US20070073406A1 - Artificial functional spinal unit assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

An artificial functional spinal unit is provided comprising, generally, an expandable artificial intervertebral implant that can be placed via a posterior surgical approach and used in conjunction with one or more artificial facet joints to provide an anatomically correct range of motion. Expandable artificial intervertebral implants in both lordotic and non-lordotic designs are disclosed, as well as lordotic and non-lordotic expandable cages for both PLIF (posterior lumber interbody fusion) and TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) procedures. The expandable implants may have various shapes, such as round, square, rectangular, banana-shaped, kidney-shaped, or other similar shapes. By virtue of their posteriorly implanted approach, the disclosed artificial FSU's allow for posterior decompression of the neural elements, reconstruction of all or part of the natural functional spinal unit, restoration and maintenance of lordosis, maintenance of motion, and restoration and maintenance of disc space height.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/634,950 entitled “ARTIFICIAL FUNCTIONAL SPINAL UNIT ASSEMBLIES” filed on Aug. 5, 2003, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention generally relates to functional spinal implant assemblies for insertion into the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bones and reconstruction of the posterior elements to provide stability, flexibility and proper biomechanical motion. More specifically, the present invention relates to artificial functional spinal units comprising an expandable artificial intervertebral implant that can be inserted via a posterior surgical approach and used in conjunction with one or more artificial facet joints to provide a more anatomically correct range of motion.
• 2. Description of Related Art
• The human spine is a complex mechanical structure composed of alternating bony vertebrae and fibrocartilaginous discs that are connected by strong ligaments and supported by musculature that extends from the skull to the pelvis and provides axial support to the body. The intervertebral discs primarily serve as a mechanical cushion between adjacent vertebral segments of the spinal column and generally comprise three basic components: the nucleus pulposus, the anulus fibrosis, and two vertebral end plates. The end plates are made of thin cartilage overlying a thin layer of hard cortical bone that attaches to the spongy, cancellous bone of the vertebral body. The anulus fibrosis forms the disc's perimeter and is a tough outer ring that binds adjacent vertebrae together. The vertebrae generally comprise a vertebral foramen bounded by the anterior vertebral body and the neural arch, which consists of two pedicles and two larninae that are united posteriorly. The spinous and transverse processes protrude from the neural arch. The superior and inferior articular facets lie at the root of the transverse process. The term “functional spinal unit” (“FSU”) refers to the entire motion segment: the anterior disc and the posterior facet joints, along with the supporting ligaments and connective tissues.
• The spine as a whole is a highly flexible structure capable of a high degree of curvature and twist in nearly every direction. However, genetic or developmental irregularities, trauma, chronic stress, and degenerative wear can result in spinal pathologies for which surgical intervention may be necessary.
• It is common practice to remove a spinal disc in cases of spinal disc deterioration, disease or spinal injury. The discs sometimes become diseased or damaged such that the intervertebral separation is reduced. Such events cause the height of the disc nucleus to decrease, which in turn causes the anulus to buckle in areas where the laminated plies are loosely bonded. As the overlapping laminated plies of the anulus begin to buckle and separate, either circumferential or radial anular tears may occur. Such disruption to the natural intervertebral separation produces pain, which can be alleviated by removal of the disc and maintenance of the natural separation distance. In cases of chronic back pain resulting from a degenerated or herniated disc, removal of the disc becomes medically necessary.
• In some cases, the damaged disc may be replaced with a disc prosthesis intended to duplicate the function of the natural spinal disc. U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,477 discloses a resilient spinal disc prosthesis intended to replace the resiliency of a natural human spinal disc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,326 teaches a prosthetic nucleus for replacing just the nucleus portion of a human spinal disc.
• In other cases it is desired to fuse the adjacent vertebrae together after removal of the disc, sometimes referred to as “intervertebral fusion” or “interbody fusion.”
• Many techniques and instruments have been devised to perform intervertebral fusion. There is common agreement that the strongest intervertebral fusion is the interbody (between the lumbar bodies) fusion, which may be augmented by a posterior or facet fusion. In cases of intervertebral fusion, either structural bone or an interbody fusion cage filled with morselized bone is placed centrally within the space where the spinal disc once resided. Multiple cages or bony grafts may be used within that space.
• Such practices are characterized by certain disadvantages, most important of which is the actual morbidity of the procedure itself. Placement of rigid cages or structural grafts in the interbody space either requires an anterior surgical approach, which carries certain unavoidable risks to the viscous structures overlying the spine (intestines, major blood vessels, and the ureter), or they may be accomplished from a posterior surgical approach, thereby requiring significant traction on the overlying nerve roots. The interval between the exiting and traversing nerve roots is limited to a few millimeters and does not allow for safe passage of large intervertebral devices, as may be accomplished from the anterior approach. Alternatively, the anterior approach does not allow for inspection of the nerve roots, is not suitable alone for cases in which the posterior elements are not competent, and most importantly, the anterior approach is associated with very high morbidity and risk where there has been previous anterior surgery.
