Flanged interbody fusion device with oblong fastener apertures

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation device within fastener apertures and screws configured to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation device to bone is provided. In some embodiments, a fastener aperture insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation device. The fastener apertures and aperture inserts may have an oblong configuration. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 374,665 filed on Mar. 13, 2006, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to 1) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 662,747 filed on Mar. 17, 2005, and 2) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 708,918 filed on Aug. 17, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to systems and methods for performing spinal fixation. The invention comprises one or more vertebral spacers that feature an attachment system that resists backing out of the screws used to attach the spacers to the vertebrae. The invention may be configured so that multiple adjacent spacers may be used along the vertebral column. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Advancing age, as well as injury, can lead to degenerative changes in the bones...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, an orthopedic implant assembly is provided, comprising a stabilizing element having a trailing surface, a leading surface and at least one lumen, the lumen having a first opening at the trailing surface, a second opening at the leading surface that is smaller than the first opening, and a passageway extending from the first opening to the second opening, a securing element having an elongated body, a head at one end of the body and integral therewith, and a lumen insert member defining a portion of the passageway, having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, and adapted to substantially reduce any force exerted between the stabilizing element and the securing element, wherein the diameter of the head of the securing element is greater than the lesser diameter between the second opening of the lumen and the inner diameter of the insert. The orthopedic implant may further comprise an interbody element integral with the leading surface of the stabilizing element and / or a locking assembly for resisting movement of securing element in at least one direction.

[0020] In another embodiment, an orthopedic implant assembly is provided, comprising a stabilizing element having a trailing surface, a leading surface and at least one lumen, the lumen having a first opening at the trailing surface, a second opening at the leading surface that may be smaller than the first opening, and a passageway extending from the first opening to the second opening, a securing element having an elongated body, a head at one end of the body and integral therewith, and a lumen insert member within a portion of the passageway, the lumen insert member comprising an inner diameter and an outer diameter, and adapted to substantially reduce any force exerted between the stabilizing element and the securing element, wherein the diameter of the head of the securing element may be greater than the lesser diameter between the second opening of the lumen and the inner diameter of the insert. The orthopedic implant assembly may further comprise an interbody element integral with the leading surface of the stabilizing element. The orthopedic implant assembly may further comprise a locking assembly for resisting movement of securing element in at least one direction.

[0038] In another embodiment, an orthopedic implant assembly is provided, comprising a stabilizing element having a trailing surface, a leading surface and at least one lumen, the lumen having a first opening at the trailing surface, a second opening at the leading surface that may be smaller than the first opening, and a passageway extending from the first opening to the second opening, a securing element having an elongated body, a head at one end of the body and integral therewith, and a lumen insert member within a portion of the passageway, the lumen insert member having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, and adapted to substantially reduce any force exerted between the stabilizing element and the securing element, wherein the diameter of the head of the securing element may be greater than the lesser diameter between the second opening of the lumen and the inner diameter of the insert. The orthopedic implant assembly may further comprise an interbody element integral with the leading surface of the stabilizing element. The orthopedic implant assembly may further comprise a locking assembly for resisting movement of securing element in at least one direction.

Problems solved by technology

Advancing age, as well as injury, can lead to degenerative changes in the bones, discs, joints and ligaments of the spine, producing pain and instability.

Spine instability may result from causes such as fracture, scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, where one or more vertebrae move in a forward direction relative to the other vertebrae.

Early fixation devices tended to be applicable only to long bone injuries with only limited uses for lower lumbar spinal injuries and disorders.

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