(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2015/0012097 A1
`IBARRA et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jan. 8, 2015
`
`US 2015 0012097A1
`
`(54) SYSTEM AMD METHOD FOR AN
`EXPANDABLE INTERVERTEBRALIMPLANT
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A6IF 2/44
`(71) Applicants: Matthew IBARRA, LAKEWOOD, CA
`A6IF 2/46
`(US); AARON RICICA, BROOKLINE,
`MA (US); LIN YIN, BROOKLINE, MA (52) U.S. Cl.
`(US)
`CPC ............... A61F 2/447 (2013.01); A61F 2/4611
`(2013.01)
`USPC ....................................................... 623/17.15
`(72) Inventors: Matthew IBARRA, LAKEWOOD, CA
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`(US); AARON RICICA, BROOKLINE,
`MUs). LIN YIN, BROOKLINE, MA An expandable intervertebral implant includes a base body, a
`top endplate and a center component. The top endplate is
`configured to be placed onto an open top of the base body and
`to expand upward. The top endplate includes a plate, first and
`second side protrusions extending vertically downward from
`first and second sides of the plate, respectively, first and
`second protrusions including inclined surfaces and extending
`obliquely downward from a first end of the plate and third and
`fourth protrusions having a triangular shape with at least one
`inclined Surface and extending downward from a second end
`of the plate. The center component is configured to be placed
`within the base body and to interface with the top endplate
`and to move Gainly forward or backward E. the
`base body, thereby causing the top endplate to expand
`upwards or move downward, respectively.
`
`(73) Assignee: SPINEFRONTIER INC, Beverly, MA
`(US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/320,763
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jul. 1, 2014
`
`O
`O
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/842,729, filed on Jul. 3,
`2013.
`
`
`
`
`
`S.
`
`SS
`
`111C 112a
`131d 136a
`
`\ |S
`
`127
`
`
`
`145
`
`Exhibit 1024
`LIFE SPINE, INC.
`IPR2022-01602
`
`000001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 1 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`80
`
`90b
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`80
`
`v
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`102a
`
`1 OOA
`
`102b
`
`90b
`
`FIG. 1A
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`
`
`FIG. 1B
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`000002
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`

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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`122
`
`120
`
`1 OOA
`
`110
`
`140
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`124
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`
`
`112a
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`126a
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`140
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`103b
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`000003
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 3 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`122
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`126a
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`11 O
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`a
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`
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`120
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`124
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`14O
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`134
`
`FIG. 3B
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`102b
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`000004
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`

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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 4 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`122
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`12O
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`
`
`
`
`
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`111 C 112a
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`000005
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 5 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`11 O
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`11 1 a
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`115C
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`117d
`
`FIG. 5A
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`
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`119a
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`116a
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`11 1 a
`
`FIG. 5B
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`000006
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 6 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`120
`
`FIG. 6A
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`128d
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`
`
`128b.
`
`FIG. 6B
`
`000007
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 7 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`116C
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`
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`123
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`11.7b
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`129b
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`1 OOA
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`117a
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`129a
`
`FIG. 7A
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`129b.
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`136
`
`FIG 7B
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`000008
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 8 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`1 OO
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`115C
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`
`
`FIG. 8B
`
`000009
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 9 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`1 OOA
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`115a
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`128C
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`116C
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`115C
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`138C
`
`115C
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`138C
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`
`
`1156
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`000010
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 10 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`1 OOA
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`101A
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`101B
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`
`
`000011
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 11 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`100B
`
`11
`
`
`
`FIG. 12A
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`100B
`
`FIG. 12B
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`000012
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 12 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`11 b
`
`X
`115°C
`115'b
`
`115'a
`FIG. 12E
`
`
`
`213)
`
`111b
`110
`
`138 'd
`
`138 °C
`
`Nr. 37,
`138a
`FIG. 12D
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`145
`
`000013
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 13 of 42
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`224
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`2OO
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`21 O
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`
`
`FIG
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`13A
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`2OO
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`236a
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`:
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`234
`
`230
`
`FIG. 13B
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`000014
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 14 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`2OO
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`21 O
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`
`
`FIG
`220
`
`14A
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`3 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! %
`
`230
`
`FIG. 14B
`
`000015
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`
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`2OO
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`FIG. 15A
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`000016
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`

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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 16 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`227a
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`200
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`
`
`
`
`234
`FIG. 15B
`254b.
