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Publication Number
US-12734042-B2
Publication Date
2026-09-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
A spacer for separating bones of a joint, the spacer includes a first endplate configured to engage a first bone of the joint, and comprising a ramped surface; a tissue engaging subassembly disposed in a compartment of the first endplate; a second endplate configured to engage a second bone of the joint; and a frame subassembly that extends between the first endplate and the second endplate. The frame subassembly comprises a drive nut, a drive shaft coupled to the drive nut, a ramped carriage coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the ramped carriage comprises a ramped surface operable to engage the ramped surface of the first endplate, and an actuation bar coupled to the drive nut comprising a plate operable to engage the tissue engaging subassembly.
Core Innovation
The expandable spacer for separating bones of a joint includes first and second endplates and a frame subassembly positioned between them. A rotating drive shaft vertically moves the first endplate relative to the second endplate upon rotation. A drive nut translates an actuation bar upon rotation to extend a pivotally coupled spike out of the first endplate and pierce the first bone.
The spacer further incorporates ramped carriages, plates, and tissue-engaging spike assemblies to support minimally invasive insertion and adjustable distraction. An additional configuration employs first and second parallel actuation bars translated simultaneously by the drive nut to deploy two spikes through the first endplate. The background problem remains omitted because the background section is not included in the supplied content.
Claims Coverage
The supplied claims include two independent claims covering two inventive features for a joint spacer with endplates and a frame subassembly.
Drive shaft and actuation bar for spike deployment
Claim 1 recites a first endplate configured to engage a first bone, a second endplate configured to engage a second bone, and a frame subassembly with a drive shaft operable to vertically move the first endplate relative to the second endplate upon rotation. A drive nut translates an actuation bar upon rotation to extend a pivotally coupled spike out of the first endplate and pierce the first bone.
Parallel actuation bars for simultaneous spike deployment
Claim 13 recites first and second actuation bars disposed in parallel and operable to vertically move respective spikes upon translation. A drive nut simultaneously translates the bars upon rotation to extend the first and second spikes out of the first endplate and pierce the first bone, wherein the spike assembly is pivotally coupled to the first endplate.
The independent claims cover a spacer mechanism where a rotating drive shaft moves an endplate and an actuation bar deploys a pivotally coupled spike, alongside an embodiment with parallel actuation bars for simultaneous deployment of two spikes.
Stated Advantages
The spacer supports minimally invasive insertion and adjustable distraction.
The deployed projections reduce migration or tipping.
Openings can accommodate bone graft and ingrowth.
Documented Applications
A spacer for separating bones of a joint, with endplates configured to engage the respective bones.
An intervertebral spacer for minimally invasive insertion and adjustable distraction.
The spacer has openings that can accommodate bone graft and ingrowth.
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