Inverted serpentine spinal stability device and associated methods
A spinal implant includes a plurality of frame segments that define a first frame array, the first frame array being coupled to a first mounting connection. A plurality of contiguous segments define a second frame array, the plurality of contiguous segments being coupled to a second mounting connection and being coupled to the first frame array. The first frame array and the second frame array are positioned relative to one another such that application of a force in a first direction to the first and second mounting connections results in application of a force in an opposing direction to the plurality of contiguous segments.
1. A spinal implant comprising:
a plurality of frame segments that define a first frame array, said first frame array being coupled to a first mounting connection; and
a plurality of contiguous segments that define a second frame array, said plurality of contiguous segments being coupled to a second mounting connection and being coupled to the first frame array;
the first frame array and the second frame array being positioned relative to one another such that application of a force in a first direction to the first and second mounting connections results in application of a force in an opposing direction to the plurality of contiguous segments.
2. The implant of claim 1 , wherein application of a compressive force to the first and second mounting connections results in application of a tensile force to the plurality of contiguous segments.
3. The implant of claim 1 , wherein application of a tensile force to the first and second mounting connections results in application of a compressive force to the plurality of contiguous segments.
4. The spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of contiguous segments is joined by a continuously curving end segment that transitions from one segment to an adjacent, overlapping segment.
5. The spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the array of contiguous segments is formed from a ribbon of material that alternately and contiguously extends from one side of the array to another side of the array in an overlapping configuration.
6. The spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the array includes at least four overlapping segments.
7. The spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the array of contiguous segments includes a pair of arrays, arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement.
8. The spinal implant of claim 7 , wherein the pair of arrays are positioned symmetrically adjacent a longitudinal axis of the implant.
9. The spinal implant of claim 7 , wherein the pair of arrays differ in one of a: size, shape, thickness, depth or material, such that one array of the pair of arrays produces a differing force reaction than another array of the pair of arrays.
10. The spinal implant of claim 1 , further comprising a protective shroud, fittable about the spinal implant, the protective shroud configured to limit surrounding tissue from contacting the spinal implant.
11. The spinal implant of claim 10 , wherein the protective shroud is coupleable to the insert.
12. The spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the second frame array is circumvented by the first frame array.
13. The spinal implant of claim 1 , wherein the first frame array includes a depth, and the second frame array includes a depth not greater than the depth of the first frame array.
14. The spinal implant of claim 13 , wherein depths of the first frame array and the second frame array are substantially constant from an upper portion of each array to a lower portion of each array.