Spinal fusion implant

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spinal fusion implant and, more specifically, to a spinal fusion implant, which is inserted between neighboring vertebrae so as to promote bone growth. Provided in one embodiment of the present invention is the spinal fusion implant comprising: a frame structure, which is disposed between the neighboring vertebrae, forms a truss structure, and supports the vertebrae; and a porous structure which fills at least a portion of the inner space of the frame structure, and which comes into contact with the neighboring vertebrae. The present invention can include: the frame structure disposed between the neighboring vertebrae so as to support the vertebrae; and the porous structure which fills at least a portion of the inner space of the frame structure, and which confines a bone graft material injected into the inner space.

Description

Implants for spinal fusion

[0001] The present invention relates to an implant for spinal fusion, and more particularly, to an implant for spinal fusion that is inserted between adjacent vertebrae to promote bone growth.

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the matters described in this identifier are not prior art to the claims of this application, and their description in this identifier is not intended to be deemed prior art.

[0003] The intervertebral disc is a disc-shaped cartilaginous structure that connects the vertebrae to the vertebrae, protecting the vertebrae and absorbing shock.

[0004] The intervertebral disc is largely composed of the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosus is the central portion of the disc and is composed of a jelly-like substance that absorbs shock and allows the spine to move flexibly. The annulus fibrosus is the outer, tough fibrous structure that surrounds the nucleus pulposus and supports the disc, allowing it to remain in place between the vertebrae.

[0005] However, if the intervertebral disc is damaged due to aging, excessive movement, or poor posture, neurological symptoms such as a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease may occur.

[0006] One way to treat these neurological symptoms is spinal fusion, which involves removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial structure called a spinal implant between two adjacent vertebrae.

[0007] Among spinal fusion surgeries, endoscopic spinal surgery is attracting attention because it can minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

[0008] However, during endoscopic spinal surgery, when the surgical site is filled with saline solution, bone grafting materials, bone morphogenetic proteins, peptides, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "bone grafting materials") filled inside the spinal fusion implant may leak out due to the saline solution. This may impede bone growth and reduce the therapeutic effect.

[0009] Therefore, an improved spinal fusion implant is required that can maintain the bone graft material filled inside the spinal fusion implant without leaking out and promote bone growth.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a spinal fusion implant that can maintain a preserved state without bone graft material leaking out of the inside of the spinal fusion implant and promote bone growth.

[0011] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0012] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention proposes, as one embodiment, an implant for spinal fusion, comprising: a frame structure disposed between adjacent vertebrae, forming a truss structure and supporting the vertebrae; and a porous structure filling at least a portion of the internal space of the frame structure and coming into contact with the adjacent vertebrae.

[0013] In addition, the frame structure may include an upper frame; a lower frame disposed spaced apart from the upper frame; and a web frame disposed between the upper frame and the lower frame and having a node formed therein.

[0014] Additionally, a protruding portion may be formed on the upper surface of the upper frame and the lower surface of the lower frame to contact the adjacent vertebrae, respectively.

[0015] In addition, the frame structure is inserted and placed between the vertebrae from one end, and the upper frame and the lower frame can form an insertion direction and an inclination of the frame structure such that the gap between one end of the upper frame and the lower frame is greater than the gap between the other ends.

[0016] In addition, the frame structure may further include a front frame that connects one end of the upper frame and one end of the lower frame, and is formed to be curved and protrude in a direction inserted between the vertebrae; and a rear frame that connects the other end of the upper frame and the other end of the lower frame, and has a connecting portion formed that is detachable from a surgical instrument.

[0017] In addition, the frame structure may further include an upper reinforcing frame connecting the upper frame; and a lower reinforcing frame connecting the lower frame.

[0018] Additionally, the porous structure includes struts that are connected to each other with a predetermined length and thickness to form a gap, and the average thickness of the frame structure may be thicker than the average thickness of the struts.

[0019] Meanwhile, the present invention may include a frame structure disposed between adjacent vertebrae to support the vertebrae; and a porous structure filling at least a portion of an internal space of the frame structure and confining a bone graft material injected into the internal space.

