Vertebral implant for dynamic stabilization

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an intervertebral implant for stabilizing adjacent first and second spinous processes. The implant includes a spacer having a latch housing wall extending from a first surface toward a second surface to define a latch housing within the spacer. The spacer also has first and second sides each configured to engage a respective one of the first and second adjacent interspinous processes. The spacer may define a plurality of slots configured to receive portions of a flexible tape for wrapping between the first and second adjacent spinous processes. A latch may be configured to rotate within the latch housing about a latch axis between first and second rotational positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of implants for use in spinal surgery, and more specifically, to vertebral implants for stabilizing the vertebral body adjacent to the first and second spinous processes. Background Technology

[0002] Surgery in the field of spinal surgery can involve the neck (cervical), back, or more commonly the lumbar region.

[0003] In cases of instability (e.g., vertebral slippage relative to adjacent vertebrae), spinal stabilization devices can be employed. Such devices may comprise an intervertebral implant consisting of a stabilizing spacer, a flexible woven band, a movable assembly, and a locking mechanism. The stabilizing spacer is preferably positioned between the spinous processes of two consecutive (i.e., adjacent) vertebrae to be stabilized. The flexible band (e.g., woven fabric) surrounds the spinous processes. The movable assembly is adapted to engage with the stabilizing spacer to lock the flexible band in place relative to the stabilizing spacer. This is achieved by clamping the flexible band between the movable assembly and the stabilizing spacer. The locking mechanism (e.g., a screw) is adapted to lock the engagement of the movable assembly with the stabilizing spacer, thereby resulting in final locking of the flexible band.

[0004] Examples of such implants can be found, for example, in EP 1009311 B1. In the device of EP 1009311, the spacer is fitted with a flexible band forming a ring. The flexible band is locked by a right-angle rotary latch operable inside the spacer. However, this device does not guarantee proper locking of the flexible band because the positioning of the rotary latch in its locked position is not guaranteed, especially where the flexible connection is a flat band on which the rotary latch can slide and rotate.

[0005] Another example of an intervertebral implant is described in FR 3047657 A1, in the name of the applicant. In this device, an implant is described comprising a stabilizing spacer adapted to stabilize at least two adjacent vertebrae together by being secured between the spinous processes of vertebrae. The spacer includes a groove having a longitudinal axis and radially receiving at least a portion of a flexible band on at least one side of the groove. The flexible band secures the stabilizing spacer to the spinous process of the vertebra to be stabilized. The implant includes a blocking pin having a longitudinal axis and a profile substantially complementary to the shape of the groove. The blocking pin is configured to displace within the groove in a direction along the longitudinal axis and to lock the band by clamping it between the blocking pin and the inner wall of the groove. The device also includes a locking screw coaxial with the blocking pin. After the flexible band has been positioned, the locking screw must be inserted into the groove. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following is a brief overview of the required topic to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of it. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of the required topic. It is not intended to identify key or important elements of the required topic, nor to describe its scope. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the required topic in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description that follows.

[0007] According to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure, an intervertebral implant for stabilizing adjacent first and second spinous processes is provided. The implant may include a spacer having a first surface opposite a second surface, the spacer having a latching housing wall extending from the first surface toward the second surface to define a latching housing within the spacer. The spacer may have a first side opposite a second side, the first and second sides each configured to engage a corresponding one of the first and second adjacent spinous processes. The spacer may also define first, second, and third grooves, each extending from the first side through the spacer to the second side. Each of the first, second, and third grooves may be configured to receive a portion of a flexible band for wrapping around the first and second adjacent spinous processes. The implant may also include a latch secured within the latching housing and configured to rotate within the latching housing between first and second rotational positions about a latching axis, the latch having first and second surfaces each positioned at different distances from the axis. When the latch is in the first rotational position, the first face of the latch can face the latch housing wall at a distance greater than the thickness of the flexible strip, allowing the strip to move freely between the first face of the latch and the latch housing wall. When the latch is in the second rotational position, the second face of the latch can face the latch housing wall at a distance less than the thickness of the flexible strip, restricting the strip's movement between the second face of the latch and the latch housing wall.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the latch may include at a first end a head defining a tool receiving opening configured for engagement by a tool to rotate the latch between its first and second rotational positions. The head of the latch may include a head surface defining at least one notch. The implant may also include a locking mechanism held within the spacer. The locking mechanism is movable within the spacer such that when the latch is in the first rotational position, the locking mechanism engages the head surface without entering the notch, and when the latch is in the second rotational position, the locking mechanism enters the notch to prevent further rotation of the latch.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be a spring rod fixed at one end within the spacer, the other end of which is movable into the notch. Advantageously, the locking mechanism may include two spring rods disposed on opposite sides of the latch housing. The latch head may include a plurality of notches defined around its circumference, such that the spring rod is movable into any of the plurality of notches to lock the latch relative to the latch housing in a plurality of different rotational positions. The latch may include a collar at the end opposite the head to retain the latch within the latch housing.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the first surface of the latch may be flat. The latch may include two such flat first latch surfaces disposed opposite each other on opposite sides of the latch, the two flat latch surfaces being spaced apart from each other by a distance from the first latch surface. Additionally, the first and second slots may be spaced apart by a slot distance, the first and second slots may intersect the latch housing, and the distance between the first latch surfaces may be less than or equal to the distance between the first slots, allowing the flexible band to move freely across both of the flat first latch surfaces. In embodiments, both the second surface of the latch and the latch wall may be curved to complement each other.

