Spinal Implant Assembly

Abstract

A spinal implant assembly comprising an intervertebral device configured to be installed in a spinal disc space, the intervertebral device having a head component and a body component, the spinal implant assembly further comprising a coupling body for coupling the head component of the intervertebral device and an elongate member, the coupling body and head component each having a longitudinal axis, wherein the head component can be received by the coupling body with its longitudinal axis at a selected angle within a predetermined range of angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling body.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a spinal implant assembly. More specifically the invention relates to assemblies with parts for implantation into intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae of the spine.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]The spine or vertebral column comprises a plurality of separate vertebrae. The vertebrae are movable relative to one another, and separated from one another by fibrocartilage called inter-vertebral discs.[0003]In its entirety, the spinal column is highly complex in that it houses and protects critical elements of the nervous system which have innumerable peripheral nerves and arterial and venous bodies in close proximity. In spite of these complexities, the spine is a highly flexible structure, capable of a high degree of curvature and twist through a wide range of motion. The intervertebral discs provide mechanical cushion between adjacent vertebrae. Genetic or developmental irregularities, trauma, chronic stress, tumors, and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The intervertebral device helps to stabilize the spine and is anchored to the spinal column. It is designed to be compact and can be used for vertebral distraction and stable anchoring in the disc space. The head component has a shank portion that allows for bone ingrowth, which improves the stability of the anchorage.

Problems solved by technology

In its entirety, the spinal column is highly complex in that it houses and protects critical elements of the nervous system which have innumerable peripheral nerves and arterial and venous bodies in close proximity.

Genetic or developmental irregularities, trauma, chronic stress, tumors, and disease, however, can result in spinal pathologies which either limit this range of motion, or which threaten the critical elements of the nervous system housed within the spinal column.

A problem with these stabilisation systems is that parts of the vertebra cannot stably receive a bone screw, or can only receive a bone screw screwed in at a certain angle.

Also, for spinal fixings for small animals, within the confined spaces allowed therein, conventional rod anchoring methods are not suitable since the placement of the pedicle screw and the direction of the rod cannot be matched adequately.

A system that can be used in small animals is needed, wherein confined spaces make conventional rod anchoring systems unsuitable.

Furthermore, many devices for providing positioning of bone screws with respect to a stabilising rod loosen over time, providing an unstable joint.

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