EXPANDABLE INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT, INSERTER INSTRUMENT, AND RELATED METHODS

Info

Publication number: 20220409395
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 7, 2022
Publication Date: Dec 29, 2022
Inventors: Markus Hunziker (Aaru), Didier Gonzalez (Binnigen)
Application Number: 17/930,083

Abstract

An expandable intervertebral implant includes a first endplate and a endplate, a first wedge member and a second wedge member spaced from the first wedge member that couple the first and second plates together. The first and second wedge members configured to move between a first collapsed position and a second expansion position. The implant includes an actuation member coupled to the first wedge member and the second wedge member. The first and second wedge members can be coupled to the upper and lower endplates at guide members that are asymmetric. An instrument can be coupled to the implant so as to provide a force to the actuation member that causes the wedge members to move between the collapsed position and the expansion position. The instrument can include a drive shaft and a toggle member that is configured to move the drive shaft between a first position whereby the drive shaft is configured to drive an attachment pin into the implant, and a second position whereby the drive shaft is aligned to drive the actuation member to rotate.

Description

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/662,074 filed Oct. 24, 2019, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/751,501 filed Oct. 26, 2018, and to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/750,472 filed Oct. 25, 2018, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an expandable intervertebral implant, system, kit and method.

BACKGROUND

The human spine is comprised of a series of vertebral bodies separated by intervertebral discs. The natural intervertebral disc contains a jelly-like nucleus pulposus surrounded by a fibrous annulus fibrosus. Under an axial load, the nucleus pulposus compresses and radially transfers that load to the annulus fibrosus. The laminated nature of the annulus fibrosus provides it with a high tensile strength and so allows it to expand radially in response to this transferred load.

In a healthy intervertebral disc, cells within the nucleus pulposus produce an extracellular matrix (ECM) containing a high percentage of proteoglycans. These proteoglycans contain sulfated functional groups that retain water, thereby providing the nucleus pulposus within its cushioning qualities. These nucleus pulposus cells may also secrete small amounts of cytokines such as interleukin-1.beta. and TNF-.alpha. as well as matrix metalloproteinases (“MMPs”). These cytokines and MMPs help regulate the metabolism of the nucleus pulposus cells.

In some instances of degenerative disc disease (DDD), gradual degeneration of the intervertebral disc is caused by mechanical instabilities in other portions of the spine. In these instances, increased loads and pressures on the nucleus pulposus cause the cells within the disc (or invading macrophages) to emit larger than normal amounts of the above-mentioned cytokines. In other instances of DDD, genetic factors or apoptosis can also cause the cells within the nucleus pulposus to emit toxic amounts of these cytokines and MMPs. In some instances, the pumping action of the disc may malfunction (due to, for example, a decrease in the proteoglycan concentration within the nucleus pulposus), thereby retarding the flow of nutrients into the disc as well as the flow of waste products out of the disc. This reduced capacity to eliminate waste may result in the accumulation of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and/or MMPs that may cause nerve irritation and pain.

As DDD progresses, toxic levels of the cytokines and MMPs present in the nucleus pulposus begin to degrade the extracellular matrix. In particular, the MMPs (as mediated by the cytokines) begin cleaving the water-retaining portions of the proteoglycans, thereby reducing their water-retaining capabilities. This degradation leads to a less flexible nucleus pulposus, and so changes the loading pattern within the disc, thereby possibly causing delamination of the annulus fibrosus. These changes cause more mechanical instability, thereby causing the cells to emit even more cytokines, typically thereby upregulating MMPs. As this destructive cascade continues and DDD further progresses, the disc begins to bulge (“a herniated disc”), and then ultimately ruptures, causing the nucleus pulposus to contact the spinal cord and produce pain.

One proposed method of managing these problems is to remove the problematic disc and replace it with a porous device that restores disc height and allows for bone growth therethrough for the fusion of the adjacent vertebrae. These devices are commonly called “fusion devices”.

One proposed method of managing these problems is to remove the problematic disc and replace it with a device that restores disc height and allows for bone growth between the adjacent vertebrae. These devices are commonly called fusion devices, or “interbody fusion devices”. Current spinal fusion procedures include transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), and extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) procedures. However, implants having textured, toothed upper and lower vertebral engagement teeth can suffer from mechanical interference between the teeth and the bony endplates during implantation. Expandable fusion devices are configured to be implanted into the intervertebral space in a collapsed configuration, and subsequently expanded in the intervertebral space to achieve height restoration.

SUMMARY

In one example, an expandable implant can be configured to be inserted in an intervertebral space defined between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body. The implant can include an upper endplate defining an upper bone contacting surface, the upper endplate having an upper guide member. The implant can further include a lower endplate defining a lower bone contacting surface opposite the upper bone contacting surface along a transverse direction, the lower endplate having a lower guide member. The implant can further define an insertion end and a trailing end opposite the insertion end along a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the transverse direction. The implant can further include at least one expansion member that defines a ramped engagement surface configured to bear against an engagement surface of one of the upper and lower endplates so as to move the expandable implant from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration as the expansion member moves in an expansion direction with respect to the upper and lower endplate. The expandable implant can define a first height from the upper bone contacting surface to the lower bone contacting surface along in the collapsed configuration. The expandable implant defines a second height from the upper bone contacting surface to the lower bone contacting surface in the collapsed configuration, and the second height is greater than the first height. The expansion member can define an upper guide member and a lower guide member configured to the upper guide member of the upper endplate and the lower guide member of the lower endplate, respectively, so as to guide movement of the upper and lower endplates away from each other as the expansion member moves in the expansion direction. The upper guide members of both the expansion member and the upper endplate can be asymmetrical with respect to the lower guide members of both the expansion member and the lower endplate about a midplane that is oriented perpendicular to the transverse direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the intervertebral implant of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the expandable intervertebral implant of the present application, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expandable intervertebral implant disposed in an intervertebral space;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 1, shown in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A, shown in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a bottom plan view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3B is a sectional side elevation view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3C is a sectional side elevation view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3D is another sectional side elevation view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a first wedge member of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a second wedge member of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5A is a sectional side elevation view of an upper endplate of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5B is a sectional side elevation view of a lower endplate of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 6A is a sectional end elevation view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 6B is a sectional end elevation view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 8A is a side elevation view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A, showing a first lordotic profile;

FIG. 8B is a side elevation view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A, showing a second lordotic profile;

FIG. 8C is a side elevation view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A, showing a third lordotic profile;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an implant assembly, including the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 2A and an instrument;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11A is a sectional top plan view of the implant assembly illustrated in FIG. 9, showing a first attachment pin of the instrument inserted into an expansion member of the implant, and further showing a drive shaft of the instrument aligned with a second attachment pin of the instrument;

FIG. 11B is a sectional top plan view similar to FIG. 11A, but after the drive shaft has inserted the second attachment pin into an expansion member of the implant;

FIG. 11C is a sectional top plan view similar to FIG. 11B, but showing the drive shaft coupled to an actuator shaft of the implant;

FIG. 11D is a sectional top plan view similar to FIG. 11C, but after the drive shaft has rotated the actuator shaft of the implant so as to expand the implant;

FIG. 11E is a sectional top plan view similar to FIG. 11A, but showing the instrument coupled to the implant in an opposite orientation with respect to the orientation illustrated in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a front end of the instrument as illustrated in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a front end of the instrument as illustrated in FIG. 11B;

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a front end of the instrument as illustrated in FIG. 11C;

FIG. 13 is a sectional to plan view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 10, showing a locating finger extending into a detent so as to provide a retention force;

FIG. 14A is a side elevation view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 10, but constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 14B is a sectional side elevation view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 14A, showing the drive shaft coupled to the second attachment pin;

FIG. 14C is a sectional side elevation view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 14A, showing the drive shaft coupled to the actuation screw of the implant;

FIG. 15A is a schematic top plan view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 10, but having an angulation mechanism in an alternative embodiment, shown in a straight orientation;

FIG. 15B is a schematic top plan view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 15A, but having an angulation mechanism in an alternative embodiment, shown in a straight orientation;

FIG. 16A is a schematic top plan view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 10, but having an angulation joint in an alternative embodiment, shown in a straight configuration;

FIG. 16B is a schematic top plan view of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 16A, but having an angulation joint in an alternative embodiment, shown in a straight configuration;

FIG. 17A is a schematic elevation view showing a portion of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 10 but constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the instrument illustrated in FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of an expandable intervertebral implant of another example;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 18, shown in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 19A, shown in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an actuator shaft of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a stop member of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21B is a side elevation view of the stop member illustrated in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22A is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 18, showing attachment of the stop member to the actuator shaft;

FIG. 22B is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 22A, showing the stop member attached to the actuator shaft; and

FIG. 23 is a sectional side elevation view of a portion of the expandable intervertebral implant illustrated in FIG. 18, shown in the expanded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an expandable intervertebral implant 20 is configured to be inserted into an intervertebral space 22. The intervertebral space 22 can be defined by a superior vertebral body 24 and an adjacent inferior vertebral body 26 of a human spine 27. The superior vertebral body 24 defines superior vertebral surface 28. The inferior vertebral body 26 defines an inferior vertebral surface 30. The vertebral bodies 24 and 26 can be anatomically adjacent. It should be understood, however, that the intervertebral implant can alternatively be configured to fit in an intervertebral space 22 that is defined by superior and inferior vertebral bodies that remain after a corpectomy has been performed so as to remove one or more vertebral bodies between the superior and inferior vertebral bodies. The intervertebral space 22 is shown in FIG. 1 after a discectomy, whereby the intervertebral disc material has been removed or at least partially removed to prepare the intervertebral space 22 to receive the intervertebral implant 20. The intervertebral space 22 can be defined in the lumbar region of the spine 27, or alternatively in the cervical region or the thoracic region.

As will be appreciated from the description below, the intervertebral implant 20 is configured to be inserted into the intervertebral space 22 along a lateral anatomical approach. In one example, the intervertebral implant 20 is configured to be inserted into the intervertebral space 22 in a collapsed configuration (see FIG. 2A), and subsequently expanded in the intervertebral space 22 to an expanded configuration (FIG. 2B) so as to achieve appropriate height restoration. The intervertebral space 22 can be disposed anywhere along the spine as desired. For instance, the intervertebral space 22 can be disposed at the lumbar region of the spine. Alternatively, the intervertebral space 22 can be disposed at the thoracic region of the spine. Alternatively still, the intervertebral space 22 can be disposed at the cervical region of the spine.

