IMPLANT FOR ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN VerTES AND IMPLANT KIT

Abstract

The present application provides an implant for engagement between vertebrae, the invention relates to an implant (10, 40, 50, 50 ') comprising: a monolithic body (10, 40, 50, 50') comprising a first edge at a first end (10a, 40a, 50a) and a second edge at a second end (10b, 40b, 50b) opposite the first end (10a, 40a, 50a), an outer surface (3a) extending between the first edge and the second edge, the body defines a central axis (L) extending through the first end (10a, 40a, 50a) and the second end (10b, 40b, 50b), a plurality of teeth (6) forming a first edge, an abutment surface (7a, 41, 41) disposed at a distance from the first edge or the second edge and extending substantially across the teeth (6); wherein the abutment surface (7a, 41, 51) is arranged to engage with a portion of a vertebra or with an end plate (20, 20 ') for engagement with a vertebra, and an implant kit for engagement between vertebras is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an implant for engagement between vertebrae and to an implant kit comprising the same. In particular, the present invention relates to an implant of the type to be inserted between vertebrae. Background Art

[0002] A space holder for vertebrae, in particular for intervertebral discs, is known from US 5702451. The space holder comprises a sheath having a hole and a first edge and a second edge. The edges have: circumferentially adjacent notches, each notch extending in a direction towards the other edge; and a stopper, which is arranged at at least one edge and is spaced from the outer edge. The stopper is formed by a part with an outer contour corresponding to the inner contour of the sheath and a nose-like projection for engaging the notch. The sheath can be cut to length.

[0003] US 7547325 B2 introduces a space holder for insertion between two vertebrae, the space holder having a variable axial length. The space holder has a sleeve-shaped first component and a second component guided in the first component, the second component being movable in the axial direction relative to the first component for adjusting the total length.

[0004] Space maintainers or maintainers (also called spacers) of the type described above can be used for various purposes, such as spacers for one or more vertebrae that have been removed, or as spacers for intervertebral discs. Due to the various possible clinical applications, the specific conditions of the patient and the different locations of the spine on which the spacer is to be used, a large number of spacers of different sizes and with different characteristics are usually required in order to select a suitable implant. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an implant for engagement between vertebrae and an implant kit which enables a reduction in the inventory of implants to be provided for surgery.

[0006] This object is solved by an implant according to the present application and a kit according to the present application.The present application also comprises further developments of the implant.

[0007] According to aspects of the invention, an implant for engaging between vertebrae comprises a unitary body, the unitary body comprising a first edge at a first end and a second edge at a second end opposite to the first end, an outer surface extending between the first edge and the second edge, the body defining a central axis extending through the first end and the second end, a plurality of teeth forming the first edge, and abutment surfaces disposed at a distance from the first edge and extending substantially across the teeth (preferably in a direction toward the central axis). The abutment surfaces are disposed to engage with a portion of the vertebrae, or with an end plate for engaging the vertebrae. In yet another development, a plurality of intermediate abutment surfaces are disposed axially along the length of the body.

[0008] Implant can be cut into desired length easily.Therefore, can obtain implant with desired length before operation, so that implant adapts to the size of intervertebral space, implant will be arranged in this intervertebral space.Alternatively, implant can be combined with suitable end plate at one end or both ends, for example after it is cut, this end plate is arranged to engage with vertebra.This end plate can have suitable characteristic, for example specific size, joint structure or lordosis angle.Preferably, the end plate at both ends can be detachably connected with implant body.

[0009] The implant's mesh structure promotes tissue and blood vessel ingrowth.

[0010] According to yet another aspect, the implant is a length-adjustable implant comprising: a first tubular member and a second tubular member movably positioned in the first tubular member; and a length adjustment structure for adjusting the axial position of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member. At least the second tubular member is a unitary body comprising a first edge at a first end and a second edge at a second end opposite the first end, an outer surface extending between the first edge and the second edge, the body defining a central axis extending through the first end and the second end, a plurality of teeth forming the first edge, and an abutment surface disposed at a distance from the first edge and extending substantially across the teeth toward the central longitudinal axis.

[0011] Utilize the implant of adjustable length, the length of implant can be regulated in small steps or quasi-stepless mode. The end plate can be selected according to the requirements of actual clinical application. In a further development form, the second tubular component can be cut into a certain length in addition, so that even more variability is provided.