• Another significant drawback to fusion surgery in general is that adjacent vertebral segments show accelerated deterioration after a successful fusion has been performed at any level. The spine is by definition stiffer after the fusion procedure, and the natural body mechanics place increased stress on levels proximal to the fused segment. Other drawbacks include the possibility of “flat back syndrome” in which there is a disruption in the natural curvature of the spine. The vertebrae in the lower lumbar region of the spine reside in an arch referred as having a sagittal alignment. The sagittal alignment is compromised when adjacent vertebral bodies that were once angled toward each other on their posterior side become fused in a different, less angled orientation relative to one another. Finally, there is always the risk that the fusion attempt may fail, leading to pseudoarthrosis, an often painful condition that may lead to device failure and further surgery.
• Conventional interbody fusion cages generally comprise a tubular metal body having an external surface threading. They are inserted transverse to the axis of the spine, into preformed cylindrical holes at the junction of adjacent vertebral bodies. Two cages are generally inserted side by side with the external threading tapping into the lower surface of the vertebral bone above, and the upper surface of the vertebral bone below. The cages include holes through which the adjacent bones are to grow. Additional materials, for example autogenous bone graft materials, may be inserted into the hollow interior of the cage to incite or accelerate the growth of the bone into the cage. End caps are often utilized to hold the bone graft material within the cage.
• These cages of the prior art have enjoyed medical success in promoting fusion and grossly approximating proper disc height. As previously discussed, however, cages that would be placed from the safer posterior route would be limited in size by the interval between the nerve roots. It would therefore, be a considerable advance in the art to provide a fusion implant assembly which could be expanded from within the intervertebral space, thereby minimizing potential trauma to the nerve roots and yet still providing the ability to restore disc space height.
• Ultimately though, it is important to note that the fusion of the adjacent bones is an incomplete solution to the underlying pathology as it does not cure the ailment, but rather simply masks the pathology under a stabilizing bridge of bone. This bone fusion limits the overall flexibility of the spinal column and artificially constrains the normal motion of the patient. This constraint can cause collateral injury to the patient's spine as additional stresses of motion, normally bone by the now-fused joint, are transferred onto the nearby facet joints and intervertebral discs. Thus, it would be an even greater advance in the art to provide an implant assembly that does not promote fusion, but instead closely mimics the biomechanical action of the natural disc cartilage, thereby permitting continued normal motion and stress distribution.
SUMMARY
• Accordingly, an artificial functional spinal unit (FSU) is provided comprising, generally, an expandable artificial intervertebral implant that can be placed via a posterior surgical approach and used in conjunction with one or more artificial facet joints to provide an anatomically correct range of motion. Expandable artificial intervertebral implants in both lordotic and non-lordotic designs are disclosed, as well as lordotic and non-lordotic expandable cages for both PLIF (posterior lumber interbody fusion) and TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) procedures. The expandable implants may have various shapes, such as round, square, rectangular, banana-shaped, kidney-shaped, or other similar shapes. By virtue of their posteriorly implanted approach, the disclosed artificial FSU's allow for posterior decompression of the neural elements, reconstruction of all or part of the natural functional spinal unit, restoration and maintenance of lordosis, maintenance of motion, and restoration and maintenance of disc space height.
• The posterior implantation of an interbody device provides critical benefits over other anterior implanted devices. Placement of posterior devices that maintain mobility in the spine have been limited due to the relatively small opening that can be afforded posteriorly between the exiting and transversing nerve roots. Additionally, placement of posterior interbody devices requires the removal of one or both facet joints, further destabilizing the spine. Thus conventional posteriorly placed interbody devices have been generally limited to interbody fusion devices.
• Since a properly functioning natural FSU relies on intact posterior elements (facet joints) and since it is necessary to remove these elements to place a posterior interbody device, a two-step procedure is disclosed that allows for placement of an expandable intervertebral implant and replacement of one or both facets that are necessarily removed during the surgical procedure. The expansile nature of the disclosed devices allow for restoration of disc height once inside the vertebral interspace. The expandable devices are collapsed prior to placement and then expanded once properly inserted in the intervertebral space. During the process of expansion, the endplates of the natural intervertebral disc, which essentially remain intact after removal or partial removal of the remaining natural disc elements, are compressed against the device, which thereby facilitates bony end growth onto the surface of the artificial implant. Once the interbody device is in place and expanded, the posterior element is reconstructed with the disclosed pedicle screw and rod system, which can also be used to distract the disk space while inserting the artificial implant. Once the interbody device is in place and expanded, the posterior element is further compressed, again promoting bony end growth into the artificial implant. This posterior compression allows for anterior flexion but replaces the limiting element of the facet and interspinous ligament and thereby limits flexion to some degree, and in doing so maintains stability for the anteriorly located interbody device.