The intervertebral implant 20 is described herein as extending horizontally along a longitudinal direction “L” and a lateral direction “A”, and transversely along a transverse direction “T”. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “transverse” are used to describe the orthogonal directional components of various implant components and implant component axes. The longitudinal direction L can be perpendicular to the transverse direction T. The lateral direction A can be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. It should be appreciated that while the longitudinal and lateral directions are illustrated as extending along horizontal directions, and that the transverse direction T is illustrated as extending along a vertical direction, the directions may differ during use depending on the orientation of the implant. For instance, when the implant 20 is inserted into an intervertebral space, such as the intervertebral space 22, the transverse direction T extends generally along the superior-inferior (or caudal-cranial) direction, while the horizontal plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and lateral direction A lies generally in the anatomical plane defined by the anterior-posterior direction, and the medial-lateral direction. In particular, the lateral direction A can extend generally along the anterior-posterior direction. The longitudinal direction L can extend generally along the medial-lateral direction.

Referring now also to FIGS. 2A-2B, the expandable intervertebral implant 20 defines a leading end 34 and a trailing end 36 opposite the leading end 34 along a longitudinal direction L. The longitudinal direction L can generally extend along an insertion direction into the intervertebral space 22. Thus, the longitudinal direction L can be said to extend along the anatomical medial-lateral direction after the intervertebral implant 20 has been inserted into the intervertebral space 22 along the insertion direction. In particular, the leading end 34 can be said to be spaced from the trailing end 36 in the insertion direction. The leading end 34 can be tapered so as to facilitate insertion into the intervertebral space 22. The trailing end 36 is spaced from the leading end 34 in a direction that is opposite the insertion direction. The leading end 34 can also be said to define a distal end, and the trailing end 36 can be said to define a proximal end that is opposite the distal end. Thus, the expandable implant 20 can be said to define a distal direction from the trailing end 36 to the leading end 34 along the longitudinal direction L. The expandable implant 20 can also be said to define a proximal direction from the leading end 34 to the trailing end 36 along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the distal direction can be coincident with the insertion direction. The proximal direction can be coincident with the direction opposite the insertion direction.

The intervertebral implant 20 can further define opposed side surfaces 42 that are opposite each other along a lateral direction A. The lateral direction A can be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The lateral direction A can be said to define a width of the implant. The width can be measured along the anatomical anterior-posterior direction after the intervertebral implant 20 has been inserted into the intervertebral space 22.

Referring also to FIGS. 2C-2D, the intervertebral implant 20 can define an upper surface 38 that is configured to engage and contact the superior vertebral surface 28, and a lower surface 40 that is configured to engage and contact the inferior vertebral surface 30. Thus, the upper surface 38 can be referred to as an upper or superior vertebral bone contacting surface, and the lower surface 40 can be referred to as a lower or inferior vertebral bone contacting surface. The upper and lower surfaces 38 and 40 are spaced from each other along a transverse direction T that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The transverse direction T can define a height of the intervertebral implant 20. The height can be measured along the anatomical caudal-cranial direction after the intervertebral implant 20 has been inserted into the intervertebral space 22. The height of the intervertebral implant 20 can be measured along the transverse direction T from the upper surface 38 to the lower surface 40. As used herein, the term “superior” and derivatives thereof refer to a direction from the lower surface 40 toward the upper surface 38. As used herein, the term “inferior” and derivatives thereof refer to a direction from the upper surface 38 toward the lower surface 40.

Further, the leading end 34 can be tapered along the transverse direction T. Thus, the upper and lower surfaces 38 and 40 can be tapered toward each other along the transverse direction T at the leading end 34 as they extend along the insertion direction. The side surfaces 42 can be tapered toward each other along the lateral direction A at the leading end 34 as they extend along the insertion direction.

The upper and lower bone contacting surfaces 38 and 40 can define a texture 41 configured to grip the respective vertebral body. The texture 41 can be configured as desired, and can include teeth, spikes, ridges, cones, barbs, indentations, knurls, or the like. The texture 41 can extend along a portion or an entirety of each of the upper and lower bone contacting surfaces 38 and 40. For instance, the upper and lower bone contacting surfaces 38 and 40 can include specific patterns of textured and non-textured portions. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3C, at least a portion of each of the upper and lower bone contacting surfaces 38 and 40 can be convex. For instance, in one example, at least a portion of each of the upper and lower bone contacting surfaces 38 and 40 can be convex in a plane that is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. Alternatively, the upper and lower bone contacting surfaces 38 and 40 can be substantially planar.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, the intervertebral implant 20 includes a first or upper endplate 44 a second or lower endplate 46 that is opposite the upper endplate 44 along the transverse direction T. An upward direction and derivatives thereof can be defined along a direction from the lower endplate 46 to the upper endplate 44. A lower or downward direction and derivatives thereof can be defined along a direction from the upper endplate 44 to the lower endplate 46. The upper endplate 44 can define the upper surface 38. The lower endplate 46 can define the lower surface 40. Further, at least one of the endplates 44 and 46 can define the side surfaces 42. For instance, as will be described in more detail below, the endplates 44 and 46 can combine to define the side surfaces 42 when the expandable implant 20 is in the expanded configuration. The endplates 44 and 46 can define the side surfaces 42 when the implant 20 is in the expanded configuration. Further still, the endplates 44 and 46 can combine so as to define the leading end 34. The endplates 44 and 46 can further combine so as to define the trailing end 36 when the implant 20 is in the expanded configuration. When the expandable implant 20 is in the collapsed configuration, the endplates 44 and 46 can nest with each other. When the implant 20 is fully collapsed, one of the endplates 44 and 46 can define the side surfaces 42.

The intervertebral implant 20 can further include at least one expansion member that is movable between a collapsed position (FIG. 3B) and an expansion position (FIG. 3C). For instance, the at least one expansion member is movable in an expansion direction from the collapsed position to the expansion position. The at least one expansion member is further movable in a collapse direction from the expansion position to the collapsed position. The expansion direction and the collapse direction can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. When the at least one expansion member moves in the expansion direction, the at least one expansion member moves the intervertebral implant to the expanded configuration. When the at least one expansion member moves in the collapse direction, the at least one expansion member moves the intervertebral implant 20 to the collapsed configuration. Thus, the at least one expansion member is configured to move the implant 20 between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration. The implant 20 has a first height in the collapsed configuration and a second height in the expanded configuration. The second height H2 is greater than the first height. The implant 20 is configured to be maintained in the expanded configuration when it is implanted in the intervertebral space and thus when it experiences anatomical loads along the transverse direction T.

As will be appreciated from the description below, when the intervertebral implant 20 is in the collapsed configuration, movement of the at least one expansion member in the expansion direction causes the at least one expansion member to urge at least one of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 away from the other of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 along the transverse direction T, thereby moving the intervertebral implant 20 to the expanded configuration. For instance, the at least one expansion member can be configured to urge each of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 to move away from the other of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 along the transverse direction T. The intervertebral implant 20 can be constructed such that when the implant is in a fully expanded configuration, the at least one expansion member is unable to cause the intervertebral implant 20 to further expand along the transverse direction T. In one example, the at least one expansion member is unable to move further in the expansion direction when the intervertebral implant is in the fully expanded configuration.

When the intervertebral implant 20 is in the expanded configuration, movement of the at least one expansion member in the collapse direction causes the at least one expansion member to urge at least one of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 toward from the other of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 along the transverse direction T, thereby moving the intervertebral implant 20 to the collapsed configuration. For instance, the at least one expansion member can be configured to urge each of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 to move toward the other of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 along the transverse direction T. The intervertebral implant 20 can be constructed such that when the implant is in a fully collapsed configuration, the at least one expansion member is unable to move further to the collapsed position so as to cause the intervertebral implant 20 to further collapse along the transverse direction T. In one example, the at least one expansion member is unable to move further in the collapse direction when the intervertebral implant 20 is in the fully collapsed configuration.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, the at least one expansion member can include a pair of expansion members. Further, the at least one expansion member can be configured as at least one wedge member. The at least one wedge member can include a pair of wedge members. For instance, the at least one wedge member can include a first wedge member 48 and a second wedge member 50. Thus the at least one expansion member can include a first expansion member that can be configured as the first wedge member 48, and a second expansion member that can be configured as a second wedge member 50. It should be appreciated, of course, that the first and second expansion members can be configured in any suitable manner as desired other than wedge members.

The and second wedge members 48 and 50 can be positioned between the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 along the transverse direction T. The first wedge member 48 can be disposed proximal with respect to the second wedge member 50. Conversely, the second wedge member 50 can be said to be disposed distal with respect to the first wedge member 48. Further, the distal end of the second wedge member 50 can define the tapered leading end of the implant 20 when the implant is in the collapsed configuration. Thus, the first wedge member 48 can be referred to as a proximal wedge member, and the second wedge member 50 can be referred to as a distal wedge member. The first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can move toward each other in the expansion direction. Conversely, the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can move away from each other in the collapse direction.

The intervertebral implant 20 can include an actuator 52 that is coupled to the at least one wedge member. The actuator 52 can be configured to selectively drive the at least one wedge member in the expansion direction and the collapse direction. In particular, the actuator can be coupled to each of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50. The actuator 52 can be configured to drive the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 toward each other along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the actuator 52 can be configured to drive the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 away from each other along the longitudinal direction L.

In one example, the actuator 52 can be configured as a rotatable actuator shaft 54. The actuator shaft 54 can be rotatably supported by at least one of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 at a coupling 47. Further, the actuator shaft 54 can be fixed with respect to translation of the actuator shaft 54 along the longitudinal direction L relative to the endplates 44 and 46. In particular, the coupling 47 is configured to translatably fix the actuator shaft 54 relative to the endplates 44 and 46. The first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can be disposed on opposite sides of the coupling 47 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. In one example, the length of the actuator shaft 54 along the longitudinal direction L can be no greater than, such as less than, the respectively lengths of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 along the longitudinal direction.

The endplates, wedge members, and actuator shaft can be made of any suitable material as desired. For instance, the endplates and wedge members can be formed of a polyaryletherketone (PAEK) including polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), or any other suitable biocompatible polymeric material. The actuator shaft 54 can be formed from a biocompatible polymeric material or metallic alloy, such as titanium or steel. It should appreciated that the any suitable material can be used to form the implant components as described herein. For instance, an entirety of the implant can be made from a titanium alloy. For instance, an entirety of the implant can be made from a titanium-aluminium-niobium (TAN) alloy.

In one example, the actuator shaft 54 can include at least one flange 56 that is configured to engage at least one of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46. The at least one flange 56 can include first and second flanges 56a and 56b, respectively, that are spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction L so as to define a recess 58 therebetween. At least one of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 can define a projection 60 sized to fit in the recess 58 so as to define the coupling 47. The projection 60 can be configured as a cradle 62 that is received in the recess 58. The cradle 62 can define a mechanical interference with the flanges 56a-b both with respect to proximal and distal translation of the actuator shaft 54 relative to the endplates 44 and 46. The cradle 62 can have a sufficient height along the transverse direction T so as to extend in the recess 58 and define the interference both when the implant 20 is in the collapsed configuration and when the implant 20 is in the expanded configuration. In one example, the cradle 62 can be defined by the lower endplate 46. The upper endplate 44 can be fixed to the lower endplate 46 with respect to relative movement along the longitudinal direction L. The first and second flanges 56a-b are rotatable along a central axis of the actuator shaft 54 with respect to the cradle 62, and thus with respect to the endplates 44 and 46. The central axis can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. It should be appreciated, of course, that the actuator shaft 54 can be translatably fixed to the endplates 44 and 46, and rotatable with respect to the endplates 44 and 46 in any suitable alternative embodiment as desired. For instance, the actuator shaft 54 can include a flange that is received in a recess of one or both of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46.