[0012] The length adjustment structure can use the friction between the engaging inclined surfaces to lock the position of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member.Therefore, the axial position can be easily fixed and released using an instrument.

[0013] Moreover, according to another aspect, a kit is provided, comprising: a first implant, the first implant being arranged to be cut to length; and a second implant, the length of the second implant being adjustable, preferably reversibly adjustable, the kit also optionally comprising an end plate, the end plate being arranged to be removably mounted on the first implant or the second implant. Other end plates for various purposes may be provided.

[0014] Thus, the kit provides a modular system that can include multiple implants with different properties selected from several components. This helps hospitals save costs.

[0015] According to another aspect, the implant is manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, such as laser sintering, laser melting, electron beam melting, fused deposition molding (FDM), etc. Using this technology, any three-dimensional shape from CAD data can be manufactured, especially any complex shape that cannot or can hardly be manufactured using subtractive methods. It can be manufactured according to the needs of a specific patient application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 : shows a perspective view of an implant according to a first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 : It indicates Figure 1 Perspective view of an implant cut to desired length and other cutting options.

[0019] Figure 3 : It indicates Figure 1 or Figure 2 A perspective exploded view of an implant of , wherein an end plate can be removably mounted on the implant.

[0020] Figure 4 :Indicates the assembled state Figure 3 implants.

[0021] Figure 5 : It indicates Figure 1 A perspective view of an implant from the top.

[0022] Figure 6 : It indicates Figure 5 A perspective view of an implant from the bottom.

[0023] Figure 7 : It indicates Figure 5 and 6 Side view of the implant.

[0024] Figure 8: It indicates Figures 5 to 7 Top view of the implant.

[0025] Fig. 9 : It indicates Figure 3 and 4 A perspective view of a first end plate of an implant from the top, the first end plate being configured to be connected to a first end of the implant.

[0026] Fig.10 : It indicates Fig. 9 A perspective view of the end plate from the bottom.

[0027] Fig.11 : It indicates Fig. 9 and 10 Top view of the end plate.

[0028] Fig.12 : It indicates Figures 9 to 11 Side view of the end plate.

[0029] Fig.13 : It indicates Figure 3 and 4 0 is a perspective view from the top of a second end plate shown in FIG. 5 , which is configured to be connected to a second end of the implant.

[0030] Fig.14 : It indicates Fig.13 A perspective view of the second end plate from the bottom.

[0031] Fig.15 : It indicates Fig.13 and 14 A top view of the second end plate.

[0032] Fig.16 : It indicates Figures 13 to 15 A side view of the second end plate.

[0033] Fig.17 : shows a perspective exploded view of an implant according to a second embodiment.

[0034] Fig.18 : It indicates Fig.17 A perspective view of an implant in an assembled state.

[0035] Fig.19 : It indicates Fig.17 and 18 A cross-sectional view of an implant, the cross-sectional view being taken in a plane including the longitudinal axis of the implant and extending in a circumferential direction through the center of the length adjustment mechanism.

[0036] Fig. 20 :Indicates the basis Figures 17 to 19 A perspective view from the front of the drive components of the implant length adjustment mechanism.

[0037] Fig.21 : It indicates Fig. 20 Rear view of the drive components.

[0038] Fig. 22 : It indicates Fig. 20 and 21 Side view of the drive components.

[0039] Fig.23 :Indicates the basis Figures 17 to 19 A perspective view from the front of the locking component of the length adjustment mechanism of the implant.

[0040] Fig.24 : It indicates Fig.23 A perspective view of the locking components of the .

[0041] Fig.25 : It indicates Fig.23 and 24 A cross-sectional view of the locking component.

[0042] Fig.26 : It indicates Figures 17 to 19 A perspective view of the other end plate of the implant shown in FIG.

[0043] Fig. 27 : It indicates Fig.26 A perspective view of the end plate from the top.

[0044] Fig.28 It indicated Fig.26 and 27 Top view of the end plate

[0045] Fig.29 : It indicates Figures 26 to 28 Side view of the end plate shown in .

[0046] Fig.30 : represents a method according to another embodiment, Fig.17 and 19 A perspective view of the tubular component of the implant.