• The posterior approach avoids the potential risks and morbidity of the anterior approach, which requires mobilization of the vascular structures, the ureter, and exposes the bowels to risk. Also, the anterior approach does not offer the surgeon an opportunity to view the posterior neural elements and thereby does not afford an opportunity for decompression of those elements. Once an anterior exposure had been utilized a revision procedure is quite risky and carries significant morbidity.
• The artificial FSU generally comprises an expandable intervertebral implant and one or more artificial facet joints. The expandable intervertebral implant generally comprises a pair of spaced apart plate members, each with a vertebral body contact surface. The general shape of the plate members may be round, square, rectangular, banana shaped, kidney shaped, or some other similar shape, depending on the desired vertebral implantation site. Because the artificial intervertebral implant is to be positioned between the facing surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies, the plate members are arranged in a substantially parallel planar alignment (or slightly offset relative to one another in accordance with proper lordotic angulation) with the vertebral body contact surfaces facing away from one another. The plate members are to mate with the vertebral bodies so as to not rotate relative thereto, but rather to permit the spinal segments to axially compress and bend relative to one another in manners that mimic the natural motion of the spinal segment. This natural motion is permitted by the performance of an expandable joint insert, which is disposed between the plate members. The securing of the plate members to the vertebral bone is achieved through the use of a osteoconductive scaffolding machined into the exterior surface of each plate member. Alternatively, a mesh of osteoconductive surface may be secured to the exterior surface of the plate members by methods known in the art. The osteoconductive scaffolding provides a surface through which bone may ultimately grow. If an osteoconductive mesh is employed, it may be constructed of any biocompatible material, both metal and non-metal. Each plate member may also comprise a porous coating (which may be a sprayed deposition layer, or an adhesive applied beaded metal layer, or other suitable porous coatings known in the art, i.e. hydroxy appetite). The porous coating permits the long-term ingrowth of vertebral bone into the plate member, thus permanently securing the prosthesis within the intervertebral space.
• In more detail, the expandable artificial implant of the present invention comprises four parts: an upper body, a lower body, an expandable joint insert that fits into the lower body, and an expansion device, which may be an expansion plate, screw, or other similar device. The upper body generally comprises a substantially concave inferior surface and a substantially planar superior surface. The substantially planar superior surface of the upper body may have some degree of convexity to promote the joining of the upper body to the intact endplates of the natural intervertebral disc upon compression. The lower body generally comprises a recessed channel, having a rectangular cross section, which extends along the superior surface of the lower body in the medial-lateral direction and substantially conforms to the shape of the upper and lower bodies. The lower body further comprises a substantially planar inferior surface that may have some degree of convexity to promote the joining of the lower body to the intact endplates of the natural intervertebral disc upon compression. The expandable joint insert resides within the channel on the superior surface of the lower body. The expandable joint insert has a generally flat inferior surface and a substantially convex superior surface that articulates with the substantially concave inferior surface of the upper body. Prior to expansion of the artificial implant, the generally flat inferior surface of the expandable joint insert rests on the bottom surface of the channel. The expandable joint insert is raised above the bottom of the channel by means of an expansion screw, an expansion plate, or other similar device, that is inserted through an expansion hole or slot. The expansion hole or slot is disposed through the wall of the lower body formed by the channel. The expansion hole or slot gives access to the lower surface of the channel and is positioned such that the expansion device can be inserted into the expansion hole or slot via a posterior surgical approach. As the expansion device is inserted through the expansion slot, into the channel, and under the expandable joint insert, the expandable joint insert is raised above the floor of the channel and lifts the upper body above the lower body to the desired disc height. The distance from the inferior surface of the lower body and the superior surface of the upper body should be equal to the ideal distraction height of the disk space. As the artificial implant is flexed and extended, the convex superior surface of the expandable joint insert articulates with the concave inferior surface of the upper body.