The first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can each threadedly mate with the actuator shaft 54. Rotation of the actuator shaft 54 in a first direction of rotation drives the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 to move in the expansion direction. Rotation of the actuator shaft 54 in a second direction opposite the first direction drives the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 to move in the collapse direction. The actuator shaft 54 defines a proximal end 55 that defines a coupling member 57 configured to couple to a drive shaft. The drive shaft can include a complementary drive member that is configured to engage the coupling member 57 of the actuator shaft 54 so as to drive the actuator shaft 54 to selectively rotate in the first direction of rotation and the second direction of rotation. In one example, the coupling member 57 of the actuator shaft 54 can be configured as a socket. The drive member of the drive shaft can be configured as a projection that is received in the socket. The projection and the socket can each define a hex head, a Phillips head, a flat head, a start head, or the like. Alternatively, the drive member of the drive shaft can be configured as a socket, and the coupling member of the 57 of the actuator shaft 54 can be configured as a projection that is configured to be received by the socket of the drive member.

The actuator shaft 54 can define a first threaded portion 64 that includes a first external thread 65, and a second threaded portion 66 that includes a second external thread 67. The at least one flange 56 can be disposed between the first threaded portion 64 and the second threaded portion 66 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The first threaded portion 64 can be referred to as a proximal threaded portion disposed proximal of the at least one flange 56. The second threaded portion 66 can be referred to as a distal threaded portion that is disposed distal of the at least one flange 56. The first and second threaded portions 64 and 66 can define respective first and second external thread patterns that are oriented in opposite directions.

The actuator shaft 54 can further define a first unthreaded portion 73 that extends between the first threaded portion 64 and the first flange 56a. For instance, the first unthreaded portion 73 can extend from the first threaded portion 64 to the first flange 56a. The first unthreaded portion 73 can define an outer diameter that is equal to the minor diameter of the first threaded portion 64. Alternatively, the first threaded portion 64 can extend to the first flange 56a. Similarly, the actuator shaft 54 can further define a second unthreaded portion 75 that extends between the second threaded portion 66 and the second flange 56b. For instance, the second unthreaded portion 75 can extend from the second threaded portion 66 to the second flange 56b. The second unthreaded portion 75 can define an outer diameter that is equal to the minor diameter of the second threaded portion 66. In one example, the outer diameter of the second unthreaded portion 75 can be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the first unthreaded portion 73. Alternatively, the second threaded portion 66 can extend to the second flange 56b.

The first and second wedge members 48 and 50 are configured to threadedly mate with the first and second threaded portions 64 and 66, respectively, of the actuator shaft 54. In one example, the first wedge member 48 can include a first wall 69 that defines a first bore 68 sized to receive the first threaded portion 64. The first bore 68 can extend through the first wedge member 48 along the longitudinal direction L. The first wedge member 48 can define a first internal thread 70 in the first bore 68 that mates with the first external thread 65 when the first threaded portion 64 has been received in the first bore 68. The second wedge member 50 can include a second wall 71 that defines a second bore 72 sized to receive the second threaded portion 64. The second bore 72 can extend through the second wedge member 50 along the longitudinal direction L. The second wedge member 50 can define a second internal thread 74 in the second bore 72 that mates with the second external thread 67 when the second threaded portion 66 has been received in the second bore 72. Thus, the first internal thread 70 and the second internal thread 74 can define respective first and second internal thread patterns that are oriented in opposite directions.

The first internal thread pattern can be oriented in the same direction as the first external thread pattern. The second internal thread pattern can be oriented in the same direction as the second external thread pattern. Thus, when the actuator shaft 54 rotates about the central axis, the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 translate along the actuator shaft 54. As described above, when the actuator shaft 54 rotates in the first direction of rotation, the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 translate along the actuator shaft 54 toward each other. When the actuator shaft 54 rotates in the second direction of rotation, the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 translate along the actuator shaft 54 away from each other. The first and second internal thread patterns and the first and second external thread patterns can have the same thread pitch, such that the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can translate along the actuator shaft 54 at the same rate. It should be appreciated, of course, that the thread pitches can be different such that the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 translate along the actuator shaft 54 at respective different rates as desired.

Referring now to FIGS. 3B-4B, each of the first and second wedge member 48 and 50 can define a respective at least one engagement surface that bears against a respective at least one of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 when the wedge members move in the expansion direction. As will be appreciated from the description below, the at least one engagement surface can push the at least one of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 away from the other of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 along the transverse direction T as the wedge members 48 and 50 travel in the expansion direction.

In one example, the first wedge member 48 defines a first upper engagement surface 76 and a first lower engagement surface 78 opposite the first upper engagement surface 76 along the transverse direction T. The first upper engagement surface 76 can be configured as a ramped engagement surface. Similarly, the first lower engagement surface 78 can be configured as a ramped engagement surface. The first upper engagement surface 76 can flare downward as it extends in the expansion direction of the first wedge member 48. The expansion direction of the first wedge member 48 can be toward the coupling 47, and thus toward the second wedge member 50. The first lower engagement surface 78 can flare upward as it extends in the expansion direction of the first wedge member 48. For instance, the first upper engagement surface 76 and the first lower engagement surface 78 can have a linear taper. Alternatively, the first upper engagement surface 76 and the first lower engagement surface 78 can have a curved taper. The first upper engagement surface 76 and the first lower engagement surface 78 can be sloped substantially equal and opposite each other. The first wall 69, and thus the first bore 68, can extend out with respect to the first upper engagement surface 76 and the first lower engagement surface 78 in the expansion direction.

In one example, the second wedge member 50 defines a second upper engagement surface 80 and a second lower engagement surface 82 opposite the second upper engagement surface 80 along the transverse direction T. The second upper engagement surface 80 can be configured as a ramped engagement surface. Similarly, the second lower engagement surface 82 can be configured as a ramped engagement surface. For instance, the second upper engagement surface 80 can flare downward as it extends in the expansion direction of the second wedge member 50. The expansion direction of the second wedge member 50 can be toward the coupling 47, and thus toward the first wedge member 48. The second lower engagement surface 80 can flare upward as it extends in the expansion direction of the second wedge member 50. For instance, the second upper engagement surface 80 and the second lower engagement surface 82 can have a linear taper. Alternatively, the second upper engagement surface 80 and the second lower engagement surface 82 can have a curved taper. The second upper engagement surface 80 and the second lower engagement surface 82 can be sloped substantially equal and opposite each other. Further, the first and second upper engagement surfaces 76 and 80 can be sloped substantially equal and opposite each other. Further, the first and second lower engagement surfaces 78 and 82 can be sloped equal and opposite each other. The second wall 71, and thus the second bore 72, can extend out with respect to the second upper engagement surface 80 and the second lower engagement surface 82 in the expansion direction.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 3B-3C, the upper endplate 44 can define a first upper engagement surface 84 that is configured to engage the first upper engagement surface 76 of the first wedge member 48. For instance, the first upper engagement surface 84 of the upper endplate 44 is configured to ride along the first upper engagement surface 76 of the first wedge member 48, and vice versa, as the first wedge member 48 moves in both the expansion direction and the collapse direction. In one example, the first upper engagement surface 84 of the upper endplate 44 can be in surface contact with the first upper engagement surface 76 of the first wedge member 48. The first upper engagement surface 84 of the upper endplate 44 can flare down toward the lower endplate 46 as it extends in the expansion direction of the first wedge member 48. For instance, the first upper engagement surface 84 of the upper endplate 44 can have a linear taper. Alternatively, the first upper engagement surface 84 of the upper endplate 44 can have a curved taper. The first upper engagement surface 84 of the upper endplate 44 can be sloped equal to the first upper engagement surface 76 of the first wedge member 48.

The upper endplate 44 can further define a second upper engagement surface 86 that is configured to engage the second upper engagement surface 80 of the second wedge member 50. For instance, the second upper engagement surface 86 of the upper endplate 44 is configured to ride along the second upper engagement surface 80 of the second wedge member 48, and vice versa, as the second wedge member 50 moves in both the expansion direction and the collapse direction. In one example, the second upper engagement surface 86 of the upper endplate 44 can be in surface contact with the second upper engagement surface 80 of the second wedge member 50. The second upper engagement surface 86 of the upper endplate 44 can flare down toward the lower endplate 46 as it extends in the expansion direction of the second wedge member 50. For instance, the second upper engagement surface 86 of the upper endplate 44 can have a linear taper. Alternatively, the second upper engagement surface 86 of the upper endplate 44 can have a curved taper. The second upper engagement surface 86 of the upper endplate 44 can be sloped equal to the second upper engagement surface 80 of the second wedge member 50. Further, the first and second upper engagement surfaces 84 and 86 of the upper endplate can be sloped substantially equal and opposite each other. The term “substantially” and “approximately” as used herein can include the stated shape, direction, dimension, or other parameter along with variations due to factors such as manufacturing tolerance, and in one example can account for variations up to +/−10% of the stated shape, direction, dimension, or other parameter.

The lower endplate 46 can define a first lower engagement surface 88 that is configured to engage the first lower engagement surface 78 of the first wedge member 48. For instance, the first lower engagement surface 88 of the lower endplate 46 is configured to ride along the first lower engagement surface 78 of the first wedge member 48, and vice versa, as the first wedge member 48 moves in both the expansion direction and the collapse direction. In one example, the first lower engagement surface 88 of the lower endplate 46 can be in surface contact with the first lower engagement surface 78 of the first wedge member 48. The first lower engagement surface 88 of the lower endplate 46 can flare up toward the upper endplate 44 as it extends in the expansion direction of the first wedge member 48. For instance, the first lower engagement surface 88 of the lower endplate 46 can have a linear taper. Alternatively, the first lower engagement surface 88 of the lower endplate 46 can have a curved taper. The first lower engagement surface 88 of the lower endplate 46 can be sloped equal to the first lower engagement surface 78 of the first wedge member 48.

