Stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device with locking mechanism
A stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device, including a superior component, an inferior component, an expansion mechanism operatively arranged to displace the superior component in a first direction relative to the inferior component about a first hinge, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism including a plate operatively arranged to pivot about a second hinge, the plate further including a first through-bore and a first plurality of teeth, a pawl operatively arranged to pivot about a third hinge, the pawl further including a second through-bore, and a post operatively arranged to pass through the second and third through-bores such that after the superior component is displaced in the first direction, the locking mechanism prevents displacement of the superior component in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
1. A stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device, comprising:
a superior component;
an inferior component;
an expansion mechanism operatively arranged to displace the superior component in a first direction relative to the inferior component about a first hinge; and,
a locking mechanism comprising:
a plate operatively arranged to pivot about a second hinge, the plate further comprising a first aperture and a first plurality of teeth;
a pawl operatively arranged to pivot about a third hinge, the pawl further comprising a second aperture; and,
a post operatively arranged to pass through the first and second apertures,
wherein after the superior component is displaced in the first direction, the locking mechanism prevents displacement of the superior component in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
2. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a biasing element operatively arranged between the pawl and the inferior component.
3. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the second hinge is operatively arranged on a first protrusion of the inferior component, and the third hinge is operatively arranged on a second protrusion of the inferior component.
4. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device recited in claim 1 , wherein the plate further comprises a second plurality of teeth.
5. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device recited in claim 4 , wherein the plate has a first surface and a second surface, where the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth are operatively arranged on the second surface of the plate.
6. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device recited in claim 5 , wherein the pawl further comprises a first pawl head, operatively arranged to engage with the first plurality of teeth.
7. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device recited in claim 6 , wherein the pawl further comprises a second pawl head, operatively arranged to engage with the second plurality of teeth.
8. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device recited in claim 1 , wherein the post further comprises a first end and a second end, the first end having a first threading operatively arranged to receive a fastener and the second end having a stopping element.
9. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device recited in claim 1 , wherein the biasing element is a flat spring.
10. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device recited in claim 1 , wherein the third hinge is arranged between the first hinge and the second hinge.
11. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device recited in claim 1 , wherein the pawl is arranged between the first hinge and the plate.
12. The stand-alone expandable interbody spinal fusion device recited in claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of teeth are directed toward the first hinge.