• After the insertion and expansion of the expandable intervertebral implant, the posterior facet joints may be reconstructed by employing the disclosed artificial facet joints. One embodiment of the artificial facet joint generally comprises a lower and upper multi-axial pedicle screw joined by a rod bridging the vertebral bodies above and below the artificial implant. The rod comprises a washer-type head at its lower (caudad) end. The rod fits into the heads of the pedicle screws and a top loaded set screw is placed in the pedicle screw heads. The disclosed pedicle screw system may employ different types of pedicle screws so that the top loaded set screw may or may not lock down on the rod depending on surgeon preference. If a non-locking pedicle screw is used the caudad end remains fully multi-axial. The upper (cephalad) end of the rod is held within the head of the upper pedicle screw with a set screw which locks down on the rod and eliminates any rod movement at the cephalad end, which by nature has limited multi-axial function. In an alternative embodiment of an artificial facet joint, the rod may comprise washer-type heads on both ends (caudad and cephalad) so that both pedicle screws can be of the non-locking variety. In the event of a two level surgical procedure, three pedicle screws would be employed with a single rod, which would have washer-type heads at both ends. The middle pedicle screw would be a locking-type and the upper most and lower most pedicle screws would be of the non-locking variety.
• In addition, another embodiment of the artificial facet joint is disclosed that generally comprises two locked pedicle screws joined by a rod having a ball and socket joint centrally located on the rod between the two pedicle screws. The locking of the pedicle screws prevents the screw head from swiveling, but allows rotation and translation of the rod.
• In instances where a fusion procedure is unavoidable, a PLIF and TLIF cage are disclosed that utilize the expansion principal of the functional artificial intervertebral implant. The cage generally comprises three parts: An external body, an internal body, and an expansion device. The external and internal bodies will have substantially the same shape and will be shaped accordingly to the procedures for which they will be used, more specifically, a rectangular cage is employed for a PLIF procedure and round or banana shaped cage is employed for the TLIF procedure. Both the external and internal bodies comprise a mesh structure in which an osteoconductive substance can be placed (i.e., morsilized autograph or an osteobiologic substitute). The external body of the cage contains an internal void space that houses the internal body. The external body further comprises an expansion window on its superior surface through which the internal body is raised upon expansion of the cage. The internal body comprises a planar plate member that is slightly larger than the expansion window in the superior surface of the external body such that when the cage is expanded the planar plate member secures itself against the interior side of the expansion window, thereby interlocking the external and internal bodies and eliminating mobility between the two bodies. Similar to the functional expandable implant, an expansion device is placed through an expansion slot. The expansion device lifts the internal body relative to the external body, interlocking the planar plate member of the internal body against the interior of the expansion window, and pushing the mesh structure of the internal body through the expansion window and above the superior surface of the external body. Varying the height of the expansion device and the dimensions of the external and internal bodies allows for various distraction heights to regain disc space. As with the functional intervertebral implant, the PLIF and TLIF cages may take the form of either an expandable lordotic cage or a non-lordotic cage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
• FIG. 1 is a top view of a round, expandable intervertebral implant of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the round, expandable intervertebral implant shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3ais a top view of a banana-shaped, expandable intervertebral implant of the present invention.
• FIG. 3bis a side cross-sectional view of the banana-shaped, expandable intervertebral implant shown inFIG. 3a.
• FIG. 4ais a cross-sectional illustration of an expandable intervertebral implant in compression.
• FIG. 4bis a cross-sectional illustration of an expandable intervertebral implant in flexion.
• FIG. 5ais a top view of a banana-shaped, expandable intervertebral implant, illustrating the insertion of expansion screws to expand the joint.
• FIG. 5bis a top view of a banana-shaped, expandable intervertebral implant, illustrating the insertion of a non-threaded expansion device to expand the joint.
• FIG. 6ais a top view of a banana-shaped, expandable intervertebral implant, illustrating the insertion of an expansion plate to expand the joint.
• FIG. 6bis a side cross-sectional view of a banana-shaped, expandable intervertebral implant, illustrating the insertion of an expansion plate to expand the joint.
• FIG. 6cis a side cross-sectional view of an expandable intervertebral implant, featuring retaining pegs.
• FIG. 6dis a side cross-sectional view of an expandable intervertebral implant in flexion, featuring retaining pegs.
• FIG. 7ais a cross-sectional view of an expandable intervertebral implant, prior to expansion.
• FIG. 7bis a cross-sectional view of an expandable intervertebral implant, following expansion.
• FIG. 8 is a side perspective view illustrating placement of an expandable intervertebral implant within an intervertebral space.
• FIG. 9ais a side view of an artificial facet joint of the present invention, featuring a rod with two washer-type heads.
• FIG. 9bis a side view of an artificial facet joint of the present invention, featuring a rod with a single washer-type head.
• FIG. 9cis a cross-sectional view of a pedicle screw featuring a locking screw head.
• FIG. 10 is a side view of an artificial facet joint of the present invention, featuring a rod having a ball joint.