The lower endplate 46 can further define a second lower engagement surface 90 that is configured to engage the second lower engagement surface 82 of the second wedge member 50. For instance, the second lower engagement surface 90 of the lower endplate 46 is configured to ride along the second lower engagement surface 82 of the second wedge member 50, and vice versa, as the second wedge member 50 moves in both the expansion direction and the collapse direction. In one example, the second lower engagement surface 90 of the lower endplate 46 can be in surface contact with the second lower engagement surface 82 of the second wedge member 50. The second lower engagement surface 90 of the lower endplate 46 can flare up toward the upper endplate 44 as it extends in the expansion direction of the second wedge member 50. For instance, the second lower engagement surface 90 of the lower endplate 46 can have a linear taper. Alternatively, the second lower engagement surface 90 of the lower endplate 46 can have a curved taper. The second lower engagement surface 90 of the lower endplate 46 can be sloped equal to the second lower engagement surface 82 of the second wedge member 50. Further, the first and second lower engagement surfaces 88 and 90 of the second endplate 46 can be sloped substantially equal and opposite each other.

Thus, it can be said that the intervertebral implant 20 includes at least one wedge member that is configured to ride along a complementary engagement surface of at least one or both of the upper endplate 44 and the lower endplate 46 as the at least one wedge member moves in the expansion direction and the collapse direction. The at least one wedge member can include the first and second wedge members 48 and 50. The first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can push the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 away from each other along the transverse direction as they travel in the expansion direction. The engagement surfaces 76 and 78 of the first wedge member 48, the engagement surfaces 80 and 82 of the second wedge member 50, the engagement surfaces 84 and 86 the upper endplate 44, and the engagement surfaces 88 and 90 of the lower endplate 46 can all be referred to as ramp surfaces.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C-2D, he upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can include bone graft apertures 92 that extend therethrough along the transverse direction T. The endplates 44 and 46 can be configured to receive bone graft material that can fuse to the respective vertebral body through the respective bone graft apertures 92.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-6B, the first wedge member 48 and the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can include respective complementary guide members that guide the movement of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 away from and toward each other, respectively, as the first wedge member 48 moves in the expansion direction and the collapse direction. The guide members of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can further apply a force to the guide members of the upper and lower endplates that draw the upper and lower endplates toward each other as the wedge members 48 and 50 move in the collapse direction. As will be appreciated from the description below, the guide members can be ramped and sloped equal to respective pairs of the engagement surfaces.

In particular, the first wedge member 48 defines a first upper guide member 100 and a first lower guide member 102. At least a portion of the first upper guide member 100 and at least a portion of the first lower guide member 102 can be aligned with each other along a plane that is oriented along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The first upper guide member 100 can be disposed upward with respect to the first lower guide member 102. The upper endplate 44 defines a first upper guide member 104 that is configured to engage the first upper guide member 100 of the first wedge member 48. The lower endplate 46 defines a first lower guide member 106 that is configured to engage the first lower guide member 100 of the first wedge member 48. The first upper guide member 104 of the upper endplate 44 can be disposed upward with respect to the first lower guide member 106 of the lower endplate 46.

As will be appreciated from the description below, the first upper guide member 100 and the first lower guide member 102 of the first wedge member 48 can be asymmetrical with respect to each other about a first centrally disposed midplane that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. The midplane can thus be oriented perpendicular to the transverse direction T. Further, the midplane can be positioned equidistantly between the upper guide members and the lower guide members. In one example, the midplane can include the central axis of the actuator shaft 54.

Further, the first upper guide member 104 of the upper endplate 44 and the first lower guide member 106 of the lower endplate 46 can be asymmetrical with respect to each other about a second centrally disposed midplane that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. The first and second centrally disposed midplanes can be coincident with each other. Thus, the second midplane can be oriented perpendicular to the transverse direction T. Further, the second midplane can be positioned equidistantly between the upper guide members and the lower guide members. In one example, the second midplane can include the central axis of the actuator shaft 54.

In one example, one of the upper end lower guide members of the first wedge member 48 can define at least one outer projection, and the other of the upper and lower guide members of the first wedge member 48 can define at least one inner projection. The at least one inner projection can be inwardly offset with respect to the at least one outer projection along the lateral direction A. Similarly, one of the first guide members of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define an outer channel that is configured to slidably received the outer projection of the first wedge member 48. The other of the first guide members of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define an inner channel that is configured to slidably receive the inner projection of the first wedge member 48. Thus, the complementary guide members of the first wedge member 48 and the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define tongue-in-groove, or T-shaped, guidance engagements.

In one example, the first upper guide member 100 of the first wedge member 48 can be configured as at least one first outer projection 108 that extends out along the lateral direction A. For instance, the first upper guide member 100 of the first wedge member 48 can be configured as first and second outer projections 108 that extend out along the lateral direction A away from each other. The first and second outer projections 108 can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. The outer projections 108 of the first wedge member 48 can define respective upper surfaces that are coplanar with the first upper engagement surface 76 (see FIGS. 3B-3C) of the first wedge member 48. In one example, the first lower guide member 102 of the first wedge member 48 can be configured as at least one first inner projection 110 that is inwardly offset with respect to the at least one outer projection 108 along the lateral direction A. For instance, the first lower guide member 102 can be configured as first and second inner projections 110 that are inwardly recessed with respect to the outer projections 108 along the lateral direction A. The inner projections 110 can extend away from each other, and can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. The inner projections of the 110 of the first wedge member 48 can define respective lower surfaces that are coplanar with the first lower engagement surface 78 (see FIGS. 3B-3C) of the first wedge member 48. It should be appreciated, of course, that the first upper guide member 100 of the first wedge member 48 can alternatively be configured as the at least one inner projection, and the first lower guide member 102 of the first wedge member 48 can alternatively be configured as the at least one outer projection. Further, the first outer projections 108 can also be referred to as first upper projections 108, and the first inner projections 110 can also be referred to as first lower projections 110.

The first upper guide member 104 of the upper endplate 44 can be configured as at least one channel 112 that is sized to slidably receive the at least one projection 108. The at least one channel 112 can be configured as first and second channels 112 that are recessed along the lateral direction A toward the respective side surfaces of the implant. The channels 112 can be recessed in respective directions away each other. The first and second channels 112 are configured to slidably receive the first and second projections 108. The first and second projections 108 can be elongate along the direction of extension of the respective channels 112. The channels 112 can extend through the proximal facing surface of the upper endplate 44. The projections 108 and the channels 112 can flare downward as they extend in the expansion direction of the first wedge member 48. The channels 112 can be referred to as outer channels.

The first lower guide member 106 of the lower endplate 46 can be configured as at least one channel 114 that is sized to slidably receive the at least one inner projection 110 of the first wedge member 48. The at least one channel 114 can be referred to as an inner channel that is inwardly offset with respect to the at least one outer channel 112 of the upper endplate 44. The at least one inner channel 114 can be configured as first and second inner channels 114 that are recessed along respective directions away from each other. The first and second inner channels 114 can slidably receive respective ones of the first and second inner projections 110. The projections 110 and the channels 114 can flare upward as they extend in the expansion direction of the first wedge member 48. The channels 114 can extend through the proximal facing surface of the lower endplate 46.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 4A-6B, the second wedge member 50 and the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can include respective complementary guide members that guide the movement of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 away from and toward each other, respectively, as the second wedge member 50 moves in the expansion direction and the collapse direction. In particular, the second wedge member 50 defines a second upper guide member 116 and a second lower guide member 118. At least a portion of the second upper guide member 116 and at least a portion of the second lower guide member 118 can be aligned with each other in a plane that is oriented along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The second upper guide member 116 can be disposed upward with respect to the second lower guide member 118. The upper endplate 44 defines a second upper guide member 120 that is configured to engage the second upper guide member 116 of the second wedge member 50. The lower endplate 46 defines a second lower guide member 122 that is configured to engage the second lower guide member 118 of the second wedge member 50. The second upper guide member 120 of the upper endplate 44 can be disposed upward with respect to the second lower guide member 122 of the lower endplate 46.

As will be appreciated from the description below, the second upper guide member 116 and the second lower guide member 118 of the second wedge member 50 can be asymmetrical with respect to each other about a third centrally disposed midplane that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. The third centrally disposed midplane can be coincident with the first centrally disposed plane. Further, the second upper guide member 120 of the upper endplate 44 and the second lower guide member 122 of the lower endplate 46 can be asymmetrical with respect to each other about a fourth centrally disposed midplane that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. The third and fourth centrally disposed planes can be coincident with each other. In one example, one of the upper end lower guide members of the second wedge member 50 can define at least one outer projection, and the other of the upper and lower guide members of the second wedge member 50 can define at least one inner projection. The at least one inner projection can be inwardly offset from the at least one outer projection along the lateral direction A. Similarly, one of the second guide members of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define at least one inner channel that is configured to slidably receive the at least one inner projection of the second wedge member 50. The other of the second guide members of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define at least one inner channel that is configured to slidably receive the at least one inner projection of the second wedge member 50. Thus, the complementary guide members of the second wedge member 50 and the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define tongue-in-groove, or T-shaped, guidance engagements.

In one example, the second upper guide member 116 of the second wedge member 50 can be configured as at least one second outer projection 124 that extends out along the lateral direction A. For instance, the second upper guide member 116 of the second wedge member 50 can be configured as first and second outer projections 124 that extend out along the lateral direction A away from each other. The first and second outer projections 124 can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. The first and second outer projections 124 of the second wedge member 50 can define respective upper surfaces that are coplanar with the second upper engagement surface 80 (see FIGS. 3B-3C) of the second wedge member 50. In one example, the second lower guide member 118 of the second wedge member 50 can be configured as at least one second inner projection 126 that extend outward along the lateral direction A. For instance, the second lower guide member 118 can be configured as first and second inner projections 126 that extend outward other along the lateral direction A away from each other. The inner projections 126 can be inwardly offset with respect to the outer projections 124 along the lateral direction A. Further, the inner projections can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. The first and second inner projections 126 of the second wedge member 50 can define respective lower surfaces that are coplanar with the second lower engagement surface 82 (see FIGS. 3B-3C) of the second wedge member 50. It should be appreciated, of course, that the second upper guide member 116 of the second wedge member 50 can alternatively be configured as the at least one inner projection, and the second lower guide member 118 of the second wedge member 50 can alternatively be configured as the at least one outer projection.

The second upper guide member 120 of the upper endplate 44 can be configured as at least one channel 128 that is sized to slidably receive the at least one projection 124. The at least one channel 128 can thus be referred to as an outer channel. Further, the at least one channel 128 can be configured as first and second outer channels 128 that are recessed outward along the lateral direction A toward the respective side surfaces of the implant 20. Accordingly, the first and second outer channels 128 can be recessed along a direction away from each other. The first and second outer channels 128 are configured to slidably receive the first and second outer projections 124. The outer channels 128 can extend through the distal facing surface of the upper endplate 44. The projections 124 and the channels 128 can flare downward as they extend in the expansion direction of the second wedge member 50.