[0011] According to another exemplary aspect of this disclosure, an intervertebral implant for stabilizing adjacent first and second spinous processes is provided. The implant may include a spacer having a first side opposite a second side, the first and second sides each configured to engage a corresponding one of the first and second adjacent spinous processes. The spacer may have first and second surfaces opposite each other and perpendicular to the first and second sides, and the spacer may have a latching housing wall extending from the first surface toward the second surface to define a latching housing within the spacer. The spacer may also define at least one groove extending from the first side through the spacer to the second side. The at least one groove may intersect the latching housing, and the at least one groove may be configured to receive a portion of a flexible band for wrapping around one or both of the first and second adjacent spinous processes. The implant may also include a latch positioned within the latching housing and configured to rotate about a latch axis between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, in the first rotational position where the band is freely movable between the latch and the latching housing wall, and in the second rotational position where the band is restricted and cannot move between the latch and the latching housing wall. The latch may also include a locking mechanism that is held within the spacer and configured to selectively engage the latch to prevent the latch from rotating within the latch housing when the latch is in the second rotational position.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the latch may have a head adjacent to the first surface of the spacer, the head defining a notch. The locking mechanism may be a spring rod fixed at one end within the spacer, the other end of the spring rod movable into the notch. The spacer may define a channel in which the spring rod resides. When the latch is rotated to a position where the notch aligns with the channel, at least a portion of the spring rod may move from the channel into the notch to prevent further rotation of the latch within the latch housing.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include two such spring rods disposed on opposite sides of the latch housing. The latch head may include a plurality of notches defined around its circumference, such that the spring rods can be moved into any of the plurality of notches to lock the latch relative to the latch housing in a plurality of different rotational positions.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the latch may have first and second faces each positioned at different distances from the axis. Therefore, when the latch is in the first rotational position, the band can move freely between the first face of the latch and the latch housing wall because the first face of the latch faces the latch housing wall at a distance greater than the thickness of the flexible band. Conversely, when the latch is in the second rotational position, the band can be restricted from moving between the second face of the latch and the latch housing wall because the second face of the latch faces the latch housing wall at a distance less than the thickness of the flexible band.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the at least one slot may include two such slots, the flexible band having a first portion extending through one slot and a second portion extending through the other slot. The two portions of the flexible band extending through the two slots may be configured to be restricted from movement between the second face of the latch and the latch housing wall. Additionally, the spacer may define a third slot through which a third portion of the flexible band extends. The flexible band may form a first loop between the second and third slots surrounding the first of the adjacent interspinous segments, and the flexible band may also form a second loop between the third and first slots surrounding the second of the adjacent interspinous segments.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the latch may include a tool receiving opening configured for engagement by a tool to rotate the latch between its first and second rotational positions. The latch may also include a collar at the end opposite the head to retain the latch within the latch housing. In embodiments, the first surface of the latch may be flat. Alternatively, both the second surface of the latch and the latch walls may be curved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and analysis of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1A An exploded perspective view of an implant according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 1B exhibit Figure 1A A front view of the implant in the locked position;

[0020] Figure 1C exhibit Figure 1A A front view of the implant in the unlocked position;

