicts fixation members 30a and 30b. According to this embodiment, fixation members may be screws. However, other suitable types of fixation members may also be used.

[0019] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the face plate 20 includes angled fixation channels 40a and 40b. Angled channels 40a and 40b guide the trajectory of fixation members 30a and 30b into the surgeon's desired position.

[0020] A backout preventer 50 is also provided to the plate 20. This prevents the screws 30a and 30b from unintentionally backing out of the patient's anatomy.

[0021] In use, because plate 20 is an integral part of implant 10, the surgeon places implant 10 and fixation plate 20 simultaneously, in one step. In contrast, conventional oblique implants require the fixation plate to be placed separately from the implant as a multi-step procedure. The conventional process may lead to patient tissue being trapped between the plate and the implant and also requires a second insertion step prior to screw placement. The present invention is configured to address these drawbacks of the conventional procedure.

[0022] Once implant 10 with integrated fixation plate 20 is inserted, the surgeon may place fixation screws 30a and 30b through the angled fixation channels 40a and 40b. Screws 30a and 30b allow for better purchase than bladed systems into the patient's cortical bone, and screws allow for easier revision than bladed systems.

[0023] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.