[0047] Fig.31 : It indicates Fig.30 Perspective view of a tubular component cut to length.

[0048] Fig.32 : shows a perspective view of a kit including an implant according to a first embodiment and according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] refer to Figures 1 to 8According to the first embodiment, the implant 1 includes an integral implant body 10 and an optional first end plate 20 and a second end plate 30. The implant body 10 can be formed as a tubular mesh. It has a first end 10a and an opposite second end 10b, and determines a central axis L extending through the first end 10a and the second end 10b. In the illustrated embodiment, the central axis L is also the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The outer envelope perpendicular to the central axis L of the implant body 10 can be cylindrical, elliptical or kidney-shaped, or can have any other shape suitable for being arranged between vertebrae. The mesh includes holes 2, which are formed between an outer surface 3a and an inner surface 3b at regular distances in a circumferential direction ( Figure 8 ). The hole 2 can be a rhombus and can have a longitudinal diagonal extending parallel to the central axis L of the implant body 10. Each hole 2 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal diagonal of the rhombus. The holes 2 of adjacent rows 2a, 2b in the axial direction can be offset from each other by half of the axial height of the hole 2. In this way, the grid is formed with webs 4a, 4b, which intersect at acute angles and form equal angles with the longitudinal diagonals of the holes 2. In the circumferential direction, there can be an equal number of holes 2 in each row. The size of the holes 2 and the webs 4a, 4b is such that there is an integer number of holes 2 in a row.

[0050] The webs 4a, 4b form a first edge 5a at the first end and a second edge 5b at the second end 10b. By means of the intersecting webs 4a, 4b, the edge 5a comprises teeth 6 arranged in a ring around the central axis L. The free ends of the teeth 6 can be located in a plane perpendicular to the central axis L. Thus, the free ends of the teeth 6 form the first end 10a and the second end 10b of the body, respectively. It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the ring 6 of teeth is circular because the body 10 has a cylindrical outer shape. However, the ring can have any other shape suitable for the outer shape of the body. In a variant embodiment, the free ends of the teeth can be arranged in a plane that is angled with the longitudinal axis L of the body.

[0051] The first abutment surface 7a or stopper is formed at a distance from the first end 10a. The first abutment surface 7a is used as a support for an end plate 20, which will be connected to the implant body at the first end 10a. In more detail, the first abutment surface 7a extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis L and can be substantially flat. The tooth 6 protrudes from the first abutment surface 7a in the axial direction. The first abutment surface 7a includes a plurality of radially extending webs 8, which extend from the coaxial inner ring 9 until the tooth 6. Therefore, the width of the web 8 increases radially outward from the inner ring 9. The web 8 is arranged in an alternating manner relative to the tooth 6, that is, the radial outer end of the web 8 terminates at the inner surface 3b in the gap between the continuous teeth 6. Therefore, the number of the webs 8 corresponds to the number of the holes 2. In the circumferential direction, there is a gap 8a between the webs 8. The ring 9 and the web 8 have a certain thickness in the axial direction, which can be about a quarter of the height of the hole 2.

[0052] Finally, in each web 8 adjacent to the ring 9 there is a spike 800 in two directions, namely towards the first end 10a and towards the second end 10b. The height of this spike 800 may be less than the height of the tooth 6.

[0053] At the second end 10 b there is a second abutment surface 7 b which is identical to the first abutment surface 7 a and is arranged at a distance from the free end of the tooth 6 .

[0054] A plurality of intermediate abutment surfaces 7 identical to the first abutment surface 7a and the second abutment surface 7b are formed at equidistant axial positions within the body 10, preferably at a distance of half the axial height of a row of mesh structures. In more detail, the additional abutment surfaces 7 are arranged at such positions that by cutting the implant body 10 into a desired length in a plane perpendicular to the central axis L and at the center of the hole 2 in the axial direction, an implant body is provided that is shortened by a multiple of half the axial length of a mesh row (including half of the hole 2). The cutting section is thus determined, such as Figure 2 As shown. Each intermediate abutment surface 7 can form a first abutment surface 7a after cutting, or form a second abutment surface 7b when the implant body is shortened from the second end 10b. Moreover, the implant body has the same shape when it is turned upside down. Before cutting, the position of the tooth 6 deviates from the position of the tooth 6 of the adjacent segment in the circumferential direction.

