Expandable intervertebral implant
Inventors
Gray, Jason • Davenport, Daniel • Glerum, Chad • Sibson, Duncan • Pastor, Jason • Martzall, Derek
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12721732-B2
Publication Date
2026-09-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.
Core Innovation
The disclosure describes an expandable intervertebral implant comprising first and second endplates configured to contact adjacent vertebral bodies and an actuator assembly positioned between them. Rotation of a threaded actuator screw causes sliding movement of an actuator, thereby expanding or contracting the endplates. An actuator plate coupled to the screw carries a blocking ring for preventing inadvertent backing out of a bone fastener.
In one configuration, contacting ramped surfaces on the actuator and first endplate produce relative movement during actuator displacement. The disclosure indicates that collapsed insertion reduces tissue impaction, while continuous adjustment permits vertebral height restoration and repositioning. Because the background section is omitted from the supplied content, the specific problem being solved is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
Claims 1 and 10 provide two inventive features directed to expandable implants with opposed endplates, a screw-driven actuator assembly, and a blocking ring that prevents inadvertent backing out of a bone fastener.
Screw-driven expansion with a fastener-blocking ring
The first independent claim recites first and second endplates with fastener openings and an actuator assembly between them. The actuator is slidably coupled to an actuator frame and has a central threaded hole receiving an actuator screw, where rotation of the screw causes the actuator to slide and expand or contract the endplates. An actuator plate is rotationally coupled to the screw, and an attached blocking ring prevents inadvertent backing out of a bone fastener.
Ramped actuator for relative endplate movement
The second independent claim recites a first endplate and an actuator having contacting ramped surfaces, with an actuator screw threadably coupled to a central threaded hole of the actuator. Rotation of the actuator screw causes the actuator to slide, thereby expanding or contracting the first endplate relative to the second endplate. An actuator plate is rotationally coupled to the screw, and an attached blocking ring prevents inadvertent backing out of a bone fastener.
The independent claims cover screw-actuated expansion or contraction of opposed endplates and a blocking ring for preventing bone fasteners from backing out, with one claim specifying a slidably coupled actuator and the other specifying contacting ramped surfaces.
Stated Advantages
The blocking ring prevents inadvertent backing out of a bone fastener.
Collapsed insertion can reduce tissue impaction.
Continuous adjustment permits vertebral height restoration and repositioning.
Documented Applications
An expandable intervertebral implant positioned between adjacent vertebral bodies, providing adjustment for vertebral height restoration and repositioning.
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