Device Holder for a Spinal Fusion Cage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device holder which can stably insert a spinal fusion device between lumbar vertebral bodies by being mounted on the spinal fusion device. Among them, because the device holder is mounted on the spinal fusion device, the spinal fusion device can be inserted between lumbar vertebral bodies at the lowest height and can be significantly separated from the spinal fusion device after surgery. In addition, when mounted on the height-adjustable spinal fusion device, the device holder can visually display the amount of change in the height of the spinal fusion device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device holder for a spinal fusion cage, and more particularly, to a device holder mounted on a spinal fusion cage for a spinal fusion cage, thereby allowing the spinal fusion cage to be stably inserted between vertebral bodies. Background Art

[0002] The vertebral body includes 32 - 35 vertebrae forming the body, and intervertebral discs, that is, spinal discs disposed between the vertebrae, and the vertebral body is a part of the backbone forming a human body, and the backbone connects the upper skull and the lower pelvis to form a pillar of the trunk.

[0003] The spine consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 5 sacral vertebrae, and 3 - 5 coccygeal vertebrae from the top. In the case of an adult, 5 sacral vertebrae are fused together to form 1 sacral vertebra, and 3 - 5 coccygeal vertebrae are fused together to form 1 coccyx.

[0004] As one of the treatment methods for treating severe spinal diseases for a long time, there is spinal fusion. This spinal fusion is a surgical method that includes removing the intervertebral disc and inserting a device to replace the intervertebral disc to fuse adjacent vertebral bodies to each other.

[0005] When performing spinal fusion in the lumbar vertebrae, spinal fusion can be divided into posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF), oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), and anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) according to the insertion direction of the device.

[0006] PLIF is a method that includes incising the back along the center line of the spine, opening it to expose all vertebral bodies, removing a part on the posterior side of the vertebra, then removing the disc, and inserting a PLIF device between the vertebrae.

[0007] PLIF is the oldest one performed in spinal fusion and is an absolutely necessary method when fusing two or three joints. However, due to the surgical procedure, PLIF has various disadvantages, such as: a high possibility of adhesion to nerves, ligaments, and muscles; an extended healing time due to a large incision area; and significant side effects for some people.

[0008] The PLIF device is the smallest device used in all spinal fusions, in which a pair of small devices are replaced on the left and right sides of the spine.

[0009] TLIF is a surgical method that includes making small incisions along both sides of the spinal muscles in the back to minimally expose the vertebral body, and then inserting a TLIF device through a replacement disc while removing the spinal joint portion in the direction of the neural foramen. Due to the advantages of less bleeding and shorter operation time, this surgical technique is applicable to the case of one joint. However, if surgery is required at multiple sites, PLIF surgery should be performed. Most TLIF devices are formed in an arched shape so that they are placed in the vertebral body and rotated so that the convex portion of the TLIF device faces the stomach. The TLIF device is larger than the PLIF device, but the support area is smaller than that of the DLIF device or the ALIF device to be described below.

[0010] ALIF has various advantages such as fast surgical recovery and no need to worry about adhesions. However, ALIF has a disadvantage that it requires extremely advanced techniques because the surgery is performed by cutting through the front (stomach) to bypass the intestines and approach the spine. An advantage of the ALIF device is that it has the largest support area among all spinal fusion devices.

[0011] LLIF was developed to overcome the disadvantages of ALIF, PLIF, and TLIF. Since the surgery is performed through a lateral incision, the advantage of LLIF is that the gap at the narrow part between the vertebrae may be widened much more greatly than in traditional surgery performed through a back incision, and there is almost no damage to the surrounding tissues. However, since the psoas major muscle and the peritoneum are arranged around the surgical approach, if an error occurs during the surgery, there is a problem of causing paralysis of the thigh muscles. The DLIF device is smaller than the ALIF device, but larger than the PLIF device or the TLIF device.

[0012] Compared with LLIF, a safer and more effective method is OLIF (which can be called ATP). The advantage of OLIF is that the surgical approach is formed in a direction inclined laterally, and surgery can be performed between the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) and the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), which are difficult to operate on by DLIF due to the psoas major muscle and the peritoneum. In addition, the possibility of nerve injury, which may be a problem in DLIP, is significantly smaller.

[0013] Traditional spinal fusion devices are made of a single body, using a metal material such as titanium or a polymer material such as PEEK, with no change in the cross-sectional area or height. Because of this, considering the body shape, height, race, gender, etc. of the patient, there are a large number of its products. In other words, the manufacturer is burdened with combining the three variables of width, length, and height to produce at least dozens to hundreds of products.

[0014] In addition, the gap between the patient's vertebrae does not increase by a fixed gap, but if produced in a single group, there is a problem that each patient cannot be properly handled because it is necessary to select an appropriate height from the existing product range.

[0015] Various attempts have been made to solve the above problems, and a height-adjustable spinal fusion device has been developed.

[0016] US6176882 discloses such a height-adjustable device. The device of US6176882 includes a rectangular box-shaped wall with top and bottom openings, a joining member that moves vertically within the wall, a pair of wedge-shaped members for pressing the joining member, and an adjustment element that is screwed to the wedge-shaped members to adjust the spacing between the pair of wedge-shaped members. Therefore, the problem with US6176882 is that the joining member and the wedge-shaped members are only blocked by the box-shaped wall and are not connected to each other, causing the joining member to wobble.