[0055] By means of the configuration of the abutment surfaces 7a, 7, 7b, longitudinal channels are formed by the gaps 8a between the webs 8 and by the circumferential channels between the rings 9. This can improve the stability of the implant body 10.

[0056] The implant body 10 is preferably manufactured using an additive manufacturing method. In the additive manufacturing method, the implant body is built layer by layer based on the three-dimensional data of the shape and size of the implant body. As an example, a layer manufacturing technology based on a powder bed (such as selective laser melting (SLM)) includes the following steps: a layer of building material (such as powder, particularly metal powder or plastic powder) is applied to the support surface, and the powder is selectively solidified or melted at a position corresponding to the cross section of the implant body in the corresponding layer. Subsequently, the steps of applying and melting other layers of the implant body are repeated until the implant body is completed. The data of the cross section of the implant body in the corresponding layer and the data for controlling the layer manufacturing device are generated by the CAD or CAM data of the implant body and the corresponding slice data. In particular, undercut parts and complex shapes can be constructed. The implant body manufactured can show the characteristics of the manufacturing method, such as a slightly rough surface or a laser track in a finely prepared cut portion. Therefore, the manufacturing method can be identified. Other additive manufacturing methods can also be considered, such as electron beam melting, FDM (fused deposition molding) etc.

[0057] Also refer to Figures 9 to 12 , a first end plate 20 or top end plate is arranged to be connected to the first end 10a of the implant body 10. The first end plate 20 is a substantially flat tubular plate-shaped member having an outer surface 20a arranged to engage with a vertebra (particularly a vertebral body) and an opposite inner surface 20b arranged to engage with the implant body 10. Fig.11 As shown, in the top view, the outer profile of the end plate 20 can be a basic quadrilateral, and its width is greater than the maximum outer width of the implant body 10. However, the shape of the end plate 10 can be any shape and / or size suitable for engaging with the vertebra. The inner surface of the tube of the end plate 20 forms a ring 21, which can have a slightly smaller diameter than the ring 9 of the implant body. The projection 22 extends from the ring 21 in the axial direction. The projection can be offset by 180° and is arranged to slide along the inner surface of the ring 9 of the implant body 10. The projection 22 can have the shape of a part of a cylindrical wall. When the end plate 20 is installed on the implant body 10, they can be used to center the end plate 20. A plurality of radially extending webs 23 are provided, which extend radially outward from the ring 21. A gap 24 or opening is formed between the webs 23, which is used to receive the end portion of the tooth 6 of the implant body 10. Therefore, the number of webs 23 corresponds to the number of teeth 6 of the implant body. Each gap 24 has a radially outer end portion 25 corresponding to the position of the teeth 6. In more detail, the shape of the end portions 25 can be adapted to the shape of the end portions of the teeth 6 so that they can be accommodated therein in a form-fitting manner. In particular, the side walls of the end portions 25 can be inclined at the angle at which the webs 4a, 4b of the mesh meet.

[0058] When the end plate 20 is mounted on the first end 10a of the implant body 10, the web 23 of the end plate 20 abuts against the web 8 forming the first abutment surface 7a of the implant body 10. The protrusion 22 abuts in the radial direction against the inner surface of the ring 9 of the implant body 10. The teeth 6 extend into the end portion 25 of the gap 24 between the webs 23.

[0059] The first end plate 20 may have a wedge shape to provide a lordotic angle. Fig.12 As can be seen in particular, the end plate 20 is thicker at a first side 26a relative to the central axis L (compared to the opposite side 26b). Various end plates 20 with different angles can be provided in order to create a modular system. Moreover, on the outer surface 20a at the radially outer portion of the web 23 and on the outer surface 20a radially outward from the end portion 25 of the gap 24, spikes 27 can be provided, respectively, which form a ring around the central axis L. The spikes 27 can be used to engage with the vertebrae. They can have approximately the same width as the web 23, or can have a slightly smaller width than the web 23.

[0060] Reference below Figures 13 to 16 The second or bottom endplate 30 is also a substantially flat tubular plate member having an outer surface 30a configured to engage a vertebra and an opposing inner surface 30b configured to connect to the implant body 10. The outer contour of the second endplate 30 can be the same as or different from the outer contour of the first endplate 20.