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`250
`
`252
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`251 a
`FIG. 16
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`000017
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`

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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 17 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`90b
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`90b
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`FIG. 17A
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`
`
`FIG. 17B
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`000018
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 18 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`31 O
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`320
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`
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`3.
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`3.
`
`FIG. 18B
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`000019
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 19 of 42
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`300
`
`
`
`FIG. 19B
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`000020
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 20 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`3OO
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`
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`330a
`
`FIG. 20A
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`302a
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`3O2b
`
`FIG. 20B
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`000021
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 21 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`
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`300
`
`FIG 21
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`000022
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 22 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`FIG. 22A
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`422b
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`42O
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`
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`41 O
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`102b
`
`414
`
`FIG. 22B
`
`000023
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 23 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`4OO
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`430 v
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`417
`
`414. 411 a
`
`FIG. 23A
`
`41 O
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`
`
`4.25a
`
`424C
`
`424b
`
`414a
`FIG. 23B
`
`000024
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`

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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 24 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`440
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`4O2b
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`430
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`41 O
`FIG. 24A
`
`42O
`
`430
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`
`
`402a
`<--------------
`
`440
`
`41 Ob
`
`420
`
`FIG. 24B
`
`000025
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`

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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 25 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`400
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`v
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`430
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`O
`44
`FIG. 25A
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`42O
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`
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`424d
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`416b
`
`418b.
`
`FIG. 25B
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`000026
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 26 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`427b. 425
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`42O
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`400
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`423a
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`4.33b
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`43O
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`426
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`417
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`441b 440 441 a
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`412
`
`4.18a 411a
`
`FIG. 26
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`000027
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 27 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`500
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`51O
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`510
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`53O
`FIG. 27A
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`
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`53O
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`531a
`
`FIG. 27B
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`000028
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 28 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`520
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`500
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`5 O
`
`FIG. 28A
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`30
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`
`
`FIG. 28B
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`000029
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 29 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`500
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`52O
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`13a
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`550
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`513C
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`511 510
`
`
`
`
`
`35
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`543
`
`540
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`534
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`532e 531
`
`530
`
`FIG. 29
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`000030
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 30 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`600
`
`1 OOA
`
`61 O
`
`FIG. 3OA
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`622b
`
`632
`
`FIG. 3OB
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`
`
`
`
`000031
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 31 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`650
`
`FIG. 31A
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`
`
`682
`
`FIG. 31B
`
`000032
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 32 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`
`
`
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`650
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`661 b
`
`68O
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`660
`
`670
`
`4OO
`
`FIG. 3 1C
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`661 lb
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`67O
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`400
`
`FIG. 31 D
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`000033
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 33 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`682
`
`FIG. 32A
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`
`
`672a
`
`
`
`672
`
`FIG. 32B
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`672b
`
`412a
`
`673b
`FIG. 32C
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`000034
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 34 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`
`
`FIG. 33
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`000035
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 35 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`
`
`702
`
`FIG. 34
`
`000036
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 36 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`
`
`FIG. 35B
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`000037
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 37 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`71.4b.