[0017] For comparison, US9034041 discloses, in the invention of claim 1 thereof, a device that generally includes a body assembly, an upper support member 718 (not shown hereinafter), and a lower support member 720, wherein the body assembly has a first part 712 and a second part 714, and the first part 712 and the second part 714 move on the longitudinal axis by a control member. The spacing between the upper support member 718 and the lower support member 720 is defined by a pair of first upper holding members and a pair of second upper holding members. Therefore, the problem with US9034041 is that the device does not include components for directly guiding the relative movement of the upper support member 718 and the lower support member 720, so the body assembly, the upper support member 718, and the lower support member 720 wobble relative to each other.

[0018] US2017-02580605A discloses a holder 400 for a height-adjustable device as shown in Figures 26 to 2 9. US2017-02580605A uses a method in which a plurality of arms 402 (not shown hereinafter) are inserted into or protruded from a sleeve 410, and then a protrusion 404 formed at the end of the arm 402 is installed in a groove 320 of the device 300 to fix the device 300. However, the problem with this method is that since the arm 402 extends elastically, there is a high possibility that the holder 400 cannot be separated in the case of being coupled to the implant 302 due to repeated use or blockage of the muscles around the surgical site. In addition, in existing device holders, the change in the height of the device cannot be accurately grasped, and the operator determines it based on their experience.

[0019] [Prior art documents]

[0020] [Patent documents]

[0021] (Patent Document 1) US Patent No. 6,176,882

[0022] (Patent Document 2) US Patent No. 9,034,041

[0023] (Patent Document 3) US Patent Application Publication No. US2017-02580605A Summary of the Invention

[0024] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0025] An object of the present invention is to provide a device holder for a spinal fusion device, which is mounted on the spinal fusion device, thereby allowing the spinal fusion device to be stably inserted between vertebral bodies and reliably separated from the spinal fusion device after surgery.

[0026] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a device holder for a spinal fusion device, which can visually indicate the amount of change in the height of the spinal fusion device when the device holder is mounted on the spinal fusion device.

[0027] [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0028] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device holder including: a main body; a holding body which is inserted into the main body to move relative to the main body and has a pair of end actuators protruding outward from one end of the main body; a fastener integrally formed with the holding body; and a knob mounted on the other end of the main body and movably coupled to the fastener in the longitudinal direction of the main body, wherein the end actuators are formed at the ends of legs branched from one end of the holding body, and a guiding unit is formed at one end of the main body and the legs to forcibly guide the legs. When the holding body moves in its longitudinal direction toward one end of the main body to increase the protruding length of the end actuators, the gap between the pair of end actuators increases, and when the holding body moves backward from one end of the main body in its longitudinal direction to decrease the protruding length of the end actuators, the gap between the pair of end actuators narrows.

[0029] The guiding unit may include: a guiding section longitudinally formed in the legs; and a fixed guide provided in the main body and inserted into the guiding section.

[0030] The guiding section may be formed as a guiding slot which elongates in the longitudinal direction of the legs, vertically penetrates the legs, and the fixed guide may be a guide pin fixed to the main body by passing through the guiding slot.

[0031] The legs have a curved notch formed on their outer surfaces to increase the amount of bending.

[0032] The driver can be inserted through the fastener and into the interior of the holding body, and the fastener can include indicating means configured to indicate the amount of rotation of the driver by converting the amount of rotation of the driver into a change in its length.

[0033] The indicating means can include: a marking portion connected to the fastener; a motion conversion rod inserted into the marking portion and having a driver seat formed therein, on which the driver is seated; and a moving indicator screwed to the motion conversion rod and exposed through a marking portion slot formed in the marking portion so as to move along the marking portion slot according to the rotation of the motion conversion rod when the driver is rotated.

[0034] Two or more marking portion slots can be formed in the marking portion.

[0035] The pitch of the threaded portion formed on the motion conversion rod can be greater than the pitch of the threaded portion formed on the adjustment member configured to adjust the height of the device.

[0036] The threaded portion formed on the motion conversion rod can be a thread having a plurality of threads.

[0037] The moving indicator can include a motion indicating protrusion inserted into the marking portion slot to move within a limited range along the length of the marking portion slot.

[0038] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device holder including: a main body; a holding body inserted into the main body to move relative to the main body and having a pair of end actuators protruding outward from one end of the main body; a fastener integrally formed with the holding body; and a knob mounted on the other end of the main body and movably coupled to the fastener in the longitudinal direction of the main body, wherein the driver is inserted through the fastener and into the interior of the holding body, and the fastener can include indicating means configured to indicate the amount of rotation of the driver by converting the amount of rotation of the driver into a change in its length.

[0039] The indicating means can include: a marking portion connected to the fastener; a motion conversion rod inserted into the marking portion and having a driver seat formed therein, on which the driver is seated; and a moving indicator screwed to the motion conversion rod and exposed through a marking portion slot formed in the marking portion so as to move along the marking portion slot according to the rotation of the motion conversion rod when the driver is rotated.

[0040] Two or more marking portion slots can be formed in the marking portion.

[0041] The pitch of the threaded portion formed on the motion conversion rod can be greater than the pitch of the threaded portion formed on the adjustment member configured to adjust the height of the device.

[0042] The threaded portion formed on the motion conversion rod may be a thread having a plurality of threads.

[0043] The movement indicator may include a movement indicating protrusion that is inserted into the marking portion slot and moves within a limited range along the length of the marking portion slot.

[0044] The end effector may be formed at the end of a leg branched from one end of the holding body, and a guiding unit is formed at one end of the main body and the leg to forcibly guide the leg. When the holding body moves towards one end of the main body in its longitudinal direction to increase the protruding length of the end effector, the gap between the pair of end effectors can increase, and when the holding body moves backward from one end of the main body in its longitudinal direction to reduce the protruding length of the end effector, the gap between the pair of end effectors becomes narrower.