[0021] Figure 2 exhibit Figure 1A Side view of the implant;

[0022] Figure 3 exhibit Figure 1A A cross-sectional side view of the implant in the unlocked position;

[0023] Figure 4 exhibit Figure 1A A cross-sectional side view of the implant in the locked position;

[0024] Figure 5 exhibit Figure 1A A cross-sectional front view of the implant in the release position; and

[0025] Figure 6 exhibit Figure 1A A cross-sectional front view of the implant in the locked position. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding. However, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known methods, procedures, and / or components have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0027] Now for reference Figure 1AIt is demonstrated for dynamic vertebral body stabilization, and more specifically for stabilizing the space between the first and second spinous processes (in... Figure 1A Not shown in the text, but Figure 1B The vertebral implant 5 (shown in the image) is illustrated. According to this embodiment, the implant 5 includes a spacer 10, a rotating latch 20, and a band 50 (shown in dashed lines). According to some embodiments, the spacer 10 may be made of a biocompatible polymer such as PEEK, and the latch 20 may be made of stainless steel or titanium.

[0028] Spacer 10 includes a first surface 11 opposite to the second surface 12 (e.g., in...). Figure 2 (Best shown in the middle). Additionally, the spacer 10 has a latch housing wall 16 extending from the first surface 11 toward the second surface 12 (also, for example...). Figure 5 (as shown in the figure) so as to define the latch housing 15 within the spacer 10. The latch housing 15 may have various shapes, but is shown in the figure as having a generally cylindrical hole shape.

[0029] The spacer 10 also has a first side 10a opposite to the second side 10b (in, for example) Figure 1B (Best shown in China). Reference Figure 1B The first and second sides 10a and 10b are each configured to engage a corresponding one between the first and second adjacent spinous processes (schematically shown as 70a and 70b, respectively, by dashed lines). More specifically, in Figure 1B In the orientation shown (which illustrates that the spacer 10 is oriented as if it were implanted into the patient in an upright position), the first side 10a has a groove 101 configured to receive the lower edge of the upper interspinous space 70a in the adjacent interspinous space, while the second side 10b has a groove 102 configured to receive the upper edge of the lower interspinous space 70b in the adjacent interspinous space.

[0030] The spacer 10 also defines one or more grooves therein. For example, in the embodiment shown in all the figures, the spacer 10 defines a first groove 13, a second groove 14, and a third groove 19. Each of the three grooves 13, 14, and 19 extends from the first side 10a through the spacer 10 to the second side 10b. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first, second, and third grooves 13, 14, and 19 is configured to receive a portion of the flexible band 50 for engagement (e.g., wrapping) between the first and second adjacent spindles, as will be further described below.

[0031] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1A The implant 5 includes a latch 20. The latch 20 is secured within a latch housing 15 (as will be described in additional detail below) and configured to rotate about a latch axis Z. The latch 15 is available in a first rotational position within the latch housing 20 (in conjunction with...) Figure 3 and 5(More detailed display and description) and the second rotation position (in combination) Figure 4 and 6 (For a more detailed display and description) Rotate between.

[0032] The latch 20 can have various shapes, but in the illustrated embodiment it has a generally leaf-shaped configuration with multiple faces. For example, the latch can have four faces, including two opposing faces 21a, 21b with a first shape and two opposing faces 21c, 21d with a second shape. Advantageously, as will be shown and described in further detail below, the first and second shaped faces can be positioned at different distances from the longitudinal axis Z.

[0033] Brief Reference Figure 5 This shows the latch 20 in the first rotational position described above. Figure 5 As shown, in this first rotational position, the latch 20 is positioned such that its first surfaces 21a and 21b each face the corresponding curved areas 16a and 16b of the latch housing wall 16. The first surfaces 21a and 21b of the latch 20 are shown as flat. Furthermore, in this first rotational position, each of the first surfaces 21a and 21b of the latch 20 is larger than the flexible band 50 (at a distance from the corresponding curved areas 16a and 16b of the latch housing wall 16) in terms of... Figure 5 Not shown in, but for example in Figures 1A to 1C At a distance of the thickness shown in the diagram. In this way, in this first rotational position of the latch 20, the band 50 has sufficient clearance between the first surfaces 21a, 21b of the latch 20 and the corresponding curved areas 16a, 16b of the latch housing wall 16, so that it can move between the first surfaces 21a, 21b of the latch 20 and the corresponding curved areas 16a, 16b of the latch housing wall 16.

