Howmedica Osteonics Corporation

Stryker European Holdings I LLC

Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC

Dan Boljonis

Bryan D Milz

Thomas A Alheidt

Christine Herrmann

Julien Doreau

Frank Pinal

Collin Desens

Brian D Milz

An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

Expandable implant

An expandable interbody implant is expandable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration by moving opposing first and second vertebral-engaging surfaces apart from one another. The implant includes a locking system for restraining contraction of the implant. The locking system may have a locked configuration, in which the first and second surfaces are prevented from moving back towards the contracted configuration, and the locking system may have an unlocked configuration, in which the first and second surfaces are permitted to move back towards the contracted configuration. The locking system may be controlled by rotation of one or more pinions. The pinions may, in turn, be controlled by linear movement of a rack. The rack may be configured so as to bias the locking system towards the locked configuration. The implant may also include a stop for constraining the maximum expansion of the implant.

Expandable interbody implant

A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a distal end connectable with an implant, and a handle connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The instrument defines an internal fluid channel through which a fluid can be passed. A kit includes the instrument and a spinal implant that is expandable through the introduction of the fluid therein. A method of using the instrument includes passing a fluid through an internal fluid channel defined by the instrument and toward the implant.

Surgical insertion instruments

A surgical system includes an implant having a first attachment mechanism and an insertion instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end for removable connection with the first attachment mechanism. The proximal end of the insertion instrument is pivotable with respect to the implant. The insertion instrument can include an inserter and a guide. A method of using the surgical system is provided.

Pivoting vertebral plate

An expandable implant () includes top and bottom plates () having angled inner surfaces () that interact with expansion members (). The expansion members () may be situated on an actuator (), and may include at least one vertical projection () for interacting with a recess () in the plates (). In some instances, rotation of the actuator () in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members () to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation or collapse of the top and bottom plates (). Pins () may also be associated with the expansion members () and received in respective slots () in the plates ().

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Middletown, NJ, United States of America

Dan Boljonis