[0045] The guiding unit may include: a guiding section longitudinally formed in the leg; and a fixed guide provided in the main body and inserted into the guiding section.

[0046] The guiding section may be formed as a guiding slot that extends in the longitudinal direction of the leg, vertically penetrates the leg, and the fixed guide may be a guide pin fixed to the main body by passing through the guiding slot.

[0047] The leg may have a curved notch formed on its outer surface to increase the amount of bending.

[0048] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device holder including: a main body; a holding body inserted into the main body to move relative to the main body and having a pair of end effectors protruding outward from one end of the main body; a fastener integrally formed with the holding body; and a knob mounted on the other end of the main body and movably coupled to the fastener in the longitudinal direction of the main body. The end effector is formed at the end of a leg branched from one end of the holding body, and a guiding unit is formed at one end of the main body and the leg to forcibly guide the leg. When the holding body moves towards one end of the main body in its longitudinal direction to increase the protruding length of the end effector, the gap between the pair of end effectors increases, and when the holding body moves backward from one end of the main body in its longitudinal direction to reduce the protruding length of the end effector, the gap between the pair of end effectors becomes narrower. A driver is inserted through the fastener and the interior of the holding body, and the fastener may include indicating means configured to indicate the rotation amount of the driver by converting the rotation amount of the driver into a change in its length.

[0049] [Advantageous Effects]

[0050] According to the present invention, operations can be performed so that devices having different heights within a certain range can be replaced by a height-adjustable device. Therefore, the number of product groups to be produced is reduced, and the inventory of the manufacturer is also decreased. In addition, unlike the devices having a predetermined height with a constant gap in the prior art, the height of this spinal fusion device is linearly adjusted according to the spacing between the patient's vertebral bodies, so that the surgery can be performed at an optimal height according to the patient's spinal condition.

[0051] In addition, the increase amount of the height of the device can be visually inspected, thereby providing a sense of stability for the doctor and allowing the doctor to perform the surgery more precisely. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The above and other objects, features, and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the spinal fusion device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in the lowest height case;

[0054] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the spinal fusion device shown in the highest height case;

[0055] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the spinal fusion device shown;

[0056] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the spinal fusion device shown excluding the adjustment member when viewed from the top; Figure 1

[0057] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the spinal fusion device shown excluding the adjustment member when viewed from the bottom; Figure 1

[0058] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the spinal fusion device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention in the lowest height case;

[0059] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a perspective view of the spinal fusion device shown in the highest height case;

[0060] Figure 8 is Figure 6 an exploded perspective view of the spinal fusion device shown;

[0061] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the spinal fusion device shown excluding the adjustment member when viewed from the top; Figure 6

[0062] ​​​Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the spinal fusion device shown, excluding the adjustment member, as viewed from the bottom; Figure 6

[0063] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the device holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 12 is Figure 11 a cross-sectional perspective view of the device holder shown;

[0065] Figure 13 is Figure 11 a partially enlarged cross-section of the device holder shown;

[0066] Figure 14 is Figure 11 an exploded perspective view of the device holder shown;

[0067] Figure 15 is Figure 11 a cross-sectional perspective view of the device holder in an exploded state, as shown;

[0068] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the main body;

[0069] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the holding body;

[0070] Figure 18 is Figure 16 a partially enlarged plan view of the holding body shown;

[0071] Figure 19 is Figure 11 a plan view of the device holder on the end effector side in an exploded state, as shown;

[0072] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the knob;

[0073] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the fastener;

[0074] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the motion conversion lever;

[0075] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the movement indicator;

[0076] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the retainer;

[0077] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the spinal fusion device in the case of being close to the device holder of Example 1; and

[0078] Figure 26 ​A perspective view of the spinal fusion device of Example 1, where the spinal fusion device is at its maximum height due to the device holder coupled to it. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0079] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When referring to the components of each drawing by reference numerals, it should be noted that the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, even if they are shown in different drawings. In the embodiments of the present invention, well-known functions and configurations that are judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will not be described.

[0080] Figures 1 to 5 A spinal fusion device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown. Figures 6 to 10 A spinal fusion device 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is shown. Hereinafter, the same components of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 will be described together, and then the differences between Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 will be described separately.

[0081] The spinal fusion devices 100 and 200 according to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 6 to 10 The spinal fusion devices 100 and 200 may include: a first end plate 102, 202 and a second end plate 120, 220, which are vertically arranged to face each other; a distal moving block 140, 240 and a proximal moving block 170, 270, which are arranged between the first end plate 102, 202 and the second end plate 120, 220 to move according to the distance between the first end plate 102, 202 and the second end plate 120, 220; and an adjustment member 180, 280, which is connected to the distal moving block 140, 240 by passing through the proximal moving block 170, 270.

[0082] The first end plate 102, 202 and the second end plate 120, 220 have a first plate portion 104, 204 and a second plate portion 122, 222 configured to abut against the vertebral body. The first plate portion 104, 204 and the second plate portion 122, 222 may have teeth formed thereon to prevent the vertebral bodies from separating from each other. In addition, a first window 118, 218 and a second window 138, 238 for inserting a bone graft are respectively formed in the central portions of the first plate portion 104, 204 and the second plate portion 122, 222.