The second lower guide member 122 of the lower endplate 46 can be configured as at least one inner channel 130 that is sized to slidably receive the at least one inner projection 126 of the second wedge member 50. The at least one inner channel 130 can be inwardly recessed along the lateral direction A with respect to the at least one outer channel 128. The at least one inner channel 130 can be configured as first and second inner 130 that are recessed laterally outward away from each other. The first and second inner channels 130 can slidably receive respective ones of the first and second inner projections 126. The first and second inner projections 126 can be elongate along the direction of the first and second inner channels 130, respectively. The inner channels 130 and the inner projections 126 can flare upward as they extend in the expansion direction of the second wedge member 50. The inner channels 130 can extend out from the distal facing surface of the lower endplate 46. The second outer projections 124 can also be referred to second upper projections 124, and the second inner projections 126 can also be referred to as second lower projections 126.

It should thus be appreciated that the guide members of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can engage the guide members of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 so as to prevent the wedge members 48 and 50 from becoming decoupled from the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 along the transverse direction T. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the upper end lower endplates 44 and 46 can abut each other along the transverse direction T when the implant 20 is in the fully collapsed configuration. The guide members of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can be engaged with the guide members of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 when the implant 20 is in the fully collapsed configuration. Thus, the wedge members 48 and 50 are prevented from fully backing out of the engagement members of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46. Further, the intervertebral implant 20 can be constructed such that the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 do not extend past the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, no part of the first wedge member 48 extends proximally past the proximal end of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46. Further, no part of the second wedge member 50 extends distally past the distal end of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46. For instance, the entirety of the first wedge member 50 can be recessed distally with respect to the proximal ends of the endplates 44 and 46 both when the implant 20 is in the collapsed configuration and when the implant 20 is in the expanded configuration. Similarly, the entirety of the second wedge member 50 can be recessed proximally with respect to the distal ends of the endplates 44 and 46 both when the implant 20 is in the collapsed configuration and when the implant 20 is in the expanded configuration. The implant 20 can further include a stop member that prevents the wedge members 48 and 50 from continuing to move in the expansion direction once the implant has reached the fully expanded configuration.

As described above, the upper end lower endplates 44 and 46 can abut each other along the transverse direction T when the implant 20 is in the fully collapsed configuration. In particular, one of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can nest within the other of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 when the intervertebral implant 20 is in the collapsed configuration. In one example, the lower endplate 46 can nest within the upper endplate 44. That is, the side walls and end walls of the lower endplate 46 can fit inside the side walls and end walls of the upper endplate 44 until a horizontal plate member 61 that defines the lower surface 40 abuts the lower end of the side walls of the upper endplate 44. In particular, an inner surface of the horizontal plate member 61 that is opposite the lower surface 40 abuts the lower end of the side walls of the upper endplate 44. The inner surface of the horizontal plate member 61 of the lower endplate 46 can also abut the lower end of the end walls of the upper endplate 44.

Accordingly, the intervertebral implant 20 can achieve a low profile in the collapsed configuration. For instance, the implant 20 can have a height in a range from approximately 5 mm to approximately 10 mm at its geometric center, such as approximately 7 mm, when the implant 20 is in the fully collapsed configuration. It should be appreciated that the height of the implant 20 in the fully collapsed configuration can be any suitable height as desired, such as from approximately 10 mm to approximately 15 mm. Thus, the implant be inserted into the intervertebral space with minimal or no mechanical interference between at least one or both of the surfaces 38 and 40 and the bony vertebral endplates of the vertebrae. The height of the implant 20 in the fully expanded configuration can be greater than the height of the implant 20 in the fully collapsed configuration by any suitable difference distance as desired. For instance, the difference distance can be in a range from approximately 2 mm to approximately 15 mm, including from approximately 4 mm to approximately 8 mm, including approximately 5 mm. At the tapered leading end, the height of the implant 20 can be less than the height of the implant at the geometric center by any suitable reduction distance as desired. In one example, the reduction distance can be in a range greater than 0 mm up to approximately 5 mm, which can include up to approximately 4 mm, up to approximately 3 mm, up to approximately 2 mm, and up to approximately 1 mm.

It should thus be appreciated that the endplate whose at least one guide member is configured as an inner channel can nest within the endplate whose at least one guide member is configured as an outer channel. In this regard, an inner surface of a horizontal plate member of the upper endplate 44 that is opposite the lower surface 38 can alternatively abuts the upper end of the side walls of the lower endplate 46. The inner surface of the horizontal plate member of the upper endplate 44 can also abut the upper end of the end walls of the lower endplate 46. It should be appreciated that one or both of the guide members of each of the wedge members 48 and 50 can be alternatively configured as channels, and one or both of the guide members of each of the endplates 44 and 46 can alternatively be configured as projections that are slidably received in the channels in the manner described herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2B, one of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define at least one upstanding alignment rib 137, and the other of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define at least one alignment channel 139 that is positioned and sized to receive the alignment rib so as to guide movement of the endplates 44 and 46 toward and away from each other, respectively, along the transverse direction T. The alignment rib 137 and the alignment channel 139 can be oriented along the transverse direction T. In one example, the upper endplate 44 can define the at least one alignment rib 137, and the lower endplate 46 can define the at least one alignment channel 139. For instance, the upper endplate 44 can include first and second alignment ribs 137 that are spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. The alignment ribs 137 can further be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. Similarly, the lower endplate 46 can define first and second alignment channels 139 that are spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. The alignment channels 139 can further be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. It should be appreciated, of course, that the implant 20 can be alternatively constructed such that the lower endplate 46 includes the at least one alignment rib 137, and the upper endplate 44 includes the at least one alignment channel 139.

In one example, the projections 137 can extend inward along the lateral direction A from the laterally inner surface of each of the side walls of the upper endplate 44. The lower endplate 46 can include at least one recess 139, such as first and second recesses at each side wall of the lower endplate 46. In particular, the recesses 139 can extend inward into the outer surface of the side walls of the lower endplate 46 along the lateral direction A. The recesses 139 can extend vertically through the lower endplate 46. It should be appreciated, of course, that the projections 137 and recesses 139 can be alternatively positioned as desired. The recesses 139 can be sized and positioned to slidably receive respective ones of the projections 137 as the implant 20 moves between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration.

Referring also to FIG. 3D, the implant 20 can include an expansion limiter 129 that prevents the endplates 44 and 46 from further moving away from each other along the transverse direction T once the implant 20 has been fully expanded to the fully expanded configuration. The expansion limiter 129 can include at least one first stop surface 131 of one of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46, and at least one second stop surface 135 of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46. The first and second stop surfaces 131 and 135 can be configured to contact each other when the implant 20 is in the fully expanded configuration, thereby preventing the endplates 44 and 46 from further moving apart from each other.

For instance, in one example, one of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define at least one limiter tab 132, and the other of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can define at least one limiter channel 134. The limiter channel 134 is sized to receive at least a portion of the limiter tab 132 as the implant 20 moves between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. The limiter tabs 132 of one of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 can include the first stop surface 131 that is configured to engage the complementary second stop surface 135 of the other of the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46 when the implant 20 is in the fully expanded configuration. The first stop surface 131 can ride in the limiter channel 134 as the implant 20 moves between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration. In one example, the lower endplate 46 can include the at least one limiter tab 132, and the upper endplate 44 can define the at least one limiter channel 134. Alternatively, the upper endplate 44 can include the at least one limiter tab 132, and the lower endplate 46 can include the at least one limiter channel 134.

The lower endplate 46 can define at least one pair of limiter tabs 132. For instance, the lower endplate 46 can include first and second pairs of limiter tabs 132 that are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction. The limiter tabs 132 of each pair can be spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction L. Respective ones of each of the first and second pairs of limiter tabs 132 can also be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. Similarly, the upper the endplate 44 can define first and second pairs of limiter channels 134 that are spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. The limiter channels 134 of each pair can be spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction L. Respective ones of each of the first and second pairs of limiter channels 134 can also be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A.

The limiter channels 134 can be open to the bone graft apertures along the lateral direction A. As described above, each of the limiter tabs 132 can include the first stop surface 131. The first stop surface 131 can be defined by a barb 133 that extends toward the upper endplate 44. The lower endplate 46 can include at least one complementary stop surface 135 that is configured to abut a respective one of the at least one stop surface 131 of the upper endplate 44 when the implant 20 is in the fully expanded configuration. The stop surfaces 135 of the lower endplate 46 can be disposed at respective ends of the limiter channels 134. In one example, each of the second stop surfaces 135 can define a respective end of the limiter channels 134. For instance, the second stop surfaces 135 can define the lower ends of the respective limiter channels 134. Respective ones of the stop surfaces 131 and 135 can be aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. Thus, when the implant 20 expands to its fully expanded configuration, the stop surfaces 131 can abut the stop surfaces 135 so as to prevent further movement of the endplates 44 and 46 away from each other. The abutment of the stop surfaces 131 and 135 can thus also prevent the wedge members 48 and 50 from further traveling toward each other along the actuator shaft 54. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the expansion limiter 129 can include the limiter tab 132 and the limiter channel 134.

In one example, the limiter tabs 132 do not extend beyond the upper surface 38 when the implant 20 is in the fully contracted position. For instance, the limiter tabs 132 can be recessed with respect to the upper surface 38 when the implant is in the fully contracted position. While the limiter tabs 132 are illustrated as extending from the lower endplate 46 into the limiter channels 134 of the upper endplate 44, it should be appreciated that one or more limiter tabs can alternatively extend from the upper endplate 44 into respective one or more limiter channels of the lower endplate 46.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the upper surface 38 and the lower surface 40 can be substantially parallel to each other both when the intervertebral implant 20 is in the collapsed configuration and when the intervertebral implant 20 is in the expanded configuration. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that the intervertebral implant 20 can be configured to define a lordotic or kyphotic profile as desired. Thus, the side of the intervertebral implant 20 that defines the anterior side when the implant 20 is disposed in the intervertebral space can be taller along the transverse direction T than the side of the intervertebral implant 20 that defines the posterior side when the implant 20 is disposed in the intervertebral space. For instance, one or both of the upper and lower surfaces 38 and 40 can be sloped with respect to each other. In particular, the upper and lower surfaces 38 and 40 can be sloped along the lateral direction T. Thus, the slope can be defined along the upper and lower surfaces 38 and 40 in a plane that is oriented along the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the lower surface 40 can be sloped, and the upper surface 38 can be oriented substantially along a plane that is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the upper surface 38 can be sloped, and the lower surface 40 can be oriented substantially along a plane that is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Alternatively still, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, each of the upper and lower surfaces 38 and 40 can be sloped. The upper and lower surfaces 38 and 40 can define any suitable angle as desired in the plane that is defined by the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The angle can be substantially 8 degrees as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The angle can be substantially 16 degrees as illustrated in FIG. 8C. It should be appreciated that these angles are presented by way of example only, and other angles are contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the first wedge member 48 can include at least one coupling member 94 that is configured to couple to an insertion instrument 152 (see FIG. 9) that is configured to actuate the implant 20 between the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The at least one coupling member 94 can be configured as at least one attachment aperture. For instance, the at least one attachment aperture can include a first attachment aperture 96 and a second attachment aperture 98. The first attachment aperture 96 can extend at least into the first wedge member 48. For instance, the first attachment aperture 96 can extend at least into the first wedge member 48 along the longitudinal direction L. In one example, the first attachment aperture 96 can extend through the first wedge member 48. At least a portion of the first attachment aperture 96 can be threaded. Further, the first attachment aperture 96 can be open to a proximal end of the first wedge member 48. For instance, the first attachment aperture 96 can be open to a proximal facing surface 97 of the first wedge member 48.