• FIG. 11 is a posterior view of the spine after reconstruction and implantation of an artificial functional spinal unit including an expandable intervertebral implant and an artificial facet joint.
• FIG. 12ais a top view of an expandable PLIF cage in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 12bis a side cross-sectional view of an expandable PLIF cage in accordance with the present invention prior to expansion.
• FIG. 12cis a side cross-sectional view of an expandable PLIF cage in accordance with the present invention following expansion.
• FIG. 12dis a side cross-sectional view of an expandable TLIF cage in accordance with the present invention prior to expansion.
• FIG. 12eis a side cross-sectional view of an expandable TLIF cage in accordance with the present invention following expansion.
• FIG. 13ais a posterior view of a banana-shaped lordotic expandable intervertebral implant.
• FIG. 13bis a top view of a banana-shaped lordotic expandable intervertebral implant.
• FIG. 14ais a lateral view of a banana-shaped lordotic expandable intervertebral implant prior to expansion.
• FIG. 14bis a lateral view of a banana-shaped lordotic expandable intervertebral implant following expansion.
• FIG. 15ais a side cross-sectional view of an expandable lordotic cage prior to expansion.
• FIG. 15bis a side cross-sectional view of an expandable lordotic cage following expansion.
• FIG. 16ais a lateral view of a banana-shaped lordotic expandable intervertebral implant featuring an inclined expansion plate.
• FIG. 16bis a side cross-sectional view of an expandable lordotic cage featuring an inclined expansion plate.
• While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The drawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• FIGS. 1 and 2 show a round, expandable artificial intervertebral implant designated generally at10. The device is implemented through a posterior surgical approach by making an incision in the annulus connecting adjacent vertebral bodies after removing one or more facet joints. The natural spinal disc is removed from the incision after which the expandable artificial intervertebral implant is placed through the incision into position between the vertebral bodies. The implant is preferably made of a biocompatible metal having a non-porous quality and a smooth finish; however, it may also be constructed of ceramic or any other suitable inert material.
• The expandable artificialintervertebral implant10 generally comprises anupper body12 and alower body14 in a substantially parallel planar configuration. Thesuperior surface2 of theupper body12 and theinferior surface4 of thelower body14 comprise a machinedosteoconductive scaffolding13 through which the bone may ultimately grow.Osteoconductive scaffolding13 may also include spines or barbs that project into and secure against the bony endplates of the adjacent bony vertebral bodies upon expansion of the joint and minimize the possibility of sublaxation and/or dislocation. Theupper body12 has a substantially concaveinferior surface16. Thelower body14 has achannel15 insuperior surface17.Channel15 has a rectangular cross-section that extends along thelower body14 in the medial-lateral direction and substantially conforms to the shape of the upper12 and lower14 bodies. An expandablejoint insert19 resides within thechannel15 on the lower body. The expandablejoint insert19 has a generally flatinferior surface20 and a substantially convexsuperior surface21 that articulates with the substantially concaveinferior surface16 of theupper body12. The expandablejoint insert19 is lifted from the bottom ofchannel15 by means of anexpansion screw21, or other device, that is inserted between the generally flatinferior surface20 of the expandablejoint insert19 and the bottom of thechannel15 extending along thelower body14 through anexpansion slot18. A void space is created between the expandablejoint insert19 and the floor of thechannel15 in cross sections not including the expansion device. A securing means, such as thecables25, may be employed to ensure theupper body12 and thelower body14 remain intact during flexion and extension of the FSU. Alternative means for securing theupper body12 andlower body14 may also be employed, such as retaining pegs, torsion springs, or similar devices.
• FIGS. 3aand3bshow a banana-shaped expandable artificialintervertebral implant50. As with theround implant10 shown inFIG. 1, the banana-shaped implant also comprises anupper body52 and alower body54 in a substantially planar configuration, each having an externalosteoconductive scaffolding53. Note that thechannel55 and the expandablejoint insert59, which is disposed within thechannel55, substantially conforms to the shape of the upper52 and lower54 bodies. Whereas the round expandable implant may comprise a single expansion device, the banana-shaped implant may contain one ormore expansion devices61 that are inserted intoexpansion slots60. Otherwise, the cross-section of the banana-shaped implant is substantially similar toFIG. 2.
• Turning toFIGS. 4aand4b, an expandable artificial intervertebral implant is shown in flexion and extension, respectively. The concave inferior surface of16 ofupper body12 articulates with the convexsuperior surface21 of expandablejoint insert19. As stated above, securing means25 may be employed to prevent dislocation of the implant.
• FIGS. 5aand5billustrate the insertion of expansion devices into a banana-shaped implant. The artificialintervertebral implant50 inFIG. 5aemploys expansion screws70 to expandjoint insert19. One or more expansion screws70 may be inserted through one or more threadedexpansion slots71. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 5b,artificial implant55 may employ anon-threaded expansion device72 inserted through a non-threaded expansion slot73 to accomplish the expansion ofjoint insert19. The non-threaded expansion slot73 preferably has an arcuate shape to facilitate insertion after the artificial disc prosthesis has been properly placed within the intervertebral space. Thenon-threaded expansion device72 has substantially the same shape as expansion slot73. A threadedend cap74 may be employed to retain theexpansion device72 inside the expansion slot73.