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`
`
`s r s
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`708
`FIG. 36A
`
`702
`
`FIG. 36B
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`400
`
`000038
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 38 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`43OA
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`v
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`41 OA
`
`FIG. 37A
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`
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`42OA
`
`FIG. 37B
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`000039
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 39 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`400A
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`42OA
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`
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`41 OA
`
`FIG. 37C
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`000040
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 40 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`52OA
`
`500A
`v
`
`FIG. 38A
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`52OA
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`
`
`530A
`
`FIG. 38B
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`51OA
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`000041
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 41 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`500A
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`562b
`
`FIG. 38C
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`000042
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 8, 2015 Sheet 42 of 42
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`
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`4OO
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`710
`
`FIG. 39
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`000043
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`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`Jan. 8, 2015
`
`SYSTEMI AMID METHOD FORAN
`EXPANDABLE INTERVERTEBRAL MPLANT
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
`0001. This application claims the benefit of U.S. provi
`sional application Ser. No. 61/842,729 filed Jul. 3, 2013 and
`entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN EXPAND
`ABLE INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT, the contents of
`which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0002 The present invention relates to a system and a
`method for an intervertebral implant, and more particularly to
`an intervertebral implant that expands upwards or downwards
`or both upwards and downwards.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0003. The human spine includes individual vertebras that
`are connected to each other. Under normal circumstances the
`structures that make up the spine function to protect the neural
`structures and to allow us to stand erect, bear axial loads, and
`beflexible for bending and rotation. However, disorders of the
`spine occur when one or more of these spine structures are
`abnormal. In these pathologic circumstances, Surgery may be
`tried to restore the spine to normal and to relieve the patient of
`pain. The goal of spine Surgery for a multitude of spinal
`disorders is often filling of voids within a pathologic vertebral
`body (exemplified by kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty proce
`dures), replacement of a degenerated intervertebral disc with
`an intervertebral implant device that preserves mobility (disc
`replacement) or one that fuses adjacent vertebral segments
`(interbody and posterolateral fusions). Fusion works well
`because it stops pain due to movement at the facet joints or
`intervertebral discs, holds the spine in place after correcting
`deformity, and prevents instability and or deformity of the
`spine after spine procedures Such as laminectomies or Vert
`erbrectomies. However, maintaining spinal mobility between
`the intervertebral discs and facets may be preferred over
`fusion in some cases to allow more flexibility of the spine and
`to decrease the risk of problems above and below the level of
`the fixation due to increased stress at the adjacent moveable
`Segments.
`0004. The common approach to the removal of diseased
`intervertebral discs or vertebras includes a posterior laminec
`tomy to first decompress the posterior neural elements and to
`gain access either through a direct posterior approach, or
`through a transpedicular approach, or through a posterior
`lateral or transforaminal approach. After posterior exposure,
`the intervertebral discs can be removed and replaced with an
`interbody fusion device inserted through a posterior-lateral
`approach (PLIF-Posterolateral interbody fusion) or through a
`lateral transforaminal approach (TLIF/T-PLIF-Transforami
`nal lateral interbody fusion). Although open laminectomy
`provides exposure of the disc space, the large size of current
`interbody devices often makes it technically challenging to
`avoid injury to the dura and nerve roots during insertion of
`interbody devices. The large exposure also puts the neural
`elements and spinal cord at risk from direct mechanical injury
`during insertion or scarring from overlying soft tissues post
`operatively. Scarring is considered a major cause for failed
`back syndrome in which patients continue to have back and
`leg pain after spinal Surgery. In order to avoid neural injuries
`
`with posterior interbody fusion devices some Surgeons elect
`to approach the spine anteriorly, which allows for direct
`removal of intervertebral discs and vertebras without expos
`ing the neural tissues. Vertebral bodies and intervertebral
`discs can also be removed anteriorly through a peritoneal or
`retro-peritoneal approach. Anterior approaches are now more
`popular and are becoming the standard approach for implant
`ing intervertebral disc replacement or interbody fusion
`(ALIF-Anterior lumbar interbody fusion) devices but still
`require major Surgery and in cases of interbody fusion they
`require a second open posterior exposure for Supplemental
`postero-lateral instrumented fusion and harvesting of iliac
`crest bone graft.
`0005 Thus, there is increasing concensus among Surgeons
`that there is a need to develop devices, instruments, and
`methods to limit the size of the incision, extensive muscle
`stripping, prolonged retraction of muscles for visualization,
`avoidance of neural tissue retraction and injury, and denerva
`tion and devascularization that are known to contribute to
`poorer patient outcome after traditional open Surgeries to
`treat pathologies deep within the body. In many cases these
`complications lead to permanent Scarring and pain that can be
`more severe than the pain from the initial ailment. Limiting
`these complications in addition to the operative, general anes
`thesia, and recovery times are among the goals of this inven
`tion and that of percutaneous or minimally invasive Surgeries.