[0020] Additionally, the porous structure can form a plurality of pores by including struts that are connected to each other with a predetermined length and thickness.

[0021] In addition, the porous structure is divided into an upper contact portion disposed on the upper part of the frame structure, a lower contact portion disposed on the lower part of the frame structure, and a central connecting portion extending from the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion, and the average size of the pores of the central connecting portion may be smaller than the average sizes of the pores of the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion.

[0022] Additionally, the average size of the gaps of the upper contact portion, the lower contact portion, and the central connecting portion may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0023] Additionally, the porosity of the upper contact portion, the lower contact portion, and the central connecting portion is in the range of 50% to 90%, and the central connecting portion may have a greater porosity than the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion.

[0024] Additionally, an injection hole into which the bone graft material is injected may be formed in at least one of the upper contact portion, the lower contact portion, and the central connecting portion.

[0025] Additionally, at least a portion of the upper surface of the frame structure may protrude upwardly from the upper contact portion, and at least a portion of the lower surface of the frame structure may protrude downwardly from the lower contact portion.

[0026] Additionally, the surfaces of the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion may be formed to have a rougher surface than the surface of the central connecting portion.

[0027] The present invention can be inserted between adjacent vertebrae to fuse the vertebrae.

[0028] In addition, the present invention can promote bone growth so that fusion between spinal bones can occur within a short period of time by preventing bone graft material from leaking out due to saline solution.

[0029] In addition, the present invention can stably support the spinal bone while facilitating the fusion of surrounding bone tissue.

[0030] In addition, the present invention can form an injection hole at a location where a bone graft material can be easily injected depending on the structure of the spinal bone and surgical conditions.

[0031] In addition, the present invention can prevent the porous structure from being damaged by movement of the vertebrae or load transmitted from the vertebrae as the frame structure supports the vertebrae.

[0032] In addition, the present invention can promote bone growth of the spinal bone by forming the contact surface of the porous structure in contact with the spinal bone rough.

[0033] In addition, the present invention can be firmly fixed without moving while inserted between the vertebrae.

[0034] Additionally, the present invention can enable the spine to form natural lordotic and kyphotic angles.

[0035] Additionally, the present invention can be easily inserted between adjacent vertebrae.

[0036] In addition, since the present invention has a structure in which strength is reinforced, it can stably support even a large load transmitted to the spinal bone.

[0037] According to the problem-solving means of the present invention as discussed above, various effects, including the following, can be expected. However, the present invention is not established only if it exhibits all of the following effects.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an implant for spinal fusion according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a porous structure arranged inside the frame structure of Figure 1;

[0040] Figure 3 is a side view of Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the structure of the web frame of Figure 3.

[0042] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a state in which the spinal fusion implant of Figure 1 is inserted between the vertebrae.

[0043] Figure 6 is a bottom view of Figure 1;

[0044] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the strut and the gap by enlarging area A of Figure 1.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line VIII-VIII of Fig. 2;

[0046] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the upper contact portion or the lower contact portion;

[0047] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the central connecting part.

[0048] Figure 11 is a drawing showing an implant for spinal fusion in which an injection hole is formed in the upper contact portion among various embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 12 is a drawing showing an implant for spinal fusion in which a plurality of injection holes are formed and a lower reinforcing frame is formed in a flat shape among various embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an implant for spinal fusion in which the rear frame of the frame structure is formed to protrude and be curved among various embodiments of the present invention and an injection hole is formed in the central connecting portion.

[0051] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an implant for spinal fusion in which the rear frame of the frame structure is formed to protrude and be curved and a plurality of injection holes are formed among various embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 15 is a drawing showing a state in which the spinal fusion implant of the present invention is positioned in a way that it is tilted toward the front of the spinal bone.

[0053] Figure 16 is a drawing showing a state in which the spinal fusion implant of the present invention is placed diagonally between the vertebrae.

[0054] Figure 17 is a drawing showing a state in which multiple implants for spinal fusion of the present invention are placed between vertebrae.