The second attachment aperture 98 can extend at least into the first wedge member 48. For instance, the second attachment aperture 98 can extend at least into the first wedge member 48 along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98 can be oriented parallel to each other. Further, the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98 can be aligned with each other in a plane that is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. In one example, the second attachment aperture 98 can extend through the first wedge member 48. At least a portion of the second attachment aperture 98 can be threaded. Further, the second attachment aperture 98 can be open to the proximal end of the first wedge member 48. For instance, the second attachment aperture 98 can be open to the proximal facing surface 97 of the first wedge member 48.

The first and second attachment aperture 96 and 98 can be disposed on opposite sides of the first bore 68 of the first wedge member 48. Thus, the first bore 68 can be disposed between the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98. In particular, the first bore 68 can be disposed between the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98 with respect to the lateral direction A. Further, each of the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98 and the first bore 68 can define respective openings at the proximal facing surface 97 of the first wedge member 48. The openings can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction. As will be described in more detail below, the instrument can couple to one or both of the attachment apertures 96 and 98, and can further extend into the first bore 68 so as to drive the actuator shaft 54 to selectively rotate in the first and second directions of rotation.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an implant assembly 150 can include the intervertebral implant 20 and an instrument 152. The instrument 152 can be configured to attach to the implant 20, and apply an actuation force to the actuator shaft 54 that selectively rotates the actuator shaft 54 in the first direction of rotation and the second direction of rotation. Thus, the instrument 152 can attach to the intervertebral implant 20, insert the implant 20 into the intervertebral space in the collapsed configuration in the manner described above, and subsequently rotate the expansion shaft 54 in the first direction of rotation so as to expand the implant 20 to the expanded configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, the instrument 152 can include an attachment member 154 at its distal end that is configured to attach to and support the intervertebral implant 20. The attachment member 154 can include an attachment housing 155 and at least one attachment pin that is configured to be received in a respective at least one of the attachment apertures 96 and 98 (see FIG. 7). The attachment housing 155 can include an attachment head 161 and an attachment neck 163 that extends proximally from the attachment head 161. The at least one attachment pin can include first and second attachment pins 157 and 159 that are configured to attach to the implant 20. For instance, the first and second attachment pins 157 and 159 can be configured to attach to the first wedge member 48. In one example, the first attachment pin 157 and the second attachment pin 159 that are configured to be received in respective ones of the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98 of the first wedge member 48. For instance, the instrument 152 can be oriented such that first attachment pin 157 can be inserted into either one of the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98. The second attachment pin 159 can be inserted into the other one of the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98. The first attachment pin 157 can be unthreaded and configured to be translatably inserted into the respective one of the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98. The second attachment pin 158 can be threaded and configured to threadedly mate with the other of the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98. Alternatively, the first attachment pin 157 can be similarly threaded and configured to threadedly mate with the intervertebral implant in the respective one of the first and apertures 96 and 98.

The instrument 152 can further include an outer support shaft 156 that is configured to support the attachment member 154. The support shaft 156 can be elongate along the longitudinal direction 1. For instance, the support shaft 156 can extend proximally from the attachment member 154. The support shaft 156 can include a distal support shaft portion 156a and a proximal support shaft portion 156b that is joined to the distal support shaft portion 156a. For instance, the instrument 152 can include a coupler 158 that couples the proximal support shaft portion 156b to the distal support shaft portion 156a. The instrument 152 can include an instrument handle 160 that is supported at the proximal end of the support shaft 156. For instance, the instrument handle 160 can be supported at the proximal end of the proximal support shaft portion 156b.

The instrument 152 can further include a drive member that is configured as a drive shaft 162. The drive shaft 162, and thus the drive member, can be configured to engage at least one of the first and second attachment pins 157 and 159, and can further be configured to rotatably engage the actuator shaft 54 of the intervertebral implant 20. The drive shaft 162 can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The instrument 152 can further include a toggle member 164 that is configured to move the drive shaft 162 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the drive shaft 162 is aligned with the at least one of the first and second attachment pins 157 and 159. In the second position, the drive shaft 162 is aligned with the actuator shaft 54 of the intervertebral implant 20. In one example, the toggle member 164 is configured as a toggle shaft 166 disposed in the support shaft 156. The toggle shaft 166 can define a channel 168 that is elongate along the longitudinal direction L and is configured to receive the drive shaft 162. The toggle shaft 166 is rotatable between a first rotational position to a second rotational position so as to move the drive shaft between the first and second positions. The toggle shaft 166 can be rotated about a central axis that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. The toggle shaft 166 supports the drive shaft 162 in the first position when the toggle shaft is in the first rotational position. The toggle shaft 166 supports the drive shaft 162 in the second position when the toggle shaft 166 is in the second rotational position. The instrument 152 can further include at least one locating finger 170 and at least one spring 172 that delivers a spring force to the at least one locating finger 170 so as to urge the at least one locating finger 170 into a corresponding at least one detent 174 both when the toggle shaft 166 is in the first rotational position and when the toggle shaft 166 is in the second rotational position.

The instrument 152 can include a drive handle 176 that is configured to rotatably support the drive shaft 162 at the proximal end of the drive shaft 162. The drive shaft 162 can be eccentrically supported in the drive handle 176, such that rotation of the handle 176 along its central axis causes the drive shaft 162 to revolve about the central axis of the handle 176. The central axis of the handle 176 can be coincident with the central axis of the toggle shaft 166 That is, the drive shaft 162 can be positioned offset with respect to the central axis of the drive handle 165. The drive shaft 162 can define an drive member 167 at its proximal end that can engage a power tool that drives the rotation of the drive shaft 162. The drive member 167 can extend proximally from the drive handle 176. The proximal end of the toggle shaft 166 can be press fit into the distal end of the drive handle 165. Thus, rotation of the drive handle 165 can rotate the toggle shaft 166 between the first rotational position and the second rotational position.

Operation of aspects of the instrument 152 will now be described with respect to FIGS. 11A-11D. With initial reference to FIGS. 11A and 12A, the first attachment pin 157 can be inserted into one of the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98. The first attachment pin 157 can be unthreaded and sized to be inserted into either of the attachment apertures 96 and 98 of the first wedge member 48. In particular, the first attachment pin 157 can be press fit into the respective one of the first and second apertures 96 and 98. When the first attachment pin 157 has been inserted into the respective one of the first and second apertures 96 and 98, the instrument is coupled to the first wedge member 48 at a first attachment location. As illustrated, the first attachment pin 157 has been inserted into the first attachment aperture 96. The first attachment pin 157 can be fixedly supported by the attachment housing 155, such that the distal end of the first attachment pin 157 extends distally of the attachment housing 155. In one example, the first attachment pin 157 can be press-fit into the attachment housing 155, and in particular in the attachment head 161.

Next, referring now to FIGS. 11B and 12B, and as described above, the toggle shaft 166 can be disposed in the first rotational position, whereby the drive shaft 162 is aligned with the second attachment pin 159 along the longitudinal direction L. If the toggle shaft 166 is not in the first rotational position, the toggle shaft 166 can be rotated to the first rotational position. The drive shaft 162 can be advanced in the distal direction until the drive member 175 of the drive shaft 162 engages a coupling member 178 of the second attachment pin 159, such that rotation of the drive shaft 162 causes the second attachment pin 159 to similarly rotate. The second attachment pin 159 can be at least partially disposed in a first or outer channel 182 of the attachment member 154. For instance, the channel 182 can extend through the attachment head 161. At least a portion of the channel 182 can be threaded, such that the second attachment pin 159 threadedly mates to the attachment head 161 as it is rotated by drive shaft 162. The thread pitch in the channel 182 can be the same as the thread pitch in the attachment apertures 96 and 98. Thus, the second attachment pin 159 can translate proximally and distally, respectively, in the channel 182 at the same rate as in the second attachment aperture as it is rotated.

The drive member and the coupling member 178 can define a hex head, a Phillips head, a flat head, a start head, or the like. The drive member 175 can be configured as a projection, and the coupling member 178 can be configured as a socket, or vice versa. As the second attachment pin 159 rotates in a respective first direction of rotation, the second attachment pin 159 can threadedly purchase with the intervertebral implant in the other of the first and second apertures 96 and 98. Thus, the second attachment pin 159 can be attached to both the attachment member 154 of the instrument 152 as well as the intervertebral implant 20. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the second attachment pin 159 has been inserted into the second attachment aperture 98. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 11E, the second attachment pin can alternatively be inserted into the first attachment aperture 96. When the first attachment pin 157 has been inserted into the respective other of the first and second apertures 96 and 98, the instrument 20 is coupled to the first wedge member 48 at a second attachment location. The drive shaft 162 can define a recessed break away region 180 that is designed to fracture if the torsional forces of the drive shaft 162 exceed a predetermined threshold. Thus, the actuator shaft 54 of the implant 20 is prevented from receiving torsional forces greater than the predetermined threshold.

It should be appreciated that the first attachment pin 157 can be referred to as a pilot pin that is designed to make the first attachment with the implant, and the second attachment pin 159 can be referred to as an attachment screw that is threaded and configured to threadedly purchase with the implant 20 in the second attachment aperture. As illustrated in FIG. 11E, it should be appreciated that the instrument 152 can be oriented such that the first attachment pin 157 extends into the second attachment aperture 98, and the second attachment pin 159 extends into the first attachment aperture 96. Regardless of the orientation of the instrument 152, the drive shaft 162 can be configured to drive the actuator shaft 54 of the implant 20 in the manner described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 11C and 12C, once the second attachment pin 159 has been driven into the respective other of the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98, the toggle shaft 166 can be rotated to the second rotational position, thereby aligning the drive shaft 162 with the actuator shaft 54 of the intervertebral implant 20. When the toggle shaft 166 is in the second rotational position, the drive shaft 162 can be aligned with a second or inner channel 184. Thus, the drive shaft 162 can be advanced distally and rotated to cause the actuator shaft 54 of the intervertebral implant to correspondingly rotate. It should be appreciated that the instrument 20 is attached to the implant 20 at the first and second attachment locations that are spaced apart from each other. Thus, the instrument 152 is sufficiently braced against the implant 20 when the drive shaft 162 causes the actuator shaft 54 of the implant 20 to rotate. In one example, the first and second attachment locations can be spaced apart from each other and aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. The instrument 152 can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L when the instrument 152 is attached to the implant 20 at the first and second attachment locations.