[0061] The second end plate 30 comprises an inner ring 31. Preferably, two protrusions 32 arranged relative to each other protrude from the inner surface 30b so that they can engage with the inner ring 9 of the second abutting surface 7b at the second end 10b of the implant body 10 and slide along the inner ring 9. Therefore, compared with the inner diameter of the ring 9, the inner surface of the inner ring 32 has a slightly smaller inner diameter. A plurality of webs 33 extend radially outward from the inner ring 32. Therefore, the width of the web 33 along the circumferential direction is smaller at the adjacent inner ring 32, and increases radially outward. The number and position of the webs 33 correspond to the number and position of the webs 8 at the second abutting surface 7b of the implant body 10. A gap 34 or opening is provided between the webs 33, and each gap 34 or opening has a circumferential widening portion 35 at the radially outer end for receiving the tooth 6 of the second edge 7b of the implant body 10. The opposite side 35 a of the widened portion 35 may have an inclination corresponding to the inclination of the tooth 6 so that the end portion of the tooth 6 can be matingly received in the widened portion 35 .

[0062] On the outer surface 30a, a spike 37 similar to the spike 27 of the first end plate 20 is provided at a radially outer position of the web 33, and is used to engage with the vertebra. Therefore, the spike 37 is arranged on the ring and can have a smaller width than the radially outer width of the web 33.

[0063] If especially in Fig.16 As can be seen in the figure, the second end plate 30 can also include a lordotic angle so that the thickness of the second end plate 30 is larger at 36a on one side of the central axis L than at 36b on the opposite side. Different second end plates can be provided with different lordotic angles and / or different sizes and / or different engagement features for engaging with the vertebrae. Like this, a modular system can be provided, which only includes an implant body and a plurality of first and second end plates, which can be combined with the implant body into an implant for engaging between two vertebral bodies.

[0064] Preferably, the first end plate 20 and the second end plate 30 are also manufactured by the additive manufacturing method as described above.

[0065] The implant body and the first and second end plates can be made of any biocompatible material, but preferably made of titanium or stainless steel or any other biocompatible metal or metal alloy or plastic material. As a biocompatible alloy, NiTi alloys such as Nitinol can be used. Other materials can also be magnesium or magnesium alloys. The biocompatible plastic material used can be, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA). The end plate and the implant body can be made of the same material, or can be made of different materials.

[0066] In use, first, the implant body 10 is used with the length initially provided, and is combined with any suitable first end plate 20 and / or second end plate 30. Optionally, the implant body 10 can be cut into a desired length at a predetermined position, so as to provide an implant body with the same shape but different lengths compared to the original implant body. Then, the shortened implant body is combined with any suitable end plate, so as to provide an implant to be arranged between vertebrae. End plates 20, 30 are inserted in the first end 10a and the second end 10b of the implant body, respectively. The shortened implant body can have teeth, which are offset from the teeth of the resection segment, but the shortened implant body can be rotated due to its symmetry for connection with the first end plate 20. The first end plate 20 receives the teeth 6 of the first end 10a in the widened portion 25. The second end plate 30 receives the teeth 6 of the second end 10b in the widened portion 35a of the hole 35. Therefore, the end plate is fixed relative to the rotation of the implant body. When the implant 1 is inserted between two vertebrae, the pressure of the vertebrae on the end plates holds the end plates firmly fixed to the implant body.

[0067] like Figures 17 to 19As shown, a second embodiment of an implant 100 for engagement between two vertebrae includes an integral first tubular body 40 and an integral second tubular body 50, which can be positioned in the first tubular body 40 and can move relative to the first tubular body 40 in an axial direction. The first tubular body 40 and the second tubular body 50 are connected to each other by a length adjustment structure 60. The length adjustment structure 60 includes an advancement structure 70 disposed at the second tubular member 50 and a driving member 80 disposed at the first tubular member 40. It should be noted that the first tubular member 40, the second tubular member and the portion of the length adjustment structure are preferably manufactured using the additive manufacturing method as described above. The length adjustment structure can be easily integrated in an integral member. In addition, a locking member 85 is provided, which is configured to lock the axial position of the second tubular member 50 relative to the first tubular member 40. The second end plate 30 is the same as the first embodiment and is configured to be connected to the first tubular member 40. In addition, a modified first end plate 20 ′ is provided, which is arranged to be connected to the second tubular member 50 .