[0055] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0056] Furthermore, the embodiments described herein will be described with reference to cross-sectional and / or schematic drawings, which are ideal examples of the present invention. Therefore, the form of the illustrations may be modified due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Furthermore, in each drawing illustrated in the present invention, each component may be depicted somewhat enlarged or reduced for convenience of explanation. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0057] In the drawing, forward is the direction parallel to the positive x-axis, and backward is the direction parallel to the negative x-axis. Up is the direction parallel to the positive y-axis, and down is the direction parallel to the negative y-axis.

[0058] Based on the spinal fusion implant of the present invention, the vertebra located above the adjacent vertebrae is referred to as the upper vertebrae, and the vertebra located below is referred to as the lower vertebrae.

[0059] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an implant for spinal fusion according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a porous structure arranged inside the frame structure of FIG. 1.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an implant (10) for spinal fusion according to one embodiment of the present invention is inserted between adjacent vertebrae to promote bone growth, and includes a frame structure (100) and a porous structure (200).

[0062] Figure 3 is a side view of Figure 1.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a frame structure (100) is inserted between adjacent vertebrae to support the vertebrae, and can form a truss structure to support the load transferred to the vertebrae. The frame structure (100) is preferably made of a metal powder or polymer powder that can support the load and has biocompatibility. Accordingly, the frame structure (100) can be made of titanium, a titanium alloy, a cobalt-chromium alloy, tantalum, magnesium, or the like.

[0064] The frame structure (100) may include an upper frame (110), a lower frame (120), a web frame (130), a front frame (140), a rear frame (150), an upper reinforcing frame (161), and a lower reinforcing frame (162).

[0065] The upper frame (110) supports the upper spine and may be formed to have a predetermined length and thickness. For example, a plurality of upper frames (110) may be provided, and for example, they may be formed as a pair spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other.

[0066] By placing an upper reinforcing frame (161) between a plurality of upper frames (110), for example, a pair of upper frames (110), the connection between the upper frames (110) can be strengthened and the supporting force can be reinforced.

[0067] At least a portion of the upper frame (110) may be formed to protrude upward from the upper contact portion (230, see FIG. 8) of the porous structure (200) described later. By forming at least a portion of the upper frame (110) to protrude, damage to the porous structure (200) due to a load transmitted to the upper spinal bone can be prevented.

[0068] For example, a protruding portion (111) may be formed on the upper surface of the upper frame (110). The protruding portion (111) comes into contact with the upper vertebrae and may allow the spinal fusion implant (10) of the present invention to be fixed in position while inserted between the upper and lower vertebrae.

[0069] The uneven portion (111) can be formed in the shape of a screw thread with a flat end, a wave shape with a flat top surface, etc. The flat portion of the uneven portion (111) can minimize damage to the upper vertebrae and support the upper vertebrae.

[0070] The lower frame (120) supports the lower spine and may be formed to have a predetermined length and thickness. A plurality of lower frames (120) may be provided, and for example, they may be formed as a pair spaced apart and parallel to each other. The lower frames (120) may be arranged to correspond to the upper frame (110).

[0071] By placing a lower reinforcing frame (162) between a plurality of lower frames (120), for example, a pair of lower frames (120), the connection between the lower frames (120) can be strengthened and the supporting force can be reinforced.

[0072] At least a portion of the lower frame (120) may be formed to protrude downward from the lower contact portion (240, see FIG. 8) of the porous structure (200) described below. By forming at least a portion of the lower frame (120) to protrude, damage to the porous structure (200) due to a load transmitted to the lower vertebrae can be prevented.

[0073] For example, a protruding portion (121) may be formed on the lower surface of the lower frame (120). The protruding portion (121) comes into contact with the lower vertebrae, and can fix the position of the spinal fusion implant (10) of the present invention while it is inserted between the upper and lower vertebrae.

[0074] The uneven portion (121) can be formed in the shape of a screw thread with a flat end, a wave shape with a flat top surface, etc. The flat portion of the uneven portion (121) can minimize damage to the lower vertebrae and support the lower vertebrae.