`0006 Current disc replacement and interbody fusion
`devices are fixed in size and shape and although techniques
`are now being developed to insert these devices percutane
`ously, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,792,044 and 5,902,231
`attributed to Foley et al., the fixed size and shapes of these
`interbody devices still require distraction instrumentation and
`techniques to access the intervertebral disc space which
`necessitates open Surgery for anterior placements and limited
`open exposures for posterior procedures. Although the focus
`is shifting away from fusion towards maintaining motion with
`facet replacements and an interbody device (disc or vertebral
`body replacements), the majority of these disc replacement
`devices are designed based on a ball-and-socket articulating
`principle with variable degrees of motion in different planes
`from a constrained device limiting some motion to a fully
`unconstrained device with motion in all planes. However,
`these devices do not permit percutaneous access primarily
`because they are fixed in shape and size, need to be inserted as
`separate articulating components, require distraction instru
`mentation and techniques to open the disc space, and they
`need to be anchored to the vertebral endplate.
`0007 Accordingly, there is a need for an intervertebral
`implant device that can be inserted in a collapsed State via
`minimally invasive Surgery (MIS) and then can be expanded
`in situ distally.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0008. The present invention relates to an intervertebral
`implant, and more particularly to an intervertebral implant
`that expands upwards or downwards or both upwards and
`downwards.
`0009. In general, in one aspect, the invention features an
`expandable intervertebral implant including a base body, a
`top endplate and a center component. The base body has a
`front end, a back end, and first and second side portions
`connecting the front end and the back end. The top endplate is
`configured to be placed onto an open top of the base body and
`to expand upward. The top endplate includes a plate, first and
`
`000044
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`

`US 2015/0012097 A1
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`Jan. 8, 2015
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`second side protrusions extending vertically downward from
`first and second sides of the plate, respectively, first and
`second protrusions having inclined surfaces and extending
`obliquely downward from a first end of the plate and third and
`fourth protrusions having a triangular shape with at least one
`inclined Surface and extending downward from a second end
`of the plate. The center component is configured to be placed
`within the base body and to interface with the top endplate
`and to move longitudinally forward or backward within the
`base body, thereby causing the top endplate to expand
`upwards or move downward, respectively.
`0010 Implementations of this aspect of the invention may
`include one or more of the following features. The center
`component includes a threaded through-opening in a front
`portion thereof, first and second sides, and each of the first and
`second sides of the center component comprises first and
`second protrusions having inclined surfaces. The expandable
`intervertebral implant further includes an actuator rod having
`an outer threaded Surface and being configured to be threaded
`into the threaded through-opening in the front portion of the
`center component. Threading the actuator rod into the
`threaded through-opening in the front portion of the center
`component moves the center component longitudinally for
`ward into the base body, and causes the inclined surfaces of
`the first and second protrusions of the top endplate to slide
`upward onto the inclined surfaces of the first protrusions of
`the first and second sides of the center component, respec
`tively, and the inclined surfaces of the third and fourth pro
`trusions of the top endplate to slide upward onto the inclined
`Surfaces of the second protrusions of the first and second sides
`of the centercomponent, respectively, thereby causing the top
`endplate to expand upward. Threading the actuator rod out of
`the threaded through-opening in the front portion of the cen
`ter component moves the center component longitudinally
`backward out of the base body, and causes the inclined sur
`faces of the first and second protrusions of the top endplate to
`slide downward onto the inclined surfaces of the first protru
`sions of the first and second sides of the center component,
`respectively, and the inclined surfaces of the third and fourth
`protrusions of the top endplate to slide downward onto the