[0034] Brief Reference Figure 6 This shows the latch 20 in the second rotational position described above. Figure 6 As shown, in this second rotational position, the latch 20 is positioned such that its second faces 21c and 21d each face the corresponding curved regions 16a and 16b of the latch housing wall 16. Depending on, for example, the required holding strength, the second faces 21c and 21d of the latch may be curved (e.g., complementary to the curved regions 16a and 16b of the latch housing 16) or may be triangular or corrugated. Additionally, in this second rotational position, each of the second faces 21a and 21b of the latch 20 is smaller (from the corresponding curved regions 16a and 16b of the latch housing wall 16) than the flexible band 50 (again, the band 50 is...). Figure 5 Not shown in, but for example in Figures 1A to 1CAt the distance of the thickness shown in the figure. In this way, in this second rotational position of the latch 20, the band 50 does not have sufficient clearance between the second surfaces 21a, 21b of the latch 20 and the corresponding curved areas 16a, 16b of the latch housing wall 16, so that the band 50 is restricted by the second surfaces 21c, 21d of the latch 20 and the corresponding curved areas 16a, 16b of the latch housing wall 16 and cannot move therebetween.

[0035] Return to reference Figure 1A The latch 20 may include, at its first end, a head 23 defining a tool receiving opening 24 in one of its sides. The tool receiving opening 24 is configured to be engaged by a tool (not shown, but which may be a rotary tool, such as an internal hex, hexagonal, or other screwdriver) to rotate the latch 20, for example, between the first and second rotational positions described above. Advantageously, and as for example... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, only the very top of the head 23 can protrude slightly from the first surface 11 of the spacer 10, thereby giving it a very low profile.

[0036] Return to reference Figure 1A The head 23 of the latch 20 may be included around the sides of the head 23 and generally perpendicular to the surface of the defining tool receiving opening 24. The side surfaces of the head 23 may include one or more planar surfaces 28 (e.g., Figure 1A and 1B (Best shown in the image). Additionally, the side surface of the head 23 may include at least one notch 25 defined therein. The side surface of the head 23 may include any number of notches 25, but... Figure 1A and 1B In the embodiment shown, two notches 25 are defined on opposite sides of the diameter of the head 23.

[0037] The implant 5 may also include a locking mechanism that is maintained within the spacer 10. (See reference) Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a pair of spring bars 30, but it should be recognized that one or more spring bars 30 may be provided in other embodiments. In the embodiment, the spring bars 30 may be made of stainless steel or titanium. The spring bars 30 may reside within a tubular cutout or channel 18 that extends generally parallel to axis Z and is adjacent to and communicates with the latch housing 15. Additionally, the spring bars 30 may move within the spacer 10 such that when the latch 20 is in the first rotational position described above, the spring bars 30 engage the side surface (e.g., planar surface 28) of the head 23 without entering the notch 25. Furthermore, the spring bars 30 may move further within the spacer 10 such that when the latch 20 is in the second rotational position described above, the spring bars 30 enter the notch 25 of the head 23 to prevent further rotation of the latch 20, thereby increasing the locking force applied to the band 50 within the spacer 20. The cutout 18 defines the contraction end 18b (in... Figure 5 and6 (Best shown in the middle), one end of the spring rod 30 is inserted therein, thereby limiting the movement of this end of the spring rod 30. The notch 128 also defines an opening end 18a on the opposite end of the notch 18 (the end of the notch 18 adjacent to the head 23 of the latch 20). Figure 1A (best shown in the middle), which allows the spring bar 30 to bend freely into the latch housing 16 and the notch 25 in the head 23.

[0038] As in Figure 1A The diagram also shows that the latch 20 may further include a stud 26 positioned at its second end (e.g., the end of the latch opposite the end having the head 23). The spacer 10 may also have a latch retaining mechanism, such as a collar 40, which engages the stud 26 to prevent the latch 20 from disengaging from the latch housing 16. (The diagram also includes examples of...) Figure 3 and 4 Show and describe additional details of this arrangement.