[0068] Especially Fig.17 and 18 As shown, the first tubular component 40 is a mesh cage, which includes a first end 40a, an opposite second end 40b and a grid or net formed by a plurality of holes 2 (preferably diamond-shaped holes 2). At the second end 40b, the edge includes a plurality of teeth 6. Abutment surface 41 is formed at a distance from the free end of the teeth 6, the abutment surface 41 includes an inner ring 42 and a plurality of webs 43, which extend from the inner ring 42 to the teeth 6 in the radial direction. The webs 43 can have a flat surface towards the first end 40a and can have V-shaped radially extending grooves towards the second end 40b, but they can also be flat towards the second end 40b. The teeth 6 are arranged to be received in the widened portion 35 of the opening 34 of the second end plate 30. The webs 33 of the second end plate 30 are arranged to abut against the webs 43 of the first tubular component 40 when the second end plate 30 is mounted on the first tubular component 40.

[0069] A tubular portion 44 is provided in the first tubular member 40 above the second end 40b, and the tubular axis t of the tubular portion 44 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis L. The tubular portion 44 includes an internal thread 45 configured to cooperate with the locking member 85. The axial extension of the tubular portion 44 may reach the first end 40a.

[0070] The second tubular part 50 comprises a mesh cage having a first end 50a, an opposite second end 50b, a mesh or net formed by a plurality of preferably diamond-shaped holes 2 similar to the first tubular part 40, and teeth 6 forming an edge at the first end 50a. A first abutment surface 51 is provided at the first end 50a at a distance from the free end of the teeth 6. Similar to the implant body of the first embodiment, the abutment surface 51 comprises an inner ring 52 and radially extending webs 53, which are located at positions corresponding to the teeth 6. Gaps 54 are provided between the radially extending webs 53.

[0071] The basic U-shaped portion 56 extends from the second end 50b until the gap between the teeth 6 at the abutment surface 52. The U-shaped portion 56 is open toward the second end 50b. In a direction perpendicular to the central axis L, the U-shaped portion 56 extends into the inner hollow space of the second tubular component 50, and an advancement structure 70 is formed at one side of the U-shaped portion 56, which is arranged to engage the drive component 80. The advancement structure 70 can be, for example, a ratchet structure or a rack. The teeth 71 of the rack are arranged one by one in the axial direction. When the second tubular component 50 is inserted into the first tubular component 40 and the U-shaped portion 56 is aligned with the tubular portion 44 of the first tubular component 40, the U-shaped portion 56 abuts against the rear side of the tubular portion 44.

[0072] As in Figures 20 to 25 As can be seen in addition, the length adjustment structure 60 further includes a driving member 80 and a locking member 85. The driving member 80 includes a pinion portion 81 at its rear side, which is configured to be inserted into the first tubular member 40. The pinion portion includes teeth 81a, which are configured to engage the rack of the advancement structure 70 at the second tubular member 40. A conical portion 82 is formed near the pinion portion 81, wherein the conical portion 82 gradually tapers in a direction away from the pinion portion 81. A notch 83 for engaging with a tool (not shown) for rotating the driving member 80 is formed at the front end of the driving member 80.

[0073] The locking member 85 is a screw member with an external thread 87, which is arranged to cooperate with the internal thread 45 of the tubular portion 44 of the first tubular member 40. In the assembled state, the rear side 85a of the locking member 85 is oriented toward the second tubular member 50, and its front side 85b is oriented toward the outside of the first tubular member 40. Moreover, the locking member 85 includes a conical through hole 86, which extends coaxially with the thread so that it gradually decreases conically from the rear side 85a to the front side 85b. The conical through hole 86 is arranged to receive the conical portion 82 of the drive member 80. Moreover, the locking member 85 includes a radially extending notch 88 on the front side for engaging with a tool for screwing the locking member 85 back and forth in the tubular portion 44.