`inclined surfaces of the second protrusions of the first and
`second sides of the center component, respectively, thereby
`causing the top endplate to move downward. The first and
`second side portions of the base body have rectangular
`shaped first and second recesses configured to complement
`and receive the first and second side protrusions of the top
`endplate. The first and second side portions of the base body
`further include triangular-shaped third and fourth recesses
`configured to complement and receive third and fourth side
`protrusions of the top endplate, respectively. The expandable
`intervertebral implant further includes removable pins con
`figured to be inserted into openings formed in the first and
`second side portions of the base body and into openings
`formed in the center component. The openings formed in the
`first and second side portions are coaxial with the openings
`formed in the center component. The actuator has a slotted
`front end, sized and shaped to receive a key. The base body
`further includes a base plate and the first and second side
`portions extend upward from the base plate. An outer Surface
`of the base plate includes teeth, ridges, grooves or protru
`sions. An outer Surface of the top endplate includes teeth,
`ridges, grooves or protrusions. The expandable intervertebral
`implant further includes a bottom endplate configured to be
`placed onto an open bottom of the base body and to expand
`
`downward. The bottom endplate includes a plate, first and
`second side protrusions extending vertically upward from
`first and second sides of the plate, respectively, first and
`second protrusions having inclined Surfaces and extending
`obliquely upward from a first end of the plate and third and
`fourth protrusions having a triangular shape with at least one
`inclined surface and extending upward from a second end of
`the plate. The center component is also configured to inter
`face with the bottom endplate and to move longitudinally
`forward or backward within the base body, thereby causing
`the bottom endplate to expand downward or move upward,
`respectively. The center component includes a threaded
`through-opening in a front portion, first and second sides, and
`each of the first and second sides of the center component has
`first and second protrusions including upper and lower paral
`lel inclined surfaces and a third protrusion connecting the first
`and second protrusions. The expandable intervertebral
`implant further includes an actuator rod having an outer
`threaded surface and being configured to be threaded into the
`threaded through-opening in the front portion of the center
`component. Threading the actuator rod into the threaded
`through-opening in the front portion of the center component
`moves the center component longitudinally forward into the
`base body, and causes the inclined surfaces of the first and
`second protrusions of the top endplate to slide upward onto
`the upper inclined surfaces of the first protrusions of the first
`and second sides of the center component, respectively, and
`the inclined surfaces of the third and fourth protrusions of the
`top endplate to slide upward onto the upper inclined Surfaces
`of the second protrusions of the first and second sides of the
`center component, respectively, thereby causing the top end
`plate to expand upward. Threading the actuator rod into the
`threaded through-opening in the front portion of the center
`component moves the center component longitudinally for
`ward into the base body, and also causes the inclined Surfaces
`of the first and second protrusions of the bottom endplate to
`slide downward onto the lower inclined surfaces of the first
`protrusions of the first and second sides of the center compo
`nent, respectively, and the inclined surfaces of the third and
`fourth protrusions of the bottom endplate to slide downward
`onto the lower inclined surfaces of the second protrusions of
`the first and second sides of the center component, respec
`tively, thereby causing the bottom endplate to expand down
`ward. The plate of the top endplate includes a longitudinally
`extending central opening and first and second openings posi
`tioned on either side of the longitudinally extending central
`opening. The base body further includes first and second
`recesses formed on outer Surfaces of the first and second side
`portions thereof, respectively, and the first and second
`recesses are configured to receive grasping protrusions of an
`inserter tool. The back end of the base body includes a
`through-opening configured to receive bone graft material.
`The actuator includes a front end with a tri-lobe shaped slot
`configured to receive a tri-lobe shaped tip of an inserter tool.