[0039] refer to Figure 1B Additional details of the flexible strip 50 according to various embodiments are shown. As stated above, the spacer 20 may define at least one groove extending from the first side 10a through the spacer 20 to the second side 10b. Figure 1B In the embodiment shown, spacer 10 defines a first groove 13, a second groove 14, and a third groove 19. Each of the first, second, and third grooves 13, 14, and 19 extends from a first side 10a through spacer 10 to a second side 10b, and each of the first, second, and third grooves 13, 14, and 19 is configured to receive a portion of flexible band 50 for engagement (e.g., wrapping) between first and second adjacent spinous processes. More specifically, Figure 1B An embodiment is shown in which the band 50 has a folded end 54 residing on the second side 10b of the spacer 10, the folded end 54 being larger than the opening of the second groove 14 to prevent it from being pulled past the second groove 14. The band 50 then exits the second groove 14 on the first side 10a of the spacer 10 and eventually enters a third groove 19 on the first side 10a of the spacer 10. The portion of the band 50 between the second groove 14 and the third groove 19 on the first side 10a of the spacer 10 can form a first loop 51 of the band 50, the first loop 51 being configured to surround a first interspinous space adjacent to the interspinous space (e.g., the upper interspinous space in the illustrated orientation).

[0040] Still referencing Figure 1BIn one embodiment, the band 50 then exits from the third groove 14 on the second side 10b of the spacer 10 and eventually enters the first groove 13 on the second side 10b of the spacer 10. The portion of the band 50 between the third groove 19 on the second side 10b of the spacer 10 and the first groove 19 on the second side 10b of the spacer 10 can form a second loop 52 of the band 50, which is configured to surround a second interspinous space adjacent to the interspinous space (e.g., in the illustrated orientation, the lower interspinous space). Furthermore, the band 50 can then exit from the first groove 13 on the first side 10a of the spacer 10 to provide a free end 53 of the band, ensuring that the band 50 has sufficient length to accommodate patients of different body types.

[0041] Of course, it should be recognized that the band 50 of the implant 5 can have other configurations. For example, in other embodiments, the portion of the band 50 including the free end 54 and extending through the second groove 14 can be eliminated, for example, by removing the second groove 14 and instead attaching the band 50 directly to the first side 10a of the spacer 10. Furthermore, in another embodiment, a configuration having only a single loop of the band and a single groove is considered (thereby surrounding only one of the two adjacent spinous processes, not both). In this embodiment, the second loop 52 of the band 50 can be substantially... Figure 1B The diagram shows that the tape 50 is directly attached to the second side 10b of the spacer 10 at the location where it leaves the third groove 19, thereby eliminating the third groove 19. In this embodiment, the tape 50 extends from the first connection point on the second side 10b of the spacer 10 through the first groove 13 to form only a second ring 52, which surrounds the lower interspinous space between two adjacent interspinous spaces (in...). Figure 1B (As shown in the orientation shown). This single-ring embodiment still provides a degree of vertebral stability between two adjacent spinous processes because the spacer prevents the two adjacent spinous processes from compressing relative to each other, while still allowing the two adjacent spinous processes to expand relative to each other.

[0042] As stated above, Figure 3 Along Figure 1B The cross-section of plane AA shows implant 5, wherein latch 20 is in the aforementioned first rotational position, for example, wherein band 50 (in Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) Positions that can be moved within spacer 10. For example... Figure 3 As shown, in this first rotational position, the latch 20 is oriented about the longitudinal axis Z such that the flat surfaces 21c, 21d are parallel to and intersect the first and second slots 13, 14 that pass through and intersect the latch housing 15. In this embodiment, the width between the flat surfaces 21c, 21d of the latch 20 may be less than or equal to the distance between the first and second slots 13, 14, thereby allowing the strip to freely pass through the slots into the housing 15. For example, in Figure 5 The image shows another view of these components in this first rotational position described above. Figure 5 Description of implants, such as along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view obtained from the plane BB.

[0043] refer to Figure 4 again along Figure 1B A cross-section of plane AA shows implant 5, wherein latch 20 is in the aforementioned second (e.g., with locking) rotational position of latch 20. In this position, latch 20 is oriented about longitudinal axis Z such that flat surfaces 21a, 21b are now substantially perpendicular to the first and second slots 13, 14, and wherein curved surfaces 21c, 21d of latch 20 directly face curved surfaces 16a, 16b of latch housing 16. As stated above, the distance between curved surfaces 21c, 21d of latch 20 and curved surfaces 16a, 16b of latch housing 16 is less than the thickness of band 50, such that band 50 is engaged between curved surfaces 21c, 21d of latch 20 and curved surfaces 16a, 16b of latch housing 16. In embodiments, the distance between curved surfaces 21c, 21d of latch 20 and curved surfaces 16a, 16b of latch housing 16 may be 0.8 to 0.9 times the thickness of band 50. For example, in Figure 6 The image shows another view of these components in this second rotational position mentioned above. Figure 6 It also explains that the implant is in Figure 2 The cross section in plane BB.