[0075] Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating the structure of the web frame of Figure 3.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a web frame (130) may be positioned between an upper frame (110) and a lower frame (120) and may form a truss structure supporting the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120). A plurality of web frames (130) may be connected to each other and may form a truss structure having an approximately triangular shape. The web frames (130) may include nodes (131) formed by connections between each other and / or between the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120).

[0077] The truss structure of the web frame (130) can stably support the spinal column by evenly distributing the load transferred from the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120). Since the frame structure (100) including the web frame (130) supports the load transferred to the spinal column, the porous structure (200) can be prevented from being damaged by the load.

[0078] The web frame (130) can form at least one truss structure depending on the length of the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120). An injection hole (260), which will be described later, can be formed between the web frames (130). The injection hole (260) will be described later.

[0079] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a state in which the spinal fusion implant of Figure 1 is inserted between the vertebrae.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120) of the frame structure (100) can form an insertion direction and an incline. The insertion direction is a direction in which one end of the upper frame (110) and one end of the lower frame (120) face forward and are inserted between the vertebrae.

[0081] For example, one end of the upper frame (110) may refer to the position of the front end of the uneven portion (111) positioned at the frontmost part of the upper frame (110), or may refer to a portion connected to the front frame (140). One end of the lower frame (120) may refer to the position of the front end of the uneven portion (121) positioned at the frontmost part of the lower frame (120), or may refer to a portion connected to the front frame (140).

[0082] Meanwhile, the other end of the upper frame (110) may refer to the position of the rear end of the uneven portion (111) positioned at the rearmost end of the upper frame (110), or may refer to a portion connected to the rear frame (150). The other end of the lower frame (120) may refer to the position of the rear end of the uneven portion (121) positioned at the rearmost end of the lower frame (120), or may refer to a portion connected to the rear frame (150).

[0083] That is, one end of the upper frame (110) and one end of the lower frame (120) may be the first parts to enter between the vertebrae among the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120). The other end of the upper frame (110) and the other end of the lower frame (120) may be the last parts to enter between the vertebrae among the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3, the gap between one end of the upper frame (110) and one end of the lower frame (120) may be greater than the gap between the other end of the upper frame (110) and the other end of the lower frame (120). That is, the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120) are arranged to form an insertion direction and an incline, thereby allowing the spinal bones to form natural lordotic and kyphotic angles.

[0085] Accordingly, the spinal bone into which the spinal fusion implant (10) of the present invention is inserted can naturally bend into an S shape like a normal spinal bone before surgery. In addition, the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120) include soft curved surfaces corresponding to the shape of the spinal bone they contact, so that the spinal bone can bend more naturally after surgery.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the front frame (140) is configured to connect one end of the upper frame (110) and one end of the lower frame (120) to facilitate insertion between the vertebrae and may be formed to protrude in the insertion direction. The front frame (140) protrudes forward and is formed to be curved, so that the frame structure (100) can have a shape close to a streamlined shape overall.

[0087] The rear frame (150) supports the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120) together with the web frame (130), and can connect the other end of the upper frame (110) and the other end of the lower frame (120).

[0088] The rear frame (150) may be formed with a connecting portion (151, see Fig. 6) that is detachable from a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument refers to a mechanism that pushes the spinal fusion implant (10) of the present invention so that it can advance in the insertion direction.

[0089] The connecting part (151) can be connected to the surgical instrument in various ways, such as a bolting connection method (see Fig. 8), a pin connection method, a fitting method, or a magnetic connection method.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 1, an upper reinforcing frame (161) may be placed between a pair of upper frames (110) to reinforce the connection between the upper frames (110) and at the same time reinforce the supporting force of the upper frames (110). The upper reinforcing frame (161) may be formed so as not to protrude further than the uneven portion (111) of the upper frame (110) described above.

[0091] The upper reinforcing frame (161) may be arranged perpendicular to or diagonally relative to the upper frame (110). To reinforce the supporting force, it is preferable that the upper reinforcing frames (161) be arranged in multiple pieces.