`0011. The details of one or more embodiments of the
`invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and
`description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of
`the invention will be apparent from the following description
`of the preferred embodiments, the drawings, and the claims
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`0012 Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals rep
`resent like parts throughout the several views:
`
`000045
`
`

`

`US 2015/0012097 A1
`
`Jan. 8, 2015
`
`0013 FIG.1A is a schematic side view of an intervertebral
`implant that is inserted between two neighboring vertebras
`and expands upwards and downwards, according to this
`invention;
`0014 FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the interverte
`bral implant of FIG. 1A in the “expanded' configuration;
`0015 FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an intervertebral
`implant in the “collapsed” configuration;
`0016 FIG. 2B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 2A;
`0017 FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an intervertebral
`implant in the “expanded configuration;
`0018 FIG. 3B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 3A:
`0019 FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 2A;
`0020 FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of the center
`body of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 2A;
`0021 FIG.5B is a top perspective view of the center body
`of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 2A;
`0022 FIG. 6A is a left side perspective view of the top
`endplate of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 2A;
`0023 FIG. 6B is a right side perspective view of the top
`endplate of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 2A;
`0024 FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the interverte
`bral implant of FIG. 2A;
`0025 FIG. 7B is a top perspective view of the interverte
`bral implant of FIG. 2A in the expanded configuration;
`0026 FIG. 8A is a bottom perspective view of the inter
`vertebral implant of FIG. 2A;
`0027 FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of the inter
`vertebral implant of FIG. 2A in the expanded configuration;
`0028 FIG. 9A is left side view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 3A in the expanded configuration;
`0029 FIG.9B is a right side view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 3A in the expanded configuration;
`0030 FIG. 10 depicts left side views of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 2A in the collapsed and in the expanded
`configurations;
`0031
`FIG. 11 is a side view of the threaded actuator of the
`intervertebral implant of FIG. 2A;
`0032 FIG. 12A is a perspective view of another example
`of an intervertebral implant in the “collapsed” configuration;
`0033 FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 12A in the “expanded configuration;
`0034 FIG. 12C is a top view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 12A;
`0035 FIG. 12D is an exploded view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 12A;
`0036 FIG. 12E is a bottom perspective view of the center
`body of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 12A;
`0037 FIG. 13A is a perspective view of another embodi
`ment of an intervertebral implant in the “collapsed” configu
`ration;
`0038 FIG. 13B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 13 A:
`0039 FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 13A in the “expanded configuration;
`0040 FIG. 14B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 14A;
`004.1
`FIG. 15A is an exploded view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 14A.
`0042 FIG. 15B is another exploded view of the interver
`tebral implant of FIG. 14A:
`
`0043 FIG.16 is a perspective view of the front component
`of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 14A;
`0044 FIG. 17A is a schematic side view of an interverte
`bral implant that is inserted between two neighboring verte
`bras and expands upwards, according to this invention;
`004.5
`FIG. 17B is a schematic side view of the interverte
`bral implant of FIG. 17A in the “expanded configuration;
`0046 FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 17A in the “collapsed” configuration;
`0047 FIG. 18B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 18A:
`0048 FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 18A in the “expanded configuration;
`0049 FIG. 19B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 18A in the “expanded” configuration;
`0050 FIG. 20A is a top view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 18A in the “collapsed” configuration;
`0051 FIG. 20B is a top view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 18A in the “expanded” configuration;
`0052 FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 18A:
`0053 FIG.22A is a perspective view of another example
`of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 17A in the “collapsed”
`configuration;
`0054 FIG.22B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG.22A;
`0055 FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG.22A in the “expanded configuration;
`0056 FIG. 23B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG.22A in the “expanded” configuration;
`0057 FIG.24A is a top view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG.22A in the “collapsed” configuration;
`0058 FIG.24B is a top view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG.22A in the “expanded” configuration;
`0059 FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B are back views of the inter
`vertebral implant of FIG.22A in the “expanded configura
`tion;
`0060 FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG.22A;
`0061
`FIG. 27A is a perspective view of another example
`of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 1A in the “collapsed”
`configuration;
`0062 FIG. 27B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 27A:
`0063 FIG. 28A is a perspective view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 27A in the “expanded configuration;
`0064 FIG. 28B is a side view of the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 27A in the “expanded” configuration;
`0065 FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 27A:
`0.066 FIG.30A is a perspective view of an inserter tool for
`the intervertebral implant of FIG. 1A:
`0067 FIG.30B is an exploded view of the inserter tool of
`FIG.30A:
`0068 FIG.31A is a perspective view of an inserter tool for
`the intervertebral implant of FIG. 17A:
`0069 FIG.31B is an exploded view of the inserter tool of
`FIG.31A:
`(0070 FIG. 31C is a top view of the inserter tool of FIG.