[0083] The first plate guide rails 111, 211, the second plate guide rails 112, 212, the third plate guide rails 113, 213, and the fourth plate guide rails 114, 214 are formed on both sides of the first plate portions 104, 204 in the longitudinal direction. The first plate guide rails 111, 211 and the second plate guide rails 112, 212 are positioned to face each other in the distal direction, and the first plate recesses 110, 210 are formed between these guide rails. The third plate guide rails 113, 213 and the fourth plate guide rails 114, 214 are positioned to face each other in the proximal direction, and the second plate recesses 116, 216 are formed between these guide rails. All of the first plate guide rails 111, 211, the second plate guide rails 112, 212, the third plate guide rails 113, 213, and the fourth plate guide rails 114, 214 are formed in the surface of the first plate portions 104, 204, extending obliquely upward from the end toward the center of the first plate portions 104, 204 in the thickness direction and approaching each other.

[0084] Similarly, the fifth plate guide rails 131, 231, the sixth plate guide rails 132, 232, the seventh plate guide rails 133, 233, and the eighth plate guide rails 134, 234 are formed on both sides of the second plate portions 122, 222 in the longitudinal direction. The fifth plate guide rails 131, 231 and the sixth plate guide rails 132, 232 are arranged to face each other in the distal direction, and the third plate recesses 130, 230 are formed between these guide rails. Additionally, the seventh plate guide rails 133, 233 and the eighth plate guide rails 134, 234 are positioned to face each other in the proximal direction, and the fourth plate recesses 136, 236 are formed between these guide rails. All of the fifth plate guide rails 131, 231, the sixth plate guide rails 132, 232, the seventh plate guide rails 133, 233, and the eighth plate guide rails 134, 234 are formed in the surface of the second plate portions 122, 222, extending obliquely upward from the end toward the center of the second plate portions 122, 222 in the thickness direction and approaching each other.

[0085] The distal moving blocks 140, 240 have insertion portions 142, 242 formed therein by protruding in a streamline shape so as to be easily inserted between vertebral bodies in the proximal direction. In addition, the distal moving blocks 140, 240 have connecting rods 144, 244 formed therein by elongating in the distal direction, and connecting threaded holes 150, 250 having threads are formed inside the connecting rods 144, 244. Further, the distal moving blocks 140, 240 have: first block protrusions 146, 246 formed thereon to correspond to the first plate recesses 110, 210 of the first end plates 102, 202; and second block protrusions 148, 248 formed thereon to correspond to the third plate recesses 130, 230 of the second end plates 120, 220. First block guide rails 151, 251 and second block guide rails 152, 252 corresponding to the first plate guide rails 111, 211 and the second plate guide rails 112, 212 are formed around the first block protrusions 146, 246. Fifth block guide rails 151, 251 and sixth block guide rails 162, 262 corresponding to the fifth plate guide rails 131, 231 and the sixth plate guide rails 132, 232 are formed around the second block protrusions 148, 248.

[0086] The proximal moving blocks 170, 270 have through holes 178, 278 formed therein to rotatably support the adjustment members 180, 280. In addition, the proximal moving blocks 170, 270 have: third block protrusions 172, 272 formed thereon to correspond to the second plate recesses 116, 216 of the first end plates 102, 202; and fourth block protrusions 174, 274 formed thereon to correspond to the fourth plate recesses 136, 236 of the second end plates 120, 220. Third block guide rails 153, 253 and fourth block guide rails 154, 254 corresponding to the third plate guide rails 113, 213 and the fourth plate guide rails 114, 214 are formed around the third block protrusions 172, 272. Seventh block guide rails 163, 263 and eighth block guide rails 164, 264 corresponding to the seventh plate guide rails 133, 233 and the eighth plate guide rails 134, 234 are formed around the fourth block protrusions 174, 274. In addition, fixing pin holes 176, 276 into which fixing pins 192, 194, fixing pins 292, 294 are inserted are formed on the sides of the proximal moving blocks 170, 270. Further, engaging portions 166, 266 are formed on the sides of the proximal moving blocks 170, 270 to grip the spinal fusion devices 100, 200 by a tool.

[0087] The distal moving blocks 140, 240 and the proximal moving blocks 170, 270 have a substantially wedge-shaped shape and are configured to move the first end plates 102, 202 and the second end plates 120, 220 by pressing upward or downward.

[0088] The adjustment members 180, 280 may have a shape substantially like that of a bolt. That is, the adjustment members 180, 280 have heads 182, 282 and adjustment thread portions 188, 288. The heads 182, 282 are located in the openings formed in the through holes 178, 278 in their proximal direction, and the adjustment thread portions 188, 288 pass through the through holes 178, 278 and are screwed into the threaded holes 150, 250 of the connecting rods 144, 244. Tool seats 190, 290 are formed in the heads 182, 282, which can be connected to a tool (not shown). In addition, support portions 186, 286 are located between the heads 182, 282 and the through holes 178, 278, and are rotatably supported by the inner wall surfaces of the through holes 178, 278 while being in contact therewith. Further, pin seats 184, 284 are formed around the support portions 186, 286 so that the end portions of the fixing pins 192, 194, fixing pins 292, 294 inserted through the pin holes 176, 276 of the proximal moving blocks 170, 270 are in place. As a result, the adjustment members 180, 280 can be rotated in place.

[0089] A pair of columns 108, 208 are formed on both sides of the first plate portions 104, 204 in the thickness direction (that is, in the direction toward the second end plates 120, 220). Further, accommodation recesses 106, 206 capable of accommodating the following-described ones are formed around the columns 108, 208. In addition, a pair of extension walls 124, 224 are formed on both sides of the second end plates 120, 220 in the thickness direction (that is, in the direction toward the first end plates 102, 202), and recesses 126, 226 into which the columns 108, 208 can be inserted and guided are formed inside the extension walls 124, 224. As a result, when the columns 108, 208 are inserted into the recesses 126, 226 and vertically moved, the movement of the first end plates 102, 202 and the second end plates 120, 220 in the direction in which they approach or are spaced apart from each other is blocked.

