In-situ formed intervertebral fusion device and method
An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.
1. An intervertebral fusion device, comprising:
a) an expandable load-bearing polymeric body having an upper surface and a lower surface and defining an area for receiving bone graft,
b) an upper surface of the body adapted to prevent excessive movement after implantation,
c) a lower surface of the body adapted to prevent excessive movement after implantation, and
d) bone graft disposed within the area defined by the body,
wherein a polymeric surface of the body is bombarded by a plasma containing a chemical entity, whereby the chemical entity becomes attached to the polymeric surface, and
wherein the body is defined between an anterior sidewall and a posterior sidewall, each of the anterior and posterior sidewalls being configured to expand,
wherein the body expands substantially uniformly.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric body comprises PEEK.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric body includes rigid walls sufficiently strong to distract a disc space.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric body includes metallic material on a surface thereof.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric body includes a plurality of teeth projecting therefrom configured to engage a vertebral endplate to resist retropulsion.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the teeth comprise PEEK.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric body includes a load-bearing peripheral wall, the peripheral wall comprising a metallic thin film.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric body comprises a balloon.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric body comprises a plurality of compartments.
10. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a posterior fixation system having at least one pedicle screw.