INTERVERTBRAL DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS
Intervertebral devices and systems, and methods of their use, are disclosed having configurations suitable for placement between two adjacent vertebrae, replacing the functionality of the disc therebetween. Intervertebral devices and systems contemplated herein are implantable devices intended for replacement of a vertebral disc, which may have deteriorated due to disease for example. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured to allow for ample placement of therapeutic agents therein, including bone growth enhancement material, which may lead to better fusion between adjacent vertebral bones. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured for use in minimally invasive procedures, if desired.
1 .- 20 . (canceled)
21 . A device, comprising:
a base element having a longitudinal axis;
a first body portion slidably coupled to the base and configured to move at least parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base element, the first body portion including a first plurality of curvilinear surfaces; and
a second body portion slidably coupled to the base, the second body portion including a second plurality of curvilinear surfaces,
each of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces configured to couple with a respective one of the second plurality of curvilinear surfaces, such that the second body portion at least rotates with respect to the base as the first body portion moves at least parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base element.
22 . The device of claim 21 , wherein each of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces includes a radius, the radius of a first of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces being similar to the radius of a second of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces, the radius of the first of the plurality of curvilinear surfaces being different from the radius of a third of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces.
23 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the radius of each of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces and the radius of the corresponding respective one of the second plurality of curvilinear surfaces are similar.
24 . The device of claim 21 , wherein at least one of each of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces and the corresponding respective one of the second plurality of curvilinear surfaces including a linear portion, such that the second body portion rotates with respect to the base element as the first body portion moves along a first portion of the longitudinal axis of the base element, and the second body portion does not rotate with respect to the base element as the first body portion moves along a second portion of the longitudinal axis of the base element.
25 . The device of claim 21 , wherein at least one of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces includes a helical portion.
26 . The device of claim 21 , wherein each of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces of the first body portion are convex with respect to a top surface of the second body portion and each of the second plurality of curvilinear surfaces of the second body portion are convex with respect to the top surface of the second body portion.
27 . The device of claim 21 , wherein each of the first plurality of curvilinear surfaces of the first body portion are concave with respect to a top surface of the second body portion and each of the second plurality of curvilinear surfaces of the second body portion are concave with respect to the top surface of the second body portion.
28 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the second body portion has an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base element.
29 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the second body portion has an axis of rotation that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base element.
30 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the second body portion has an axis of rotation that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base element.
31 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the device includes a collapsed configuration, a top surface of the second body portion forming a first geometric planar surface and a bottom surface of the base element forming a second geometric planar surface, the first geometric planar surface being parallel with the second planar surface when the device is in the collapsed configuration.
32 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the device includes a collapsed configuration, a top surface of the second body portion forming a first geometric planar surface and a bottom surface of the base element forming a second geometric planar surface, the first geometric planar surface being nonparallel with the second planar surface when the device is in the collapsed configuration.
33 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the device includes an expanded configuration, a top surface of the second body portion forming a first geometric planar surface and a bottom surface of the base element forming a second geometric planar surface, the first geometric planar surface being nonparallel with the second planar surface when the device is in the expanded configuration.
34 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the base element further includes a first end and a second end, and the device includes a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the first body portion located between the first end and the second end of the base element when the device is in the collapsed configuration or the expanded configuration.
35 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the base element includes a first plurality of engaging elements, and the first body portion includes a second plurality of engaging elements, the first plurality of engaging elements configured to couple with the second plurality of engaging elements.
36 . The device of claim 35 , wherein the first and second pluralities of engaging elements are configured such that the coupling of the first and second pluralities of engaging elements prevents movement of the second body portion with respect to the base element when a compression force is present between a top surface of the second body portion and a bottom surface of the base.
37 . The device of claim 35 , wherein each of the first plurality of engaging elements includes a vertical axis that passes through a tip portion, at least one of the first plurality of engaging elements being symmetrical about its vertical axis.
38 . The device of claim 35 , wherein each of the first plurality of engaging elements includes a vertical axis that passes through a tip portion, at least one of the first plurality of engaging elements being nonsymmetrical about its vertical axis.
39 . The device of claim 35 , wherein when a compression force is present between a top surface of the second body portion and a bottom surface of the base, all the compression force passing through at least one of the first plurality of engaging elements and at least one of the second plurality of engaging elements.