Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
1. An intervertebral implantation system comprising:
a fusion device capable of expansion and contraction, wherein the fusion device comprises:
a first endplate;
a second endplate;
a body portion that extends along at least a length of the first endplate and the second endplate, wherein the first endplate and the second endplate move relative to the body portion; and
a translation member in between the first endplate and second endplate, wherein the translation member includes surfaces for engaging the first endplate and second endplate to cause a change in a distance of separation between the first endplate and second endplate; and
an instrument for engaging the body portion;
wherein two first surfaces of the translation member engage the first endplate and two second surfaces of the translation member engage the second endplate,
wherein the two first surfaces of the translation member are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the fusion device and each of the first surfaces are contained in separate planes parallel to one another and sloping towards the longitudinal axis of the fusion device; and wherein the two second surfaces of the translation member are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the fusion device and each of the second surfaces are contained in separate planes parallel to one another and sloping towards the longitudinal axis of the fusion device.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instrument has fingers for gripping the fusion device and wherein the fingers of the instrument further comprise one or more protrusions extending therefrom.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instrument includes an inserter fork that is threadingly engaged to an inserter tube.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the inserter tube has a flared distal end portion.
5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the instrument further comprises a handle removably attached to the inserter fork.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the handle comprises a set screw for downwardly securing on to the inserter fork.
7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the handle is accompanied by a coupler for receiving a portion of the inserter fork therein.
8. An intervertebral implantation system comprising:
a fusion device capable of expansion and contraction, wherein the fusion device comprises:
a first endplate;
a second endplate;
a body portion that extends along at least a length of the first endplate and the second endplate, wherein the first endplate and the second endplate move relative to the body portion; and
a translation member in between the first endplate and second endplate, wherein the translation member includes surfaces for engaging the first endplate and second endplate to cause a change in a distance of separation between the first endplate and second endplate; and
an actuation member operably attached to the translation member; and
an instrument for engaging the fusion device;
wherein two first surfaces of the translation member engage the first endplate and two second surfaces of the translation member engage the second endplate,
wherein the two first surfaces of the translation member are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the fusion device and each of the first surfaces are contained in separate planes parallel to one another and sloping towards the longitudinal axis of the fusion device; and wherein the two second surfaces of the translation member are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the fusion device and each of the second surfaces are contained in separate planes parallel to one another and sloping towards the longitudinal axis of the fusion device.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the instrument further comprises a handle removably attachable to the instrument.
10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the actuation member is threaded.
11. An intervertebral implantation system comprising:
a fusion device capable of expansion and contraction, wherein the fusion device comprises:
a first endplate;
a second endplate;
a body portion that extends along at least a length of the first endplate and the second endplate, wherein the first endplate and the second endplate move relative to the body portion; and
a translation member in between the first endplate and second endplate, wherein the translation member includes surfaces for engaging the first endplate and second endplate to cause a change in a distance of separation between the first endplate and second endplate; and
an instrument for engaging the fusion device, the instrument including an inserter fork having fingers for gripping the fusion device;
wherein two first surfaces of the translation member engage the first endplate and two second surfaces of the translation member engage the second endplate,
wherein the two first surfaces of the translation member are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the fusion device and each of the first surfaces are contained in separate planes parallel to one another and sloping towards the longitudinal axis of the fusion device; and wherein the two second surfaces of the translation member are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the fusion device and each of the second surfaces are contained in separate planes parallel to one another and sloping towards the longitudinal axis of the fusion device.
12. The system of claim 11 , further comprising a handle attachable to the inserter fork and a set screw for downwardly positioning onto the inserter fork.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the instrument further comprises an inserter tube over the inserter fork.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the inserter tube is threadingly engaged with the inserter fork.
15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the inserter tube has a flared distal end.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the fusion device further comprises a PEEK interference nut positioned in contact with a rear surface of the body portion.
17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instrument includes an inserter tube and an inserter fork having fingers for gripping the fusion device, and wherein the inserter fork has threads that engage corresponding threads on the inserter tube such that rotation of the inserter tube relative to the inserter fork causes opening or closing of the fingers.