[0090] In addition, the extension walls 124, 224 include: first walls 1241, 2241 and second walls 1242, 2242, which are located at the front end and the rear end of the columns 108, 208 in the longitudinal direction of the second end plates 120, 220; and third walls 1243, 2243, which connect the first walls 1241, 2241 and the second walls 1242, 2242 to form the recesses 126, 226 into which the columns 108, 208 are inserted. That is, the extension walls 124, 224 are formed to surround the columns 108, 208 and have a substantially U-shaped shape when viewed from above.

[0091] The first walls 1241, 2241 and the second walls 1242, 2242 are formed to have a thickness less than a value that excludes the transverse length of the second windows 138, 238 from the transverse length of the second plate portions 122, 222. The reason is that the first walls 1241, 2241 and the second walls 1242, 2242 are inserted into the receiving recesses 106, 206 of the first end plates 102, 202. In addition, the columns 108, 208 can be formed to have a transverse thickness greater than 1 / 4 times and less than 1 / 2 times a value that excludes the transverse length of the first windows 118, 218 from the transverse length of the first plate portions 104, 204. The reason is that the columns 108, 208 are thickened by the depth of the recesses 126, 226 into which the columns 108, 208 are inserted.

[0092] In addition, guide grooves 128, 228 can be formed in the first walls 1241, 2241 and the second walls 1242, 2242 to guide the insertion of the columns 108, 208 into the recesses 126, 226. The reason is that the thickness of the columns 108, 208 is greater than the thickness of the first walls 1241, 2241 and the second walls 1242, 2242.

[0093] In addition, the spinal fusion device 100 of Example 1 and the spinal fusion device 200 of Example 2 have different positions relative to the first end plates 102, 202 and the second end plates 120, 220 at the lowest height.

[0094] The spinal fusion device 100 of Example 1 is formed such that when it is in its lowest state, the first bottom surface 105 of the first end plate 102 abuts against the second bottom surface 123 of the second end plate 120.

[0095] On the other hand, the spinal fusion device 200 of Example 2 is formed such that when it is in its lowest state, the first bottom surface 205 of the first end plate 202 abuts against the stoppers 229 formed on the first wall 2241 and the second wall 2242 of the second end plate 220. The stoppers 229 project from the first wall 2241 and the second wall 2242 so as to abut against the receiving recess 206 around the first bottom surface 205 of the first end plate 202.

[0096] As a result, when the spinal fusion device 200 of Example 2 is in its lowest state, the first bottom surface 205 of the first end plate 202 and the second bottom surface 223 of the second end plate 220 are spaced apart from each other.

[0097] Similar to the spinal fusion device 200 of Embodiment 2, when the height of the spinal fusion device 200 in its lowest state is higher than the height of the spinal fusion device 100 of Embodiment 1 in its lowest state, the length of the spinal fusion device 200 to be inserted into the vertebral body is limited, and the longitudinal length of the proximal moving block 270 and the distal moving block 240 of the spinal fusion device 200 remains unchanged. Therefore, in order to keep the driving force of the adjustment member 280 at the same level as that of Embodiment 1, the inclination of the first to eighth block guides and the first to eighth plate guides should be the same as that of the spinal fusion device 100 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the first bottom surface 205 of the first end plate 202 and the second bottom surface 223 of the second end plate 220 need to be spaced apart from each other, and the spinal fusion device of Embodiment 2 further includes a stopper 229.

[0098] The spinal fusion devices 100 and 200 are configured as described above, and by inserting a tool such as a driver into the tool grooves 190 and 290 and rotating it in one direction, the proximal moving blocks 170 and 270 and the distal moving blocks 140 can be moved closer to each other. Therefore, the first end plates 102 and 202 and the second end plates 120 and 220 are spaced apart from each other. Similarly, by inserting the tool and rotating it in the other direction, the proximal moving blocks 170 and 270 and the distal moving blocks 140 and 240 can be moved apart from each other. Therefore, the distance between the first end plates 102 and 202 and the second end plates 120 and 220 is reduced.

[0099] According to such spinal fusion devices 100 and 200, devices with different heights within a certain range can be replaced by one device, so that the burden of inventory and production can be reduced, the repetitive work during surgery can be reduced, and thus the work of doctors can be reduced. In addition, since the operation time is also reduced, the amount of bleeding is reduced, and the recovery time of the patient can be significantly shortened. Therefore, the spinal fusion device of the present invention is expected to be widely used in the related field due to the above advantages.

[0100] Next, reference will be made to Figures 11 to 24 to describe a device holder 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The device holder 300 generally includes: a main body 302; a holding body 304 that is inserted into the main body 302 to move relative to the main body 302 and has a pair of end actuators 344 and 346 that protrude outward from one end of the main body 302; a fastener 308 that is integrally formed with the holding body 304; and a knob 306 that is mounted on the other end of the main body 302 and is movably coupled to the fastener 308 in the longitudinal direction of the main body 302.

[0102] The end effectors 344 and 346 are formed at the ends of the legs 330 and 332 branched from one end of the holding body 304, and the guiding unit may be formed at one ends of the main body 302 and the legs 330 and 332 to forcibly guide the legs 330 and 332.

[0103] In addition, the driver 310 can be inserted through the fastener 308 and the interior of the holding body 304, and the fastener 308 may further include indicating means capable of indicating the rotation amount of the driver by converting the rotation amount of the driver into a change amount of its length.

[0104] Each or both of the guiding unit and the indicating means may be included in the device holder 300.