The instrument 152 can be configured such that after the drive shaft 162 has driven the second attachment pin 159 into the implant 20, retraction of the drive shaft 126 in the proximal direction allows the toggle shaft 166 to be rotated between the first and second rotational positions. In one example, the attachment housing 155 can define a first or outer channel 182 that can retain the second attachment pin 159. The drive shaft 162 can extend into the channel 182 when the drive shaft 162 drives the channel 182 into the other of the first and second attachment apertures 96 and 98. Thus, the drive shaft 162 can interfere with the attachment housing 155 in the channel 182 so as to prevent the toggle shaft 166 from rotating from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. Thus, the interference between the drive shaft 162 and the attachment housing 155 can prevent the drive shaft 162 from moving from the first position aligned with the second attachment pin 159 to the second position aligned with the actuator shaft 54. When the drive shaft 162 has retracted along the proximal direction out of the channel 182, the interference is removed and the toggle shaft 166 can be rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational position.

When the toggle shaft 166 is in the second rotational position, the drive shaft 162 is in the respective second position, and thus aligned with the actuator shaft 54. Thus, the drive shaft 162 can be translated distally until the drive member 175 engages the coupling member 57 of the actuator shaft 54. Subsequent rotation of the drive shaft 162 in the first direction of rotation thus causes the actuator shaft 54 to rotate in the first direction of rotation, thereby expanding the implant 20 from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. Rotation of the draft shaft 162 in the second direction causes the actuator shaft 54 to rotate in the second direction of rotation, thereby collapsing the implant 20 from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

As the drive shaft 162 rotates the actuator shaft 54 in the first direction of rotation, the first wedge member 48 travels in the expansion direction as described above. Because the first and second attachment pins 157 and 159 are attached to the first wedge member 48, the attachment housing 155 moves along with the first wedge member 48 in the direction of expansion. Thus, the attachment housing 155 translates distally along with the first wedge member 48 as the implant 20 moves to the expanded configuration. Because the actuator shaft 54 remains translatably fixed, the attachment housing 155 translates distally along with respect to the drive shaft 162. In one example, the attachment housing 155, the outer support shaft 156, and the handles 160 and 176 can translate with the first wedge member 48 both as the wedge member 48 selectively moves in the expansion direction and the collapse direction. The because drive shaft 162 is rotatably coupled to the actuator shaft 54, the drive shaft 162 can remain translatably fixed to the actuator shaft, and thus translatably stationary with respect to the attachment housing 155, the outer support shaft 156, and the handles 160 and 176 as the attachment housing 155, the outer support shaft 156, and the handles 160 and 176 translate with the first wedge member 48.

Further, as the drive shaft 162 rotates the actuator shaft 54 in the second direction of rotation, the first wedge member 48 travels in the collapse direction as described above. Because the first and second attachment pins 157 and 159 are attached to the first wedge member 48, the attachment housing 155 moves along with the first wedge member 48 in the direction of contraction. Thus, the attachment housing 155 translates proximally along with the wedge member as the implant 20 moves to the collapsed configuration.

The attachment housing 155 can define a second or inner channel 184 that is sized to receive the distal end of the drive shaft 162. The drive shaft 162 can extend into the inner channel 184 when the drive shaft 162 is translated distally such that the drive member 175 engages the coupling member 57 of the actuator shaft 54. Interference between the drive shaft 62 and the attachment housing 155 in the inner channel 184 prevents the toggle shaft 166 from rotating from the second rotational position to the first rotational position. Thus, the interference between the drive shaft 162 and the attachment housing 155 can prevent the drive shaft 162 from moving from the second position aligned with the actuator shaft 54 to the first position aligned with the second attachment pin 159. When the drive shaft 162 has retracted along the proximal direction out of the channel 182, the interference is removed and the toggle shaft 166 can be rotated from the second rotational position to the first rotational position.

Thus, referring again to FIGS. 11B and 12B, once the intervertebral implant 20 has reached its desired level of expansion or contraction, the instrument 152 can be detached from the intervertebral implant 20. In particular, the drive shaft 162 can be returned to the first position in alignment with the second attachment pin 159. The drive shaft 162 can then be advanced distally into the outer channel 182 so as to rotatably engage the second attachment pin 159. As the second attachment pin 159 rotates in a respective second direction of rotation opposite the respective first direction of rotation, the second attachment pin 159 can threadedly disengage from the intervertebral implant 20 in the other of the first and second apertures 96 and 98. In particular, the second attachment pin 159 can threadedly disengage from the first wedge member 48. Finally, the first attachment pin 157 can be removed from the first wedge member 48, and thus from the implant 20, thereby detaching the instrument 152 from the intervertebral implant 20.

During operation, the first and second attachment pins 157 and 159 can be attached to the intervertebral implant 20 in the manner described herein. The drive shaft 162 can be removed from the support shaft 156. The instrument 152 can receive impaction forces as desired to assist with insertion of the intervertebral implant 20 in the intervertebral space. Once the intervertebral implant 20 has been inserted in the intervertebral space, the drive shaft 162 can be inserted into the support shat 156. The first and second attachment pins 157 and 159 can then be attached to the implant 20 in the manner described above, and the actuator shaft 54 can be rotated. The first and second pins 157 and 159 can then be detached from the implant 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 13, and as described above, the instrument can include a pair of locating fingers 170 and at least one spring 172 that can urge the fingers 170 into the detents 174 so as to provide tactile feedback when the toggle shaft 166 is in the first rotational position and the second rotational position. In particular, the instrument can include a seat 186 and a surface 188 that defines the detents 174 and faces the seat 186. The instrument 152 can include first and second springs 172 that are captured between the seat 186 and the first and second locating fingers 170, respectively. Thus, the springs 172 provide a respective force that urges the locating fingers 170 against the surface 188. When the toggle shaft 166 is in the first and second rotational positions, the fingers 170 can extend into the detents so as to define a retention force that resists rotation of the toggle shaft. When a torsional force is applied that rotates the toggle shaft 166 to a position between the first and second rotational positions, the torsion force overcomes the retention force before the locating fingers 170 ride out of the detents and ride along the surface 188. The retention force of the fingers 170 positioned in the detents 174 can initially resist movement of the toggle shaft 166 away from the first and second rotational positions. Thus, the engagement of the fingers 170 and detents 174 can provide tactile feedback when the toggle shaft 166 is moved selectively to the first and second rotational positions.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 10 and 13, the seat 186 can be defined by the drive handle 176. The surface 188 can be defined by a ring 190 that surrounds the support shaft 156. The ring 190 can be translatably fixed to the support shaft 156. For instance, the ring 190 can be threadedly mated to the support shaft 156. In one example, the ring 190 can be threadedly mated to the proximal support shaft portion 156b. The drive handle 176 can define the seat 186. For instance, the drive handle 176 can define respective pockets 192 that retain a respective one of the springs 172 and fingers 170. During operation, the drive handle 176 can be rotated so as to rotate the toggle shaft 166. Because the ring 190 is fixed to the support shaft 156, the drive handle 176 and the toggle shaft 166 both rotate with respect to the ring 190 and the support shaft 156. The instrument 152 can further include a collar 194 that attaches to each of the ring 190 and the locking handle 176 to prevent the locking handle 176 and the ring 190 from separating along the longitudinal direction L. In one example, the collar 194 can threadedly attach to the ring 190, and can define a flange that abuts a shoulder 196 of the locking handle 176.

Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 17A-17B, the instrument 152 can include an adjustment lever 195 that is coupled to the toggle shaft 166, and is coupled directly or indirectly to the toggle shaft 166. The adjustment lever 195 can extends radially outward to a position radially outward of the support shaft 156, along a direction angularly offset with respect to the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the adjustment lever 195 can extend from the toggle shaft 166 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the adjustment lever 195 can be actuated so as to rotate the toggle shaft 166 between the first and second rotational positions. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the drive handle 176 can be eliminated in certain examples, thereby reducing the length of the instrument 152 with respect to the longitudinal direction L.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the attachment pins 157 and 159 and the drive shaft 162 can be coplanar with each other. The plane can be oriented along the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L. Thus, it can also be said that a straight line extends through the central axes of each of the attachment pins 157 and 159 and the drive shaft 162. Further, the respective central axes of the attachment pins 157 and 159 can be substantially parallel to the central axis of the drive shaft 162. It can further be said that the central axis of the attachment member can be colinear with the central axis of the outer support shaft 156.

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 14A, the attachment housing 155 can be angled with respect any one up to all of the central axis of the drive shaft 162, the toggle housing 166, and the support shaft 156. In particular, the attachment housing 155 can extend obliquely along the transverse direction T at an angle θ. Thus, the attachment housing 155 can extend along the transverse direction T as it extends distally. Accordingly, any one or more up to all of the attachment pins 157 and 159 can extend along a direction that is angularly offset with respect to one or more up to all of the central axis of the drive shaft 162, the toggle housing 166, and the support shaft 156 at the angle θ. The angle θ can be in a range of greater than zero degrees up to approximately forty degrees. In one example the range can be from approximately five degrees and thirty degrees in one example, though it should be appreciated that the angle θ can be any suitable angle as desired. Thus, it should also be appreciated that the central axis of the implant 20, which can be defined by the actuation screw 54 in certain examples, can similarly be oriented at the angle θ with respect to one or more up to all of central axis of the drive shaft 162, the toggle housing 166, and the support shaft 156.

As illustrated in FIG. 14B, the drive member 175 can define a universal joint that is configured to grip the second attachment pin 159. Thus, the drive shaft 162 can rotate the attachment pin 159 that is oriented oblique to the drive shaft 162 in the manner described above. As illustrated in FIG. 14C, the instrument 152 can include a coupling shaft 180 that is configured to be interconnected between the drive shaft 162 and the actuator shaft 54 of the intervertebral implant 20. In particular, the drive member 175 of the drive shaft 162 can rotatably engage the proximal end of the coupling shaft 180, and the coupling shaft 180 can include a drive member that, in turn, is rotatably coupled to the actuator shaft 54. Thus, rotation of the drive shaft in the first direction of rotation along its central axis causes the coupling shaft to rotate about its central axis in the first direction of rotation. The central axis of the coupling shaft 180 can be oblique to the central axis of the drive shaft 162 at the angle θ. Rotation of the coupling shaft 180 in the first direction of rotation causes the actuator shaft 54 to rotate in the first direction of rotation about its central axis. Similarly, rotation of the drive shaft in the second direction of rotation along its central axis causes the coupling shaft to rotate about its central axis in the second direction of rotation. Rotation of the coupling shaft 180 in the second direction of rotation causes the actuator shaft 54 to rotate in the second direction of rotation about its central axis. The coupling shaft can be disposed in the attachment housing 155, such that the drive member of the coupling shaft extends distally from the attachment housing and into the bore 68, where it can rotatably attach to the actuator shaft 54. Thus, when the drive shaft 62 is in the second position, it can be said to be operably aligned with the actuator shaft 54 via the coupling shaft 80.