[0044] return Figure 3 and 4 The latch housing 16 of the spacer 10 has a bottom 17 defining a lower part 17b. The foot 27 of the latch 20 rests against the lower part 17b to prevent the latch from moving downwards (in... Figure 3 and 4 (In the view) it moves too far. Additionally, the bottom 17 of the latch housing 16 defines a countersunk hole with a shoulder, which defines a lower surface 17b, against which the flange 41 of the collar 40 rests when it is secured to the stud 26 of the latch 20 (e.g., by crimping, adhesive, or other means of connection). Advantageously, and as shown, the collar 40 does not protrude beyond the second surface 12 of the spacer 20 to maintain a low profile. In this way, the collar 40 forms a component for holding the latch 20 in the spacer 10, thereby allowing the spacer 10, with its latch 20 already fitted, to be implanted into the patient.

[0045] It should also be noted that, although Figures 1A to 6An embodiment in which the latch housing 16 has a generally cylindrical bore configuration (with the latch 20 having a complementary configuration) is described, but additional exemplary embodiments are also considered, in which the latch housing 20 may have a generally conical configuration (e.g., having a cross-section that decreases along the Z-axis from the head 23 of the latch toward the foot 27), and the latch 20 may have, for example, a second surface 21c, 21d that is complementary to this generally conical profile.

[0046] Furthermore, although the illustration shows a single implant 5 used with a pair of adjacent vertebrae 70a, 70b, it should be understood that more than one implant 5 can be used at different levels of the spine to stabilize adjacent vertebral pairs. Systems or kits comprising implants 5 of different sizes are available, such that, for example, appropriately sized implants 5 can be used to stabilize different areas of the spine.

[0047] The specific embodiments described in this application are not limiting and are intended to be illustrative of various aspects only. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from their spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition to those listed herein, those skilled in the art will also understand functionally equivalent methods and apparatus from the foregoing description. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Only the terminology of the appended claims and the full scope of their authorized equivalents are intended to be limiting. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein (e.g., “and,” “or,” “comprising,” “at least,” and the use of plural or singular forms, etc.) is for describing examples of embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. An intervertebral implant for stabilizing the space between the first and second spinous processes, the implant comprising: A spacer having a first surface opposite a second surface, the spacer having a latch housing wall extending from the first surface toward the second surface to define a latch housing within the spacer. The spacer has a first side opposite to the second side, and the first and second sides are each configured to engage a corresponding one between the first and second adjacent spinous processes. The spacer further defines first, second, and third grooves, each extending from the first side through the spacer to the second side, each of the first, second, and third grooves configured to receive a portion of a flexible band for wrapping around the first and second adjacent spinous processes; and A latch, which is fixed within the latch housing and configured to rotate within the latch housing between a first and a second rotational position about a latch axis, the latch having first and second faces each positioned at different distances from the axis. When the latch is in the first rotational position, the first surface of the latch faces the latch housing wall at a distance greater than the thickness of the flexible strip, allowing the strip to move freely between the first surface of the latch and the latch housing wall. When the latch is in the second rotational position, the second surface of the latch faces the latch housing wall at a distance from the latch housing wall that is less than the thickness of the flexible strip, such that the strip is restricted by the second surface of the latch and the latch housing wall and cannot move therebetween.

2. The implant of claim 1, wherein the latch includes a head at a first end defining a tool receiving opening configured to be engaged by a tool to rotate the latch between its first and second rotational positions.

3. The implant of claim 1, wherein the head of the latch includes a head surface in which at least one notch is defined.

4. The implant according to claim 3, further comprising: A locking mechanism is maintained within the spacer, the locking mechanism being movable within the spacer such that when the latch is in the first rotational position, the locking mechanism engages the head surface without entering the notch, and when the latch is in the second rotational position, the locking mechanism enters the notch to prevent the latch from rotating further.