[0105] As Figure 16 shown, the main body 302 includes a main body tube 312 in which a main body hole 326 is formed, and one or more cleaning holes 314 provided in its longitudinal direction for easy cleaning. The main body tube 312 has: an opening 320 formed at one end thereof to communicate with the main body hole 326; and end effectors 344 and 346 protruding outward through the opening 320.

[0106] When the main body 302 is viewed from the top, the end portion of the opening 320 is formed in a substantially straight line, but may be recessed or protruded according to the shape of the proximal portion of the spinal fusion device.

[0107] An extension portion 316 is provided on one side of the main body tube 312. The expansion portion 316 increases from the main body tube 312 in the width direction (consistent with the width direction of the device), so that the end effectors 344 and 346 formed at the ends of the legs 330 and 332 extend in the width direction.

[0108] The guiding unit may be provided on the side of the extension portion 316, and may include: guiding segments longitudinally formed in the legs 330 and 332, and a fixed guide member provided in the main body 302 and inserted into the guiding segments.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present invention, the guiding segments are formed as guiding card slots 340 and 342, the guiding card slots extend in the longitudinal direction of the legs 330 and 332, vertically penetrate the legs, and the fixed guide member is guide pins 406 and 408 fixed to the main body 302 by passing through the guiding card slots 340 and 342. The main body tube 312 has guiding pin holes 318 formed at one end thereof, and the guide pins 406 and 408 are inserted therein for installation.

[0110] An assembly groove 324 is formed at the other end of the main body tube 312, and the knob 306 is assembled to the assembly groove. In addition, as Figure 16As shown, a locking jaw 322 is formed at the other end of the main body tube 312 away from the assembly groove 324, and the locking jaw is used to prevent the knob 306 from being removed.

[0111] As Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the holding body 304 has a holding body tube 328 inserted into the main body 302, and one end thereof forms two legs 330 and 332 branched from a branch point 334. The legs 330 and 332 have curved notches 336 and 338 formed on their outer surfaces, so as to increase the amount of bending.

[0112] End effectors 344 and 346 are provided at the ends of the legs 330 and 332 to grip the device. In addition, guide slots 340 and 342 are formed in the legs 330 and 332 as described above.

[0113] Figure 19 The state in which the legs 330 and 332 are arranged in the extension portion 316 of the main body 302 is shown. In this state, the guide pins 406 and 408 are inserted into the guide slots 340 and 342 formed in the legs 330 and 332. Therefore, when the holding body 304 moves in its longitudinal direction toward one end of the main body 302 to increase the protruding length of the end effectors 344 and 346, the gap between the pair of end effectors 344 and 346 increases. On the other hand, when the holding body 304 moves backward from one end of the main body 302 in its longitudinal direction to reduce the protruding length of the end effectors 344 and 346, the gap between the pair of end effectors 344 and 346 narrows. That is, the legs 330 and 332 can be forcibly increased or decreased by the above-mentioned guide pins 406 and 408 and the guide slots 340 and 342.

[0114] A coupling portion 350 is formed at the other end of the holding body 304 to be fixed to the fastener 308. The coupling portion 350 can be fixed to the holding body 304 by a method using a known technique such as screwing by a thread, welding, fixing with a pin, epoxy resin bonding, etc.

[0115] As Figure 20 As shown, the knob 306 is used to apply a rotational force to move the holding body 304 with respect to the main body 302. For this purpose, the knob 306 includes: a knob body 352 having irregularities formed on its outer periphery for easy gripping by hand; an assembly step 354 formed on its inner surface to be assembled to the assembly groove 324 of the main body 302; and a knob thread 356 formed on its inner surface to be screwed with a fastener thread 362 formed on a fastener 308 to be described below. The knob 306 has a knob hole 358 formed therein to have an overall tubular shape.

[0116] AsFigure 21 As shown, the fastener 308 includes a fastener body 360 having fastener threads 362 formed at one end thereof and a marking portion 364 formed at the other end thereof. The marking portion 364 is a tubular body communicating with a fastener hole 368 of the fastener 308 and has a plurality of marking portion slots 366 formed therein in the longitudinal direction. The marking portion 364 may have a fastener guiding section 370 formed on the inner wall surface of the fastener hole 368 into which a movement indicator 380 is inserted.

[0117] In addition, the fastener 308 may have a handle coupling portion 372 formed on its outer periphery, and a handle 392 is inserted into the handle coupling portion to be fixed. The handle 392 may have a connection chuck 394 formed at one end thereof ( Figure 14 ), and an additional handle is coupled to the connection chuck.

[0118] A scale capable of indicating length is displayed on the outer periphery of the marking portion 364, and the height of the current device can be indicated by a mark displayed on the movement indicator 380.

[0119] Then, a motion conversion rod 376 is inserted into the marking portion 364 through the fastener hole 368 and is rotatably supported by a rotary support ring 374. The motion conversion rod 376 has threads formed on its outer periphery, and the threads are screwed with a movement indicator thread portion 386 formed on the inner periphery of the movement indicator 380. If the pitch of the threads formed on the motion conversion rod 376 is the same as the pitch of the threads formed on the adjustment member of the device, the amount of movement of the movement indicator 380 is small and it is difficult to grasp visually. Therefore, the threads of the motion conversion rod 376 are larger than the pitch of the threads of the adjustment member or have multiple thread lines in order to amplify the lead of the adjustment member.

[0120] In addition, the movement indicator 380 has a motion indicating protrusion 384 formed around a movement indicator body 382 so as to protrude from the marking portion slots 366 to be guided.