• FIGS. 6aand6billustrate an alternative embodiment of a non-threaded expansion device. As shown inFIG. 6a, a banana-shaped artificialintervertebral implant80 having awide expansion slot81 on either the medial or lateral side of theimplant80.Expansion plate82 is impacted into place throughexpansion slot81 afterartificial implant80 has been properly placed within the intervertebral space. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the artificial implant comprises anupper body83 and alower body84 in a substantially planar configuration, each having anosteoconductive scaffolding85 machined on their superior and inferior surfaces, respectively. Note that thechannel86, as well asexpansion plate82, substantially conforms to the shape of the upper83 and lower84 bodies.Joint insert87 also generally conforms to the shape of the upper83 and lower84 bodies, however, an advantageous shape for the banana-shapedimplant80 is more oval to provide improved biomechanical motion of the implant. The bottom floor ofchannel86 may also employ a lockinglip88 to ensure that theexpansion plate82 is properly installed and to minimize the potential for dislocatingexpansion plate82.
• FIGS. 6cand6dillustrate another embodiment of an expandable intervertebral implant featuring retaining pegs91 to ensure against dislocation ofupper body83 fromlower body84 during flexion, extension and torsional motion. A plurality of retainingpegs91 project substantially upward from the superior surface oflower body84. On the inferior surface,upper body83 comprises a plurality of holes, orcontainment wells90, dimensionally larger thancaptive pegs91 and arranged such that whenupper body83 is properly positioned uponlower body84, captive pegs91 are housed withincontainment wells90. As shown inFIG. 6d, when the intervertebral implant is flexed or extended, captive pegs91 prohibit dislocation ofupper body83 fromlower body84. While the pegs and containment wells may be any shape, captive pegs91 are preferably round andcontainment wells90 are preferably oval in shape, which gives limited torsional mobility as well.
• FIGS. 7aand7billustrate the expansion ofjoint insert19 in more detail. As shown inFIG. 7aand prior to expansion ofjoint insert19,upper body12 rests uponlower body14 and the generally flatinferior surface20 ofjoint insert19 rests upon the bottom ofchannel15, which extends along thelower body14. Disposed along the generally flatinferior surface20 of expandablejoint insert19 and adjacent toexpansion slot18, is a liftingnotch17 that engages with theexpansion screw70. Liftingnotch17 facilitates the lifting of expandablejoint insert19 and allowsexpansion screw70 to come into contact with the generally flatinferior surface20 ofjoint insert19. Once inserted, as shown inFIG. 7b, the generally flatinferior surface20 of expandablejoint insert19 rests uponexpansion screw70 and theupper body12 is lifted abovelower body14 to the desiredintervertebral disc height71.
• FIG. 8 shows an expandable artificialintervertebral implant10 inserted into the spinal column. Note that the expandableartificial implant10 is posteriorly inserted and expanded throughvoid space90, which is created by removal of a facet joint.
• The disclosed techniques of expanding an artificial implant by inserting an expansion plate or similar device may also be employed to expand a PLIF or TLIF cage. As shown inFIGS. 12a,12band12c, aPLIF cage300 is disclosed comprising a substantially rectangularexternal cage element301 housing an internalexpandable element302. ThePLIF cage element301 has anosteoconductive mesh structure303, in which an osteoconductive substance can be placed, on itsinferior surface304 and anexpansion window305 located on itssuperior surface306. The internalexpandable element302 comprises a generallyplanar plate member307 having an inferior308 andsuperior surface309. A secondosteoconductive mesh structure310 is secured upon thesuperior surface309 of theplanar plate member307 of the internalexpandable element302. Theinferior surface308 of theplanar plate member307 has a liftingnotch311 to facilitate the expansion of the device upon installation of the expansion plate312. Theexpansion plate312 is inserted into the posteriorly locatedexpansion slot313 of the PLIFexternal cage element301 and engages the liftingnotch311 of theplanar plate member307 of the internalexpandable element302. Lockinglip314 located withinexpansion slot313 minimizes the potential ofexpansion plate312 dislocation.
• FIGS. 12dand12eshow a TLIF cage similar to the PLIF cage described above. The primary difference between the TLIF cage and the PLIF cage is that the TLIF cage comprises a t-shaped cross-sectionalosteoconductive mesh structure310 secured upon thesuperior surface309 of theplanar plate member307 of the internalexpandable element302 such that theosteoconductive mesh structure310 overhangs thesuperior surface306 of theexternal cage element301. Thus providing more surface area between theosteoconductive mesh structure310 and the bony endplates within the intervertebral space.
• One embodiment of an artificial facet joint100 is shown inFIG. 9a. Artificial facet joint100 comprises anupper pedicle screw101 and alower pedicle screw102.Rod103 is retained within thehead104 ofupper pedicle screw101 and thehead105 oflower pedicle screw102.Rod103 has washer-type ends106 that allows for posterior compression, but not extension.
• Another embodiment of an artificial facet joint110 is shown inFIG. 9b.Rod113 comprises a single washer-type end116 on itslower end117. Thehead115 ofupper pedicle screw112 has a threaded lockingscrew118, as shown inFIG. 9c, that holdsrod113 in place and prohibits thehead115 of pedicle screw112 from swiveling, but allowsrod113 to rotate and translate through thehead115 ofpedicle screw102.