[0092] Figure 6 is a bottom view of Figure 1.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 6, the lower reinforcing frame (162) may be placed between a pair of lower frames (120) to reinforce the connection between the lower frames (120) and at the same time reinforce the supporting force of the lower frames (120). The lower reinforcing frame (162) may be formed so as not to protrude further than the uneven portion (121) of the lower frame (120) described above.

[0094] The lower reinforcing frame (162) may be arranged perpendicular to or diagonally relative to the lower frame (120). To reinforce the supporting force, it is preferable that the lower reinforcing frames (162) be arranged in multiple pieces.

[0095] Meanwhile, the frame structure (100) may be formed to have an average thickness that is thicker than the average thickness of the struts (210) of the porous structure (200) described later. It is preferable that the frame structure (100) be formed to have a thickness that is thicker than the struts (210) of the porous structure (200) in order to support the load transmitted to the spinal bone.

[0096] In particular, since the thickness of the upper reinforcing frame (161) and the lower reinforcing frame (162) is formed thicker than the thickness of the strut (210), the strut (210) can be formed to surround the upper reinforcing frame (161) and the lower reinforcing frame (162). Since the strut (210) is formed to surround the upper reinforcing frame (161) and the lower reinforcing frame (162), the capacity of the frame structure (100) to accommodate the porous structure (200) can be strengthened.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the porous structure (200) can be formed by filling a portion of the internal space of the frame structure (100) to confine the bone graft material injected into the internal space of the frame structure (100) and promote bone growth. The porous structure (200) can contact the vertebrae without supporting the load transmitted from the vertebrae and promote bone growth of the vertebrae.

[0098] The porous structure (200) can be formed by laminating using a 3D printing method and having a rough surface. By having the rough surface of the porous structure (200) come into contact with the spinal bone, bone growth can be promoted.

[0099] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the strut and the gap by enlarging area A of Figure 1.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 7, the porous structure (200) may include struts (210) formed with a predetermined length and thickness. The struts (210) may be connected to each other to form a plurality of voids (220). One end and the other end of a strut (210) may be connected to one end or the other end of another strut (210).

[0101] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line VIII-VIII of Fig. 2.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 8, the porous structure (200) can be divided into an upper contact portion (230), a lower contact portion (240), and a central connection portion (250).

[0103] The upper contact portion (230) is placed on the upper portion of the frame structure (100) and is a portion that comes into contact with the upper spinal bone, and is a predetermined area having a predetermined thickness.

[0104] The lower contact portion (240) is placed at the lower portion of the frame structure (100) and is a portion that comes into contact with the lower spine, and is a predetermined area having a predetermined thickness.

[0105] The central connecting portion (250) is positioned between the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240), and is a portion extending from the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240), and is the remaining area excluding the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240).

[0106] The upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240) come into contact with the spinal bone and can promote bone growth. Therefore, the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240) can be formed to have a rougher surface than the surface of the central connecting portion (250).

[0107] In addition, the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240) may be formed to have an elastic modulus that matches the elastic modulus of the inserted vertebra. The upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240) may be formed to have an elastic modulus within a range of 0.1 GPa to 10 GPa, which is the same as or close to the elastic modulus of the vertebra, in order to prevent bone subsidence. The bone subsidence phenomenon is a phenomenon in which the gap between the vertebrae decreases as the spinal fusion implant (10) descends into the vertebrae.

[0108] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the upper contact portion or the lower contact portion, and Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the central connecting portion.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the central connecting portion (250) is formed so that the average size of the gap (220) is smaller than the average sizes of the gaps (220) of the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240), and the average size of the gap (220) may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. By densely forming the central connecting portion (250) to have a gap (220) smaller than the gaps (220) of the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240), the outflow of the bone graft material is prevented, and at the same time, the penetration of bone tissue into the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240) can be facilitated.

[0110] In particular, since the bone graft material is preserved without leaking out, bone growth is promoted compared to the existing spinal fusion implant (10) and fusion between spinal bones can be achieved within a short period of time.