[0121] Finally, the movement indicator 380 is inserted into the marking portion 364 of the fastener 308, and a retainer 388 is fastened to prevent the movement indicator 380 from being removed. The retainer 388 is fixed to the end of the marking portion 364 using known techniques such as screwing, welding, epoxy bonding, etc. The retainer 388 may have a retainer tool groove 390 formed therein to engage with a tool or the like.

[0122] The driver 310 is inserted through the fastener 308 and a holder body hole 348 formed in the holder body 304. The driver 310 may have a drive tip 398 formed at one end of its shaft 396 to engage with an adjustment member of the device. Additionally, the driver 310 may have a driver coupling portion 400 formed at its other end corresponding to a driver seat 378 formed on an inner surface of an opening formed in a motion conversion rod hole 410 of the motion conversion rod 376. Further, the driver 310 may have a driver chuck 404 formed at its other end to engage with a handle, with the driver chuck continuing to the driver coupling portion 400 and a connecting rod 402 intervening therebetween.

[0123] Next, a driving principle for moving the holder body 304 will be described with reference to the body 302 Figure 13 and Figure 20 A driving principle for moving the holder body 304 will be described.

[0124] The coupling ring 412 is inserted into an assembly groove 324 of the body 302 and an assembly step 354 of the knob 306 and is fixed to the assembly groove 324 of the body 302 and the assembly step 354 of the knob 306. Accordingly, the body 302 and the knob 306 are fixed to each other, and the knob 306 is rotatable with respect to the body 302. A coupling portion 350 of the holder body tube 328 is inserted into the fastener 308 and is fixed to the fastener 308. Correspondingly, the fastener 308 and the holder body tube 328 become integral. Then, a fastener thread 362 of the fastener 308 and a knob thread 356 of the knob 306 are screwed with each other.

[0125] Accordingly, when the knob 306 is rotated, the knob thread 356 rotates with respect to the fastener thread 362, thereby allowing the body 302 to move closer to or away from the fastener 308. As a result, the holder body 304 integrally formed with the fastener 308 moves forward and backward, and legs 330 and 332 formed at one end of the holder body 304 also move forward and backward. The end effectors 344 and 346 move due to the forward and backward movement of the legs 330 and 332 as described above.

[0126] Next, an indicating device will be described with reference to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The indicating device includes: a marking portion 364 connected to the fastener 308; a motion conversion rod 376 inserted into the marking portion 364 and having a driver seat 378 formed therein, on which the driver 310 is located; and a moving indicator 380 screwed to the motion conversion rod 376 and exposed through a marking portion slot 366 formed in the marking portion 364 so as to move along the marking portion slot 366 according to the rotation of the motion conversion rod 376 when the driver 310 is rotated.

[0127] When the driver 310 is inserted and rotated while the driver coupling portion 400 and the driver seat 378 are engaged with each other, the rotation of the driver 310 is transmitted to the motion conversion lever 376. Then, the moving indicator 380 screwed to the motion conversion lever 376 moves by the rotation of the motion conversion lever 376. When the motion indicating protrusion 384 of the moving indicator 380 moves outside along the marking portion card slot 366, the height of the current device can be determined by reading the position where the marking formed on the marking portion 364 matches the marking of the motion indicating protrusion 384.

[0128] Next, Figure 25 The state where the spinal fusion device 100 and the device holder 300 are engaged with each other is shown. The device holder 300 is close to the device holder 300 when viewed from the lowest height, allowing the end effectors 344 and 346 to be located around the engagement portion 166 formed on the side of the spinal fusion device 100.

[0129] When the knob 306 is rotated to move the holding body 304 backward, the end effectors 344 and 346 are inserted into the engagement portion 166 to fix the spinal fusion device 100. At this time, since the shape of the opening 320 corresponds to the shape of the proximal moving block 170, they can be in close contact with each other, so the spinal fusion device 100 can be prevented from shaking.

[0130] Next, the driver 310 is inserted into the device holder 300, and the driving tip 398 of the driver 310 is engaged with the tool groove 190 of the adjustment member 180. After that, when the driver 310 is rotated, the adjustment member 180 rotates, allowing the proximal moving block 170 and the distal moving block 140 to approach each other, and as Figure 25 shown, the first end plate 102 and the second end plate 120 are spaced apart from each other.

[0131] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the relevant art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

[0132] [Industrial Applicability]

[0133] According to the device holder of the present invention, the spinal fusion device can be inserted between adjacent vertebral bodies and can be stably separated from the device, thereby preventing accidents that may occur during surgery.

[0134] In particular, since the device height between the implants can be directly visually confirmed from outside the surgical area, the surgery can be accurately performed, making it more suitable for less experienced doctors.

[0135] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0136] 100, 200: Spinal fusion cages