5. The implant of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism is a spring rod fixed at one end within the spacer, the other end of the spring rod being movable into the notch.

6. The implant of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises two spring rods disposed on opposite sides of the latch housing.

7. The implant of claim 6, wherein the latch head includes a plurality of notches defined around its circumference, such that the spring rod can be moved into any of the plurality of notches to lock the latch relative to the latch housing in a plurality of different rotational positions.

8. The implant of claim 1, wherein the latch includes a collar at the end opposite the head for retaining the latch within the latch housing.

9. The implant of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the latch is flat.

10. The implant of claim 9, wherein the latch comprises two flat first latch surfaces disposed on opposite sides of the latch relative to each other, the two flat latch surfaces being spaced apart from each other by a distance from the first latch surfaces.

11. The implant according to claim 10, wherein: The first and second slots are spaced apart by a certain slot distance. The first and second grooves intersect with the latch housing, and The distance between the first latch surfaces is less than or equal to the distance between the first slots, allowing the flexible band to move freely across the flat first latch surface.

12. The implant of claim 1, wherein both the second face of the latch and the latch wall are curved to complement each other.

13. An intervertebral implant for stabilizing the space between the first and second spinous processes, the implant comprising: A spacer having a first side opposite to the second side, the first and second sides being configured to engage a corresponding one between the first and second adjacent spinous processes. The spacer has first and second surfaces that are opposite each other and perpendicular to the first and second sides, and the spacer has a latch housing wall extending from the first surface toward the second surface to define a latch housing within the spacer. The spacer defines at least one groove extending from the first side through the spacer to the second side, the at least one groove intersecting the latch housing, the at least one groove being configured to receive a portion of a flexible band for wrapping around one or both of the first and second adjacent protrusions; A latch, positioned within the latch housing and configured to rotate about a latch axis between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, wherein in the first rotational position the band moves freely between a first face of the latch and a wall of the latch housing, and in the second rotational position the band is restricted and cannot move between a second face of the latch and a wall of the latch housing; and A locking mechanism is held within the spacer and configured to selectively engage the latch to prevent the latch from rotating within the latch housing when the latch is in the second rotational position.

14. The implant of claim 13, wherein the latch has a head adjacent to the first surface of the spacer, the head defining a notch.

15. The implant of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism is a spring rod fixed at one end within the spacer, the other end of the spring rod being movable into the notch.

16. The implant of claim 15, wherein the spacer defines a channel in which the spring rod resides, and in, When the latch is rotated to a position where the notch aligns with the channel, at least a portion of the spring bar moves from the channel into the notch to prevent the latch from rotating further within the latch housing.

17. The implant of claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism comprises two spring rods disposed on opposite sides of the latch housing.

18. The implant of claim 17, wherein the latch head includes a plurality of notches defined around its circumference, such that the spring rod can be moved into any of the plurality of notches to lock the latch relative to the latch housing in a plurality of different rotational positions.

19. The implant of claim 13, wherein the latch has first and second faces each positioned at different distances from the axis, and in, When the latch is in the first rotational position, the band moves freely between the first face of the latch and the latch housing wall because the first face of the latch faces the latch housing wall at a distance greater than the thickness of the flexible band. Furthermore, when the latch is in the second rotational position, the band is restricted and cannot move between the second face of the latch and the latch housing wall because the second face of the latch faces the latch housing wall at a distance from the latch housing wall that is less than the thickness of the flexible band.

20. The implant of claim 13, wherein the at least one groove comprises two grooves, the flexible band having a first portion extending through one groove and a second portion extending through the other groove, and The extension of the flexible band through two portions of the two slots is configured to be restricted from moving between the second face of the latch and the latch housing wall.

21. The implant of claim 20, wherein the spacer further defines a third groove, and a third portion of the flexible band extends through the third groove, the flexible band forming a first loop around the first of the adjacent interspinous processes between the second and third grooves, and the flexible band also forming a second loop around the second of the adjacent interspinous processes between the third and first grooves.

22. The implant of claim 13, wherein the latch includes a tool receiving opening configured to be engaged by a tool to rotate the latch between its first and second rotational positions.

23. The implant of claim 14, wherein the latch includes a collar at the end opposite the head for holding the latch within the latch housing.

24. The implant of claim 19, wherein the first surface of the latch is flat.

25. The implant of claim 19, wherein both the second surface of the latch and the latch wall are curved.

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