`31A in the “inserted position;
`(0071
`FIG. 31D is a top view of the inserter tool of FIG.
`31A in the “locked' position;
`(0072 FIG. 32A is a perspective view of the tip of the
`cylindrical shaft of the inserter tool of FIG. 31A:
`
`000046
`
`

`

`US 2015/0012097 A1
`
`Jan. 8, 2015
`
`0073 FIG. 32B is a perspective view of the front of the
`cylindrical sleeve of the inserter tool of FIG. 31A:
`0074 FIG. 32C is a perspective view of the front of the
`intervertebral implant 400 of FIG.31A:
`0075 FIG.33 and FIG.34 are exploded views of another
`embodiment of an inserter tool for the intervertebral implant
`of FIG. 17A:
`0076 FIG.35A is a perspective view of the inserter tool of
`FIG.33 in the “detached configuration;
`0077 FIG.35B is a perspective view of the inserter tool of
`FIG.33 in the “inserted configuration;
`0078 FIG.36A is a perspective view of the inserter tool of
`FIG.33 in the “locked' configuration;
`0079 FIG.36B is a perspective view of the inserter tool of
`FIG.33 in the “expanded configuration.
`0080 FIG. 37A is a perspective view of another example
`of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 17A in the “collapsed”
`configuration;
`I0081
`FIG. 37B is a perspective view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 37A in the “expanded configuration;
`I0082 FIG. 37C is an exploded view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG. 37A:
`0083 FIG.38A is a perspective view of another example
`of the intervertebral implant of FIG. 1A in the “collapsed”
`configuration;
`I0084 FIG.38B is a perspective view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG.38A in the “expanded configuration;
`0085 FIG.38C is an exploded view of the intervertebral
`implant of FIG.38A; and
`I0086 FIG. 39 is an exploded view of another embodiment
`of an inserter tool for the intervertebral implant of FIG. 17A.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`0087. The present invention relates to an intervertebral
`implant that is inserted in a collapsed configuration between
`two neighboring vertebras and then is distally expanded
`upwards or downwards or both upwards and downwards.
`I0088 Referring to FIG. 1A, intervertebral implant 100A is
`inserted between neighboring vertebras 90a and 90b. Once
`inserted in the intervertebral disk space, intervertebral
`implant 100A expands upwards and downwards along direc
`tions 102a and 102b, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1B.
`Intervertebral implant 100A is used in posterior, anterior,
`lateral, trans-foraminal to extra-foraminal implantation pro
`cedures. Intervertebral implant 100A has a small sized cage
`and a compact-sized expansion mechanism. The expansion
`mechanism allows the cage to be expanded in height after the
`implant is inserted into the intervertebral space. The height of
`the cage may be expanded in the range of 6 mm-16 mm. In
`one example, intervertebral implant 100A has a height of 7
`mm and expands to a height of 10 mm, as shown in FIG. 10.
`I0089 Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, intervertebral
`implant 100A includes a center body 110, a top endplate 120,
`a bottom endplate 130, and a threaded actuator 140. Threaded
`actuator 140 is turned clockwise distally with a driver (not
`shown) to expand the intervertebral implant 100A by moving
`the top and bottom plates upwards 102a and downwards
`102b, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3B. Threaded actuator
`140 may also be turned counter-clockwise distally with the
`driver to collapse the intervertebral implant 100A by moving
`the top and bottom plates downwards upwards 102b and
`upwards 102a, respectively. Top and bottom endplates 120,
`
`130 slide along inclines 98a, 98b, respectively, oriented at
`angles 97a,97b of 40 degrees relative to the center body axis
`90.
`(0090 Referring to FIG. 2A-FIG. 5B, in one example, cen
`ter body 110 includes a front side 111b, a back side 111a, a
`