[0137] 102, 202: First end plates

[0138] 104, 204: First plate portions

[0139] 105, 205: First bottom surfaces

[0140] 106, 206: Receiving recesses

[0141] 108, 208: Columns

[0142] 110, 210: First plate recesses

[0143] 111, 211: First plate guides

[0144] 112, 212: Second plate guides

[0145] 113, 213: Third plate guides

[0146] 114, 214: Fourth plate guides

[0147] 116, 216: Second plate recesses

[0148] 118, 218: First windows

[0149] 120, 220: Second end plates

[0150] 122, 222: Second plate portions

[0151] 123, 223: Second bottom surfaces

[0152] 124, 224: Extension walls

[0153] 126, 226: Recesses

[0154] 128, 228: Guide grooves

[0155] 130, 230: Third plate recesses

[0156] 131, 231: Fifth plate guides

[0157] 132, 232: Sixth plate guides

[0158] 133, 233: Seventh plate guides

[0159] 134, 234: Eighth plate guides

[0160] 136, 236: Fourth plate recesses

[0161] 138, 38: Second windows

[0162] 140, 240: distal moving block

[0163] 142, 242: insertion part

[0164] 144, 244: connecting rod

[0165] 146, 246: first block protrusion

[0166] 148, 248: second block protrusion

[0167] 150, 250: connecting threaded hole

[0168] 151, 251: first block guide rail

[0169] 152, 252: second block guide rail

[0170] 153, 253: third block guide rail

[0171] 154, 254: fourth block guide rail

[0172] 161, 261: fifth block guide rail

[0173] 162, 262: sixth block guide rail

[0174] 163, 263: seventh block guide rail

[0175] 164, 264: eighth block guide rail

[0176] 166, 266: joint part

[0177] 170, 270: proximal moving block

[0178] 172, 272: third block protrusion

[0179] 174, 274: fourth block protrusion

[0180] 176, 276: pin hole

[0181] 178, 278: through hole

[0182] 180, 280: adjustment member

[0183] 182, 282: head

[0184] 184, 284: pin seat

[0185] 186, 286: support part

[0186] 188, 288: adjustment threaded part

[0187] 190, 290: tool seat

[0188] 192, 194, 292, 294: Fixed pins

[0189] 229: Stop

[0190] 1241, 2241: First wall

[0191] 1242, 2242: Second wall

[0192] 1243, 2243: Third wall

[0193] 300: Device holder

[0194] 302: Body

[0195] 304: Holding body

[0196] 306: Knob

[0197] 308: Fastener

[0198] 310: Driver

[0199] 312: Body tube

[0200] 314: Cleaning hole

[0201] 316: Guide unit

[0202] 318: Guide pin hole

[0203] 320: Opening

[0204] 322: Locking jaw

[0205] 324: Assembly groove

[0206] 326: Body hole

[0207] 328: Holding body tube

[0208] 330, 332: Legs

[0209] 334: Branch point

[0210] 336, 338: Bending notch

[0211] 340, 342: Guide slot

[0212] 344, 346: End effector

[0213] 348: Holding body hole

[0214] 350: Coupling part

[0215] 352: Knob body

[0216] 354: Assembly step

[0217] 356: Knob thread

[0218] 358: Knob hole

[0219] 360: Fastener body

[0220] 362: Fastener thread

[0221] 364: Marking part

[0222] 366: Marking part slot

[0223] 368: Fastener hole

[0224] 370: Fastener guiding section

[0225] 372: Handle coupling part

[0226] 374: Rotating support ring

[0227] 376: Motion conversion lever

[0228] 378: Driver seat

[0229] 380: Movement indicator

[0230] 382: Movement indicator body

[0231] 384: Motion indicating protrusion

[0232] 386: Movement indicator thread part

[0233] 388: Retainer

[0234] 390: Retainer tool groove

[0235] 392: Handle

[0236] 394: Connecting chuck

[0237] 396: Shaft

[0238] 398: Driving tip

[0239] 400: Driver coupling part

[0240] 402: Connecting rod

[0241] 404: Driver chuck

[0242] 406, 408: Guide pin

[0243] 410: Motion conversion lever hole

[0244] 412: Coupling ring

Claims

1. A device holder, comprising: a main body; a holding body which is inserted into the main body to move relative to the main body and has a pair of end actuators protruding outward from one end of the main body; a fastener which is integrally formed with the holding body; and a knob which is mounted on the other end of the main body and is movably coupled to the fastener in the longitudinal direction of the main body, wherein a driver is inserted through the fastener and the interior of the holding body, and the fastener includes indicating means configured to indicate the amount of rotation of the driver by converting the amount of rotation of the driver into a change in its length, wherein the indicating means includes: a marking portion which is connected to the fastener; a motion conversion rod which is inserted into the marking portion and has a driver seat formed therein, and the driver is seated on the driver seat; and a moving indicator which is screwed to the motion conversion rod and is exposed through a marking portion slot formed in the marking portion so as to move along the marking portion slot according to the rotation of the motion conversion rod when the driver is rotated.

2. The device holder according to claim 1, wherein two or more marking portion slots are formed in the marking portion.

3. The device holder according to claim 1, wherein the pitch of the threaded portion formed on the motion conversion rod is greater than the pitch of the threaded portion formed on an adjustment member configured to adjust the height of the device.

4. The device holder according to claim 1, wherein the threaded portion formed on the motion conversion rod is a thread having a plurality of threads.

5. The device holder according to claim 1, wherein the moving indicator includes a motion indicating protrusion which is inserted into the marking portion slot to move within a limited range according to the length of the marking portion slot.

6. The device holder according to claim 1, wherein the end actuators are formed at the ends of legs branched from one end of the holding body, and a guiding unit is formed at one end of the main body and the legs to forcibly guide the legs, when the holding body moves in its longitudinal direction toward one end of the main body to increase the protruding length of the end actuators, the gap between the pair of end actuators increases, and when the holding body moves backward from one end of the main body in its longitudinal direction to reduce the protruding length of the end actuators, the gap between the pair of end actuators narrows.

7. The device holder according to claim 6, wherein the guiding unit includes: a guiding section longitudinally formed in the leg; and a fixed guide provided in the main body and inserted into the guiding section.

8. The device holder according to claim 7, wherein The guiding section is formed as a guiding slot that extends in the longitudinal direction of the leg, vertically penetrates the leg, and the fixed guide is a guide pin that is fixed to the main body by passing through the guiding slot.

9. The device holder according to claim 6, wherein, the leg has a curved notch formed on its outer surface so as to increase the amount of bending.

Images