[0074] In the assembled state, the locking member 85 is located in the tubular portion 44 of the first tubular member 40, and the drive member 80 is arranged so that the conical portion 82 is located in the conical through hole 86 of the locking member 85, and the pinion portion 81 is engaged with the rack at the second tubular member 50. The second tubular member 50 can be inserted into the first tubular member 40 so that the pinion portion 81 of the drive member 80 is in the uppermost position, i.e., close to the bottom of the inverted U-shaped portion 56. Rotating the drive member 80 by engaging with a tool will cause the second tubular member 50 to move out of the first tubular member 40 to the desired extent. The relative position of the second tubular member 50 to the first tubular member 40 can be locked by screwing the locking member 85 deeper into the tubular portion 44, so that the conical surface of the conical portion 82 of the drive member 80 and the conical surface of the conical through hole 86 of the locking member 85 engage and lock the drive member 80 by friction, so that the drive member 80 cannot be rotated further. The locking can be released by rotating the locking member 85 in the opposite direction.

[0075] The third end plate 20' is configured to engage with the first end 50a of the second tubular member. Figures 26 to 29 As shown, the third end plate 20' is similar to the first end plate 20, and the same or highly similar parts are marked with the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. The third end plate 20' can have a through hole 25 between the outer surface 20a and the inner surface 20b, which is arranged at the radially outer end of the web 23 and adjacent to the spike 27. The through hole 25 is used to receive a portion of the tooth 6 of the second tubular component 50, because the web 53 of the abutment surface 51 of the second tubular component 50 is at the same circumferential position as the tooth 6. At the inner side 20b, a circular step 28 can be formed at a position radially outward from the through hole 25. The third end plate 20' can be attached to the second tubular component 50 so that the tooth 6 extends into the through hole 25.

[0076] The second end plate 30 is the same as the second end plate 30 of the first embodiment.

[0077] refer to Fig.30 and Fig.31 In a variation of the second embodiment, the second tubular member 50' can be cut to a desired length. To this end, the intermediate abutment surface 90 is formed at a distance from the first end 50a and in such a position that when the second tubular member 50' is cut in a plane including the maximum width of the hole 2, the intermediate abutment surface 90 becomes the first abutment surface, as shown in FIG. Fig.31Detailed description can be seen in . Therefore, it is possible to cut off a portion of the second tubular member 50' as shown in the figure so that the intermediate abutment surface 90 becomes the first abutment surface. When the second tubular member is long enough, multiple intermediate abutment surfaces 90 can be provided. The second tubular member 50' can be used together with the third end plate 20'. When the upper section is cut off, the teeth 6 of the remaining second tubular member 50' deviate from the teeth 6 before cutting. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the teeth 6 of the intermediate abutment surface 90 can engage with the gaps 24 between the webs 23 of the third end plate 20'.

[0078] Fig.32 An implant and endplate kit is shown, which comprises an implant 10 according to a first embodiment and an implant 100 according to a second embodiment, which can be used in an interchangeable manner with the same second or bottom endplate 30 .

[0079] Variations of the above described embodiments may be envisaged. For example, the holes may have a shape different from a rhombus. The end plates may have another shape, for example they may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a kidney shape, etc.

Claims

1. An implant for engagement between vertebrae, the implant comprising: A unitary body (10, 40, 50, 50') comprising a first edge at a first end (10a, 40a, 50a) and a second edge at a second end (10b, 40b, 50b) opposite the first end (10a, 40a, 50a), an outer surface (3a) extending between the first edge and the second edge, the body defining a central axis (L) extending through the first end (10a, 40a, 50a) and the second end (10b, 40b, 50b), a plurality of teeth (6), said teeth (6) forming a first edge, an abutment surface (7a, 41, 51) which is arranged at a distance from the first edge or from the second edge in the axial direction so that the tooth (6) protrudes above the abutment surface, the abutment surface extending substantially across the tooth (6); Therein, the abutment surface (7a, 41, 51) is arranged to engage with a portion of a vertebra or with an end plate (20, 20') for engaging a vertebra.

2. The implant according to claim 1, wherein: The abutment surface (7a, 51) comprises a plurality of webs (8, 43, 53) extending radially relative to the center axis (L), the plurality of webs (8, 43, 53) being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

3. The implant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The abutment surface at the first end (10a) is a first abutment surface (7a), and a second abutment surface (7b) is arranged at a distance from the second edge, and the second abutment surface (7b) extends approximately across the tooth (6). Preferably, the second abutment surface (7b) includes a plurality of webs (8) extending radially relative to the central axis (L), and the plurality of webs (8) are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The second abutment surface (7b) is arranged to engage with a portion of a vertebra or with an end plate for engaging a vertebra.