[0111] For example, the porosity of the upper contact portion (230), the lower contact portion (240), and the central connection portion (250) is preferably 50% to 90%, and the central connection portion (250) preferably has a greater porosity than the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240). Accordingly, the effect of preventing the outflow of the bone graft material and the effect of infiltrating the bone tissue can be further improved.

[0112] And, at the boundary portion of the upper contact portion (230), the lower contact portion (240), and the central connection portion (250), a gap (220) can be formed with a gradually changing size. That is, the size of the gap (220) can gradually become smaller as it goes from the upper contact portion (230) and the lower contact portion (240) to the central connection portion (250).

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an injection hole (260) into which a bone graft material is injected may be formed in at least one of the upper contact portion (230), the lower contact portion (240), and the central connection portion (250).

[0114] The injection holes (260) may be formed in multiples or in singles, with different sizes and locations depending on the structure of the spinal bone and surgical conditions. The fewer the number of injection holes (260), the lower the likelihood of bone graft material leakage. While FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate that the injection holes (260) are formed on one side of the central connecting portion (250), the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0115] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a spinal fusion implant having an injection hole formed in an upper contact portion among various embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a spinal fusion implant having a plurality of injection holes formed and a lower reinforcing frame formed in a flat shape among various embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a spinal fusion implant having a rear frame of a frame structure formed to protrude and be curved and an injection hole formed in a central connecting portion among various embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a spinal fusion implant having a rear frame of a frame structure formed to protrude and be curved and a plurality of injection holes formed among various embodiments of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the present invention includes a frame structure (100) formed in a shape conforming to the shape of a spinal bone and a porous structure (200) including a central connecting portion (250) having a relatively small gap (220), and can be implemented in various forms.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 11, the present invention can be implemented as an implant (10) for spinal fusion in which an injection hole (260) is formed to have a predetermined depth downward from an upper contact portion (230).

[0118] Referring to Fig. 12, the present invention can be implemented as a spinal fusion implant (10) in which multiple injection holes (260) are formed in the upper contact portion (230) and the central connecting portion (250). In addition, the lower reinforcing frame (162) may be in the form of a flat plate rather than a bar.

[0119] Referring to Fig. 13, the present invention can be implemented as a spinal fusion implant (10) in which the rear frame (150) of the frame structure (100) is formed to protrude and be curved, and an injection hole (260) is formed in the central connecting portion (250). In addition, the lower reinforcing frame (162) may be in the form of a plate rather than a bar.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 14, the present invention can be implemented as a spinal fusion implant (10) in which the rear frame (150) of the frame structure (100) is formed to protrude and curve and a plurality of injection holes (260) are formed. The injection holes (260) can be formed in the upper contact portion (230) and the central connecting portion (250). In addition, the lower reinforcing frame (162) can be in the form of a plate rather than a bar.

[0121] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a state in which the spinal fusion implant of the present invention is positioned in a forward direction of the spinal bones, FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a state in which the spinal fusion implant of the present invention is positioned diagonally between the spinal bones, and FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which the spinal fusion implant of the present invention is positioned in multiple numbers between the spinal bones.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the present invention can be inserted and placed in various forms depending on the structure of the spinal bone and surgical conditions.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 15, the present invention is arranged to be biased toward the front side of the vertebrae and can support the neighboring vertebrae.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 16, the present invention is arranged diagonally with respect to the insertion direction and can support neighboring vertebrae.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 17, the present invention is symmetrically arranged in a plurality of vertebrae, each of which can share the load and support the neighboring vertebrae.

