Institute for Musculoskeletal Science and Education, Ltd.

Jeffrey R McConnell

William E Duffield

An implant including a cage configured to be implanted between two vertebrae, including a first deployable keel, including a first blade, a first flange extending substantially perpendicularly from a first edge of the first blade, and a second flange extending substantially perpendicularly from a second edge of the first blade, such that the cross-section of the first deployable keel is in the shape of half of an I-beam. The implant further includes a second deployable keel, including a second blade, a third flange extending substantially perpendicularly from a first edge of the second blade, and a fourth flange extending substantially perpendicularly from a second edge of the second blade, such that the cross-section of the second deployable keel is in the shape of half of an I-beam. The first keel is configured to deploy in a superior direction, and the second keel is configured to deploy in an inferior direction.

Fixation devices for anterior lumbar or cervical interbody fusion

Intervertebral spinal fusion implants for interbody fusion of the anterior column of the spine are described. The implants have a substantially bi-convex or a substantially offset bi-convex shape. The implants are placed through a transforaminal or posterior approach at an oblique insertion angle. The implants have an outermost point on the superior convex surface and an outermost point on the inferior convex surface and four edges of differing heights. The outermost superior and inferior points of the implants are connected with the four edges with convex surfaces of different curvatures. The curvatures of the convex surfaces of the implants are designed to match the curvatures of concave vertebral surfaces when the implants are inserted at an oblique insertion angle.

Spinal fusion implant for oblique insertion

Fixation systems, kits and methods for vertebral interbody fusions are provided. The fixation systems fix an intervertebral cage in the spine to resist left to right rotation, flexion and/or extension. In one embodiment, the fixation system contains two keels that are insertable into an attachment portion or an anterior wall of an intervertebral cage. Each keel contains a blade with two flanges, in the shape of half of an I-beam. The attachment portion may be one or more pieces that mate to form the attachment portion, such as an I-beam attachment portion. The blades can be straight or curved. Preferably the fixation systems are modular, allowing for parts to be interchanged to suit the patient's needs. The fixation systems may be provided in a kit, preferably with more than two keels having different sizes and/or shapes, more than one cage, and/or more than one attachment portion.

Growing community of inventors

Allentown, PA, United States of America

Jeffrey R McConnell