Spine Cage

Abstract

A spine cage (1) comprising a pair of opposite functional sides (2,3) and at least another pair of opposite functional sides (4,5), such that the cage can be positioned in at least two different positions providing at least two different configurations.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A spine cage comprising: a first pair of opposite functional sides; and a second pair of opposite functional sides, wherein the spine cage is configured to be positioned in at least two different positions providing at least two different configurations.

12. The cage as defined in claim 11, wherein a width of the first pair of sides is different from the width of the second pair of sides.

13. The cage as defined in claim 11, wherein a width of the first pair of sides and a width of the second pair of sides are independent from each other.

14. The cage as defined in claim 11, wherein a width of the first pair of sides and a width of the second pair of sides have a predetermined proportional size with respect to each other.

15. The cage as defined in claim 11, wherein a shape of the first pair of sides is different from the shape of the second pair of sides.

16. The cage as defined in claim 11, wherein each side includes a face with a structuration.

17. The cage as defined in claim 16, wherein the structuration of the first pair of sides is different from the structuration of the second pair of sides.

18. A kit of spine cages comprising a plurality of cages, each of the plurality of cages comprising: a first pair of opposite functional sides; and a second pair of opposite functional sides, wherein the cage is configured to be positioned in at least two different positions providing at least two different configurations.

19. A spine cage made of a material which is a combination of a homogeneous material and a trabecular type structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention will be described by reference to the appended drawings, which show

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the spine cage of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the spine cage of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrate a cut view along cut plane B-B of FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrate a cut view along cut plane A-A of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the spine cage of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The figures illustrate an embodiment of the spine cage 1 of the invention.

[0018] The cage comprises an elongate body with two side faces 2-3 and a top face 4 and a bottom face 5.

[0019] Each of said faces 2-5 comprises an opening 12, 13, 14 and 15. Each of said faces also comprises a structure or pattern of regular or irregular shapes for example serrations or any other equivalent surfaces or shapes (for example teeth, pyramids etc) to maintain the cage in position. (Primary fixation)

[0020] In addition, the width of each pair of sides 2/3 and 4/5 is different, as can be understood from FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, thus forming a rectangular shape and not a square shape (see FIG. 3). This dimension is illustrated by d1 and d2 in FIGS. 2 and 5. Typically, the width d1 of sides 2/3 is larger than the width d2 of sides 4/5.

[0021] The idea here is therefore to provide a spinal cage that can be positioned at least in two different positions having two different sizes by a 90 rotation of the cage. A same cage is thus able to change its size in a very easy way, avoiding for example the complex expansion systems of the prior art.

[0022] The increment of cage width d1, d2 between each pair of sides 2/3, 4/5 might be of 0.5 mm, 1 mm or more. Alternatively, the width d1 and d2 may have a fixed proportional size or not.

[0023] As illustrated, the cage has an open structure presenting more or less the same pattern/serrated structure on every side of the cage to get a better primary fixation into the vertebral endplate.

[0024] In another embodiment (not illustrated) according to the invention the shape of a pair of sides is different from the shape of the other pair of sides.

[0025] The two pair of sides may also differ with respect to other parameters such as the structuration.

[0026] The cage according to the invention may also contain more than two pair of sides.

[0027] Hence, a same cage may be used to provide at least two different configurations depending on which position is chosen for its insertion. Since more than two faces are functional, the only choice it to find the appropriate configuration that fits the best for a given patient.

[0028] Typically, the cages according to the present invention may be provided in kits with several configurations, for instance with variable relative sizes or proportional sides, shapes or structurations.

[0029] The present invention also concerns a method of using a spine cage as described herein. According to the method, at least one of said cage is placed in an intervertebral space.

[0030] Two cages are normally placed in said intervertebral space in case of PLIF approach. Usually only one cage in case of TLIF, XLIF and ALIF.

[0031] The examples given in the present specification are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed in a limiting manner. Other constructions are possible using equivalent means and within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein may also be combined as desired.

[0032] As mentioned previously a spine cage may comprise more than four sides, for example six or eight, wherein different sizes, shapes or angles are provided by each facing pair of sides in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0033] The cage of the present invention may be made in any suitable material such a metal, alloys or synthetic materials. The cage may for example be made of a material which is homogeneous or in trabecular type structure or also a combination of both.