[0126] As described above, the spinal fusion implant (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be inserted between adjacent vertebrae to fuse the vertebrae. In addition, the present invention can promote bone growth so that fusion between the vertebrae can occur quickly by preventing the bone graft material from leaking out due to saline solution. In addition, the present invention can facilitate fusion of surrounding bone tissues while stably supporting the vertebrae. In addition, the present invention can form an injection hole (260) at a location where the bone graft material can be easily injected depending on the structure of the vertebrae and surgical conditions. In addition, the present invention can prevent the porous structure (200) from being damaged by movement of the vertebrae or a load transmitted from the vertebrae as the frame structure (100) supports the vertebrae. In addition, the present invention can promote bone growth of the vertebrae by forming a rough contact surface of the porous structure (200) that comes into contact with the vertebrae. Furthermore, the present invention can be firmly fixed without moving when inserted between vertebrae. Furthermore, the present invention can enable the spine to form natural lordotic and kyphotic angles. Furthermore, the present invention can be easily inserted between adjacent vertebrae. Furthermore, the present invention can stably support even large loads transmitted to the vertebrae due to its reinforced structure.

[0127] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the attached drawings, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A frame structure that is placed between adjacent vertebrae, forms a truss structure, and supports the vertebrae; and An implant for spinal fusion, comprising a porous structure filling at least a portion of the inner space of the frame structure and in contact with the adjacent vertebrae.

2. In paragraph 1, The above frame structure upper frame; a lower frame positioned apart from the upper frame; and A web frame disposed between the upper frame and the lower frame and having a node formed therein; Implants for spinal fusion including:

3. In paragraph 2, An implant for spinal fusion, in which a protruding portion is formed on the upper surface of the upper frame and the lower surface of the lower frame, respectively, to contact the adjacent spinal bones.

4. In paragraph 2, The above frame structure is inserted and placed between the vertebrae from the beginning, An implant for spinal fusion, wherein the upper frame and the lower frame form an insertion direction and an inclination of the frame structure such that the gap between one end of the upper frame and the lower frame is greater than the gap between the other ends.

5. In paragraph 2, The above frame structure A front frame that connects one end of the upper frame and one end of the lower frame, and is formed to be curved and protrude in a direction inserted between the vertebrae; and A rear frame connecting the other end of the upper frame and the other end of the lower frame, and forming a connecting portion that is detachable from a surgical instrument; An implant for spinal fusion comprising:

6. In paragraph 2, The above frame structure an upper reinforcing frame connecting the upper frame; and A lower reinforcing frame connecting the above lower frames; An implant for spinal fusion comprising:

7. In paragraph 1, The above porous structure comprises struts connected to each other with a predetermined length and thickness to form a gap, An implant for spinal fusion, wherein the average thickness of the frame structure is thicker than the average thickness of the strut.

8. A frame structure placed between adjacent vertebrae to support the vertebrae; and A porous structure that fills at least a portion of the internal space of the frame structure and confines bone graft material injected into the internal space; Implants for spinal fusion including.

9. In paragraph 8, An implant for spinal fusion, wherein the porous structure comprises struts interconnected with a predetermined length and thickness, thereby forming a plurality of pores.

10. In paragraph 9, The porous structure is divided into an upper contact portion disposed on the upper part of the frame structure, a lower contact portion disposed on the lower part of the frame structure, and a central connecting portion extending from the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion. An implant for spinal fusion, wherein the average size of the gap of the central connecting portion is smaller than the average size of the gap of the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion.

11. In paragraph 10, An implant for spinal fusion, wherein the average size of the gaps of the upper contact portion, the lower contact portion, and the central connecting portion is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm.

12. In paragraph 10, The porosity of the upper contact portion, the lower contact portion, and the central connecting portion is in the range of 50% to 90%, An implant for spinal fusion, wherein the central connecting portion has a greater porosity than the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion.

13. In paragraph 10, An implant for spinal fusion, wherein an injection hole for injecting the bone graft material is formed in at least one of the upper contact portion, the lower contact portion, and the central connection portion.

14. In paragraph 10, At least a portion of the upper surface of the above frame structure protrudes upwards from the upper contact portion, An implant for spinal fusion, wherein at least a portion of the lower surface of the frame structure protrudes downwards from the lower contact portion.

15. In paragraph 10, An implant for spinal fusion, wherein the surfaces of the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion are formed to have a rougher surface than the surface of the central connecting portion.

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