• Another embodiment of an artificial facet joint200 is shown inFIG. 10. Artificial facet joint200 generally comprises anupper pedicle screw201 and alower pedicle screw202 androd203 retained within the heads of pedicle screws201,202. Both pedicle screws201,202 are secured with lockingscrews218 that prevent theheads204,205 of pedicle screws201,202 from swiveling, but allow rotation and translation ofrod203.Rod203 comprises tworod members206,207 connected via a ball joint208.Ball joint208 allows for a generally upward rotation, away from the bony surfaces of the vertebrae to which they are secured, but prohibit a generally downward rotation, which would bring the ball joint in contact with the vertebrae to which they are secured.
• FIG. 11 shows the artificial facet joint200 ofFIG. 10 in place on the spinal column. Note that artificialintervertebral implant10 has been posteriorly placed within the intervertebral space through the void created by the surgical removal of the natural facet joint. In addition, ball joint208 generally rotates in the posterior (upward) direction during posterior compression to prevent impact upon the bony surfaces of the spine.
• FIGS. 13a,13b,14aand14billustrate a lordotic, banana-shaped expandable artificialintervertebral implant400. The lumbar spine is lordotic, thus the anterior disc height is naturally larger than the posterior disc height. Therefore, an expandable artificial intervertebral implant for the lumbar spine must be capable of expanding into a lordotic position.FIG. 13ashows the lordotic expandable artificialintervertebral implant400 from a posterior view. Lordotic expandable artificialintervertebral implant400 generally comprises anupper body412 and a lower hingedbody414 in a substantially planar configuration prior to expansion. Thesuperior surface402 of theupper body412 and theinferior surface404 of the lower hingedbody414 comprise anosteoconductive scaffolding413 through which the bone may ultimately grow. Theupper body412 has a substantially concaveinferior surface416.
• The lower hingedbody414 comprises alower portion420 and anupper portion430.Lower portion420 andupper portion430 are posteriorly hinged viahinge440.Hinge440 effectively fixes the posterior disk height460 (shown inFIG. 14b).Upper portion430 of hingedbody414 has a generally flatinferior surface431 and a substantially convexsuperior surface432. Thelower portion420 has a substantially planar configuration prior to expansion. Located at theanterior end421 oflower portion420 is arotational lifting mechanism422. Once placed in the intervertebral space, the rotational lifting leg is rotationally engaged, thus lifting theanterior end421 of the expandable artificialintervertebral implant400 to achieve the desiredanterior disc height470 and proper lordosis. Securingnotch425 is located on theanterior end421 of theupper portion430 of hingedbody414. Securingnotch425 engages withrotational lifting mechanism422 once the expandable artificialintervertebral implant400 has been expanded. The height ofrotational lifting mechanism422 is determined by the desired proper lordosis when theintervertebral implant400 is under neutral load.
• Upper body412 has a substantially concaveinferior surface416 that articulates with the substantially convexsuperior surface432 ofupper portion430 of lower hingedbody414. When viewed in the medial or lateral direction, as shown inFIGS. 14aand14b,upper body412 has a downwardly projectinglobe450 for the attachment ofsafety bar452.Safety bar452 securesupper body412 toupper portion430 of lower hingedbody414 and minimizes the possibility of dislocation.
• FIG. 13bis a top view of lordotic expandable artificialintervertebral implant400 illustrating the placement ofposterior hinge440,rotational lifting mechanism422, andsafety bar452 affixed throughupper body412 andupper portion430 of lower hingedbody414.
• The rotational lifting mechanism described above may also be employed to achieve proper lordosis with an expandable PLIF and TLIF cage, as shown inFIGS. 15aand15b.Cage500 is shown prior to expansion inFIG. 15aand expanded inFIG. 15b.Cage500 comprises anupper body502 and alower body504. Hinge506 posteriorly connectsupper body502 tolower body504 and effectively fixesposterior disc height510 upon expansion ofcage500. The superior surface512 ofupper body502 and theinferior surface514 oflower body504 may include an osteoconductive scaffolding or mesh520 as previously described. Expansion ofcage500 is accomplished viarotational lifting mechanism530, which engages with securingnotch525, located on theanterior end528 of theinferior surface513 ofupper body502, and minimizes the potential for dislocation. The height ofrotational lifting mechanism530, which effectively fixesanterior disc height540, is determined by the desired proper lordosis.
• Another embodiment of an expandable lordotic artificial intervertebral implant is illustrated inFIGS. 16aand16b. Lordotic expandableintervertebral implant600 andlordotic cage700 both utilize aninclined expansion plate650 to achieve proper lordosis. Both devices are similar to those described above with the exception of the expansion device and reference is made toFIGS. 14aand14bfor lordotic expandableintervertebral implant600 andFIGS. 15aand15bforlordotic cage700 for elements of the intervertebral implants already identified.Expansion plate650 is generally wedged-shaped and comprises a liftingnotch620 on itsposterior end622 to facilitate expansion. As shown inFIG. 16a,expansion plate650 is installed between theupper portion430 andlower portion420 of lower hingedbody414. Located on thesuperior surface630 at the anterior end624 is securingridge635. Securingridge635 engages with securingnotch625 similar to the rotational lifting mechanism described above. Located on the anterior superior surface oflower portion420 of lower hingedbody414 is a lockinglip637, which minimizes the potential of dislocatinginclined expansion plate650.FIG. 16billustrate the use ofexpansion plate650 in conjunction withlordotic cage700.
• Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is anticipated that alterations and modifications thereof will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the following claims be interpreted as covering all alterations and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