4. An implant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one further intermediate abutment surface (7, 90), preferably a plurality of further abutment surfaces, are arranged in the axial direction between the first end (10a, 50a) and the second end (10b, 50b), preferably at equal distances, and preferably, the intermediate abutment surface (7, 90) is identical to the abutment surface (7a) at the first end (10a, 50a).

5. The implant according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The body (10, 40, 50, 50') comprises a mesh structure having a plurality of holes (2), a portion of which is open at a first end (10a, 40a, 50a) and / or a second end (10b, 40b, 50b) to form teeth (6), preferably, the holes (2) are rhombus-shaped with diagonals extending parallel to the central axis (L).

6. The implant according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The body (10, 50') is arranged to be cut to a length at an axial position between the intermediate abutment surfaces (7, 90) so that a specific intermediate abutment surface above the cut body forms a first abutment surface (7a, 51) at the first end (10a, 50a) after cutting.

7. An implant according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The body (10, 40, 50, 50') is tubular in shape, and the first abutment surface (7a, 41, 51) extends in a radially inward direction from the outer surface (3a).

8. The implant according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: At least a first end plate (20, 20'), the first end plate (20, 20') is configured to be detachably connected to the first end (10a, 50a), wherein the first end plate (20, 20') includes an inner surface (20b) and an opposite outer surface (20a), the inner surface (20b) is configured to be connected to the first end of the body, the outer surface (20a) is configured to engage with the vertebra, the inner surface (20b) is configured to abut against a first abutment surface (7a, 51) of the body, a plurality of holes (25, 25') are provided in the first end plate (20, 20'), and teeth (6) are capable of engaging in the holes (25, 25') so as to connect the first end plate (20, 20') to the body.

9. The implant of claim 8, wherein: The inner surface comprises a plurality of radially extending webs (23, 25') in which the holes (25') are formed.

10. The implant according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: At least a second end plate (30), the second end plate (30) is configured to be detachably connected to the second end (10b, 40b), wherein the second end plate (30) includes an inner surface (30b) and an outer surface (30a), the inner surface (30b) is configured to be connected to the second end (10b, 40b) of the body (10, 40), and the outer surface (30a) is configured to engage with the vertebra, a plurality of holes (34, 35, 35a) are provided in the second end plate (30), and teeth (6) at the second end (10b, 40b) are capable of engaging in the holes (34, 35, 35a) so as to connect the second end plate to the body.

11. The implant of claim 10, wherein: The second end plate (30) comprises a plurality of radially extending webs (33), preferably with the spaces (34) between the webs defining apertures in the circumferential direction.

12. An implant according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The body is formed as a first tubular component (40), and a second tubular component (50) is provided. The second tubular component (50) defines another body and can be movably positioned in the first tubular component. A length adjustment structure (60) is provided, and the length adjustment structure is used to adjust the axial position of the second tubular component (50) relative to the first tubular component (40). Preferably, the second tubular component (50') is configured to be cut into a length.

13. The implant of claim 12, wherein: The first tubular component (40) or the second tubular component (50) includes a drive component (80), and the second tubular component (50) or the first tubular component (40) respectively includes an advancement structure (70), and the drive component (80) is configured to engage in the advancement structure so that when the drive component (80) is actuated, the second tubular component (50) moves axially relative to the first tubular component (40).

14. The implant of claim 13, wherein: The length adjustment structure (60) further comprises a locking component (85) for locking the driving component (80) to fix the axial length of the implant. Preferably, the locking component (85) and the driving component (80) are arranged to engage with each other through inclined surfaces so as to lock the position of the driving component (80) by friction.

15. An implant kit for engagement between vertebrae, the implant kit comprising: A first implant (10), wherein the first implant (10) is configured to be cut into a length; A second implant (100), the length of which can be reversibly adjusted, preferably reversibly adjusted; and an optional end plate (30), the end plate (30) being configured to be removably mounted on the first implant (10) or the second implant (10), preferably, the first implant is an implant according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the second implant is an implant according to claims 12 to 14.

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