1-106. (canceled)

107. A spinal implant assembly comprising:

at least one intervertebral implant comprising:

a lower body having an inferior surface and a superior surface, the superior surface having an upwardly projecting wall forming a channel thereupon, the wall having an opening defined therethrough;

an upper body located above the lower body, the upper body having a superior surface and a substantially concave inferior surface;

a joint insert having an inferior surface and a substantially convex superior surface, the joint insert residing within the channel on the lower body; and

an expansion device capable of being inserted through the opening in the wall on the lower body such that, upon insertion of the expansion device, the joint insert is lifted above the channel causing the insert to articulate with the substantially concave inferior surface of the upper body; and

at least one artificial facet joint.

108. The spinal implant assembly ofclaim 107, wherein at least one artificial facet joint comprises:

an upper multi-axial pedicle screw having a non-locking head with a hole defined therethrough;

a lower multi-axial pedicle screw having a non-locking head with a hole defined therethrough; and

a rod having a central rod portion and two washer-type heads on each end of the central rod portion, the central rod portion slidingly positioned through the hole in the non-locking head of the upper multi-axial pedicle screw and the lower multi-axial pedicle screw such that the heads of the upper and lower multi-axial pedicle screws slide freely along the central rod portion.

109. The spinal implant assembly ofclaim 107, wherein at least one artificial facet joint comprises:

an upper pedicle screw having a lockable head with a hole defined therethrough;

a lower multi-axial pedicle screw having a non-locking head with a hole defined therethrough; and

a rod having a central rod portion, an upper end and a lower end, the lower end having a washer-type head, the central rod portion slidingly positioned through the hole in the non-locking head of the lower multi-axial pedicle screw such that the washer-type lower head prohibits dislocation of the lower multi-axial pedicle screw from the central rod portion, and the upper end of the rod slidingly positioned through the hole in the lockable head of the upper pedicle screw such that, upon locking of the lockable head, rotational and translational motion of the upper end of the rod is prohibited.

110. The spinal implant assembly ofclaim 107, wherein at least one artificial facet joint comprises:

an upper pedicle screw having a lockable head with a hole defined therethrough;

a lower pedicle screw having a lockable head with a hole defined therethrough; and

a rod having an upper end, a lower end and a central ball joint connecting the upper and lower end that permits the rod to bend, the upper end of the rod slidingly positioned within the hole of the head of the upper pedicle screw, the lower end of the rod slidingly positioned within the hole of the lower pedicle screw, the lockable heads of the upper and lower pedicle screw being locked such that rotational and translational motion of the rod is prohibited.

111. The spinal implant assembly ofclaim 107, wherein at least one intervertebral implant comprises osteoconductive scaffolding into which bone may grow disposed on the superior surface of the upper body.

112. The spinal implant assembly ofclaim 107, wherein at least one expandable intervertebral implant comprises osteoconductive scaffolding into which bone may grow disposed on the inferior surface of the lower body.

113. The spinal implant assembly ofclaim 107, wherein the upper body and lower body have substantially similar shapes.

114. The spinal implant assembly ofclaim 113, wherein the shape of the upper body when viewed proximally is round.

115. The spinal implant assembly ofclaim 113, wherein the shape of the upper body when viewed proximally is banana-shaped.

116. An artificial functional spinal unit, comprising:

at least one intervertebral implant, wherein at least one intervertebral implant comprises a lower body configured to couple to a first human vertebra and an upper body configured to couple to a second human vertebra, and wherein the upper body is moveable relative to the lower body to accommodate at least flexion of the first human vertebra relative to the second human vertebra; and

at least one artificial facet joint configured to couple to the first human vertebra and the second human vertebra.

117. The artificial functional spinal unit ofclaim 116, wherein at least one artificial facet joint comprises:

a first pedicle screw;

a second pedicle screw; and

a rod configured to couple to the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw such that a head of the first pedicle screw and a head of the second screw are able to slide relative to the rod after installation of the artificial facet joint.

118. The artificial functional spinal unit ofclaim 116, wherein at least one artificial facet joint comprises:

a first pedicle screw;

a second pedicle screw; and

a rod configured to couple to the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw such that the rod is secured to a head of the first pedicle screw, and the rod is able to slide relative to a head of the second pedicle screw after installation of the artificial facet joint.

119. The artificial functional spinal unit ofclaim 116, wherein at least one artificial facet joint comprises:

a first pedicle screw;

a second pedicle screw;

a rod configured to couple to the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw,

wherein the rod includes a ball joint that allows the rod to bend, and wherein the rod is secured to a head of the first pedicle screw and to a head of the second pedicle screw during installation of the artificial facet joint.

120. The artificial functional spinal unit ofclaim 116, wherein at least one intervertebral implant comprises osteoconductive scaffolding into which bone may grow.

121. The artificial functional spinal unit ofclaim 116, wherein the shape of the upper body when viewed proximally is round.

122. The artificial functional spinal unit ofclaim 116, wherein the shape of the upper body when viewed proximally is banana-shaped.

123. A method of forming an artificial functional spinal unit, comprising:

placing one or more intervertebral implants between a first human vertebra and a second human vertebra, wherein at least one intervertebral implant is configured to accommodate flexion of the first human vertebra relative to the second human vertebra; and

securing at least one artificial facet joint to the first human vertebra and the second human vertebra.

124. The method ofclaim 123, wherein placing at least one of the intervertebral implants comprises inserting the intervertebral implant between the first human vertebra and the second human vertebra, and expanding the intervertebral implant.

125. The method ofclaim 123, wherein securing at least one artificial facet joint to the first human vertebra and the second human vertebra comprises: placing a first pedicle screw in the first human vertebra; placing a second pedicle screw in the second human vertebra; coupling a rod to the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the rod is able to move relative to the first pedicle screw after the rod is coupled to the first pedicle screw.

126. The method ofclaim 123, wherein at least one artificial facet joint comprises a ball joint configured to accommodate flexion of the first human vertebra relative to the second human vertebra.

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