The angled attachment housing 155 can be advantageous when it is desired to implant the intervertebral implant in an intervertebral space that is difficult to access along a pure lateral approach. For instance, the iliac crest, ribcage, or other anatomical structure can impede a pure lateral approach into certain intervertebral spaces. The angle attachment housing allows the outer support shaft 156 to be oriented along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T while the attached intervertebral implant 20 is oriented along the lateral direction A as it is inserted into the intervertebral space.

Alternatively or additionally, referring generally to FIG. 15A-16B, the instrument 152 can be configured such that the attachment member 154 is angularly offset with respect to any one up to all of the central axis of the drive shaft 162, the toggle housing 166, and the support shaft 156 along the lateral direction A. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the instrument 152 can insert the intervertebral implant 20 into the intervertebral space along an anterior to psoas (ATP) approach. In one example, the attachment member 154 can be fixedly attached to the support shaft 156 such that the central axes of the attachment pins 157 are angularly offset with respect to the central axis of one or more up to all of the central axis of the drive shaft 162, the toggle housing 166, and the support shaft 156 along the lateral direction A.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B, the instrument 152 can define a hinge 171 that is connected between the support shaft 156 and the attachment member 154. The hinge 171 can allow for angulation of the attachment member 154 relative to the support shaft 156 along a plane defined by the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the attachment member 154 can be angulated from a straight or colinear configuration (FIG. 15A) to an angularly offset configuration (FIG. 15B) with respect to the support shaft 156. It should be appreciated in certain examples that the hinge 171 can define a universal joint that allows for angulation of the attachment member 154 relative to the support shaft 156 along any direction as desired, including the lateral direction A, the transverse direction T, and combinations thereof.

In another example, referring now to FIGS. 16A-16B, the instrument 152 can include an angulation joint 173 that is disposed between the support shaft 156 and the attachment member 154. The angulation joint can define first and second surfaces 175 and 177 that are spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction. The first surface 175 can face the support shaft 156, and can be in abutment, such as surface contact, with the support shaft. The second surface 177 can face the attachment member 154, and can be in abutment, such as surface contact, with the attachment member 154. One or more of the surfaces 175 and 177 can be angled such when the angulation joint 173 is in a first orientation (FIG. 16A), the attachment member 154 is straight or colinear with respect to the support shaft 156. When the angulation joint 173 is in a second orientation (FIG. 16B), the attachment member 154 can be angularly offset with respect to the support shaft 156 in either or both of the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. In one example, the angulation joint 173 can be wedge shaped. The instrument 152 can further include the hinge 171 to guide angulation of the attachment member 154 when the angulation joint 173 is in the second orientation.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-19B, it should be appreciated that the intervertebral implant 20 can be constructed in accordance with any suitable alternative embodiment. For instance, the expansion limiter 129 of the intervertebral implant 20 can include at least one stop member that is configured to abut a corresponding at least one of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50, thereby preventing the at least one of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 from moving in the expansion direction. Because the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 are threadedly mated to the actuator shaft 54, preventing the at least one of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 from moving in the expansion direction likewise prevents the actuator shaft 54 from rotating in the first direction of rotation. In this regard, the intervertebral implant 20 can be devoid of the limiter tabs 132 and the limiter channels 134 described above with respect to FIG. 3D.

The at least one stop member can include a first stop member 198 and a second stop member 200 that are configured to be supported by the actuator shaft 54. The first stop member 198 is configured to be positioned adjacent the first wedge member 48 in the expansion direction. For instance, the first stop member 198 can be positioned on the actuator shaft 54 at a location adjacent the first wedge member 48 in the expansion direction. Thus, the first stop member 198 is configured to abut the first wedge member 48, thereby preventing the first wedge member 48 from moving in the expansion direction. Similarly, the second stop member 200 is configured to be positioned adjacent the second wedge member 50 in the expansion direction. For instance, the second stop member 200 can be positioned on the actuator shaft 54 at a location adjacent the second wedge member 50 in the expansion direction. Thus, the second stop member 198 is configured to abut the second wedge member 50, thereby preventing the second wedge member 50 from moving in the expansion direction.

In one example, the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can be removably secured to the actuator shaft 54. For instance, the actuator shaft 54 can define a first shoulder 202 that is spaced from the first wedge member 48 in the expansion direction. Thus, in one example, the first shoulder 202 can be disposed between the first wedge member 48 and the recess 58 of the actuator shaft 54. Accordingly, a first gap 204 is defined between the first shoulder 202 and the first wedge member 48 along the longitudinal direction. Further, at least a portion of the first shoulder 202 and at least a portion of the first wedge member 48 can be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L. The first gap 204 has a length that extends from the first wedge member 48 to the first shoulder 202 along the longitudinal direction. Thus, the length of the first gap 204 decreases as the first wedge member 48 moves in the direction of expansion. The first stop member 198 can attached to the actuator shaft 54 in the first gap 204 such that a first or abutment surface 230 of the first stop member 198 faces the first shoulder 202 and a second or stop surface 232 of the first stop member 198 opposite the abutment surface 230 of the first stop member 198 faces the first wedge member 48. The first stop member 198 has a length that extends from the abutment surface 230 of the first stop member 198 to the stop surface 232 of the first stop member 198. It should be appreciated that the length of the first stop member 198 can determine the expansion position of the first wedge member 48.

The actuator shaft 54 can define a second shoulder 206 that is spaced from the first wedge member 48 in the expansion direction. Thus, in one example, the second shoulder 206 can be disposed between the second wedge member 50 and the recess 58 of the actuator shaft 54. Further, the first and second shoulders 202 and 206 can be disposed between the first and second wedge members 48 and 50. A second gap 208 is defined between the second shoulder 206 and the second wedge member 50 along the longitudinal direction. Further, at least a portion of the second shoulder 206 and at least a portion of the second wedge member 50 can be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L. The second gap 208 has a length that extends from the second wedge member 50 to the second shoulder 206 along the longitudinal direction. L. Thus, the length of the second gap 208 decreases as the second wedge member 50 moves in the direction of expansion. The second stop member 200 can attached to the actuator shaft 54 in the second gap 208 such that a first or abutment surface 230 of the second stop member 200 faces the second shoulder 206 and a second or stop surface 232 of the second stop member 200 opposite the abutment surface 230 of the second stop member 200 faces the second wedge member 50. The second stop member 200 has a length that extends from the abutment surface 230 of the second stop member 200 to the stop surface 232 of the second stop member 200. It should be appreciated that the length of the second stop member 200 can determine the expansion position of the first wedge member 50.

In one example, when the implant is in the collapsed configuration or in an intermediate expanded configuration that is expanded from the collapsed configuration but collapsed with respect to the expanded configuration, the length of the first wedge member 48 is less than the length of the first gap 204. Accordingly, the first stop member 198 does not prevent the first wedge member 48 from moving in the direction of expansion. Further, when the implant is in the collapsed configuration or in an intermediate expanded configuration that is expanded from the collapsed configuration but collapsed with respect to the expanded configuration, the length of the second wedge member 50 is less than the length of the second gap 208. Accordingly, the second stop member 200 does not prevent the second wedge member 50 from moving in the direction of expansion. The length of the first wedge member 48 can be equal to the length of the second wedge member 50. Further, the length of the first wedge member 48 can be substantially equal to the length of the first unthreaded portion 73. Similarly, the length of the second wedge member 50 can be substantially equal to the length of the second unthreaded portion 75.

The first stop member 198 can be inserted onto the actuator shaft 54 at a first attachment region 212. The first attachment region 212 can be defined by the outer surface of the actuator shaft 54 at the first gap 204 that is defined between the first shoulder 202 and the first wedge member 48 along the longitudinal direction L when the first wedge member 48 is attached to the actuator shaft 54. Thus, the first attachment region 212 can be defined by the first unthreaded portion 73. Similarly, the second stop member 200 can be inserted onto the actuator shaft 54 at a second attachment region 214. The second attachment region 214 can be defined by the outer surface of the actuator shaft 54 at the second gap 208 that is defined between the second shoulder 206 and the second wedge member 50 along the longitudinal direction L when the second wedge member 50 is attached to the actuator shaft 54. Thus, the second attachment region 214 can be defined by the second unthreaded portion 75.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the actuator shaft 54 can include the first shoulder 202 that extends from the first unthreaded portion 73 to the first flange 56. The first shoulder 202 can define an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the first unthreaded portion 73. Further, the first flange 56a can have an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the first shoulder 202. Alternatively, the first flange 56a can have the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the first shoulder 202. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the first shoulder 202 can alternatively define the first flange 56.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the actuator shaft 54 can include the first shoulder 202 that extends from the first unthreaded portion 73 to the first flange 56a. The first shoulder 202 can define an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the first unthreaded portion 73. Further, the first flange 56a can have an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the first shoulder 202. Alternatively, the first flange 56a can have the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the first shoulder 202. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the first shoulder can alternatively define the first flange 56a. The first shoulder 202 can define an outer surface that is smooth or unthreaded. The outer surface of the first shoulder 202 can define the outer diameter of the first shoulder 202.

Similarly, the actuator shaft 54 can include the second shoulder 206 that extends from the second unthreaded portion 75 to the second flange 56b. The second shoulder 206 can define an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the second unthreaded portion 75. Further, the second flange 56b can have an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the second shoulder 206. Alternatively, the second flange 56b can have the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the second shoulder 206. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the second shoulder 206 can alternatively define the second flange 56b. The second shoulder 206 can define an outer surface that is smooth or unthreaded. The outer surface of the second shoulder 206 can define the outer diameter of the second shoulder 206.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A-21B, the first and second stop members 198 and 200 will now be described with reference to the first stop member 198. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can be constructed identical to each other. Thus, the description of the first stop member 198 can apply with equal force and effect to the second stop member 200, unless otherwise indicated.

The first stop member 198 can be configured as a clip 210 that can be configured to be clipped onto the actuator shaft 54 in the manner described above. In particular, the first stop member 198 can define a body 216 having at least a portion that is radially expandable. Thus, at least a portion of the body 216 can be flexible and resilient. The body 216 can extend generally circumferentially from a first circumferential end 218 to a second circumferential end 220. The first circumferential end 218 can be spaced from the second circumferential end 220 so as to define a circumferential void 222 between the first circumferential end 218 and the second circumferential end 220. A straight linear distance from the first circumferential end 218 to the second circumferential end 220 can be less than the diameter of the actuator shaft 54 at the unthreaded portion 73 when the first stop member is in a neutral relaxed configuration. It is recognized that the term “circumferential” and derivatives thereof as used herein can connote a circular shape, but is not intended to be limited to a circular shape. Thus, the locking members 198 and 200 can be circular in cross-section, or can define any suitable alternative shape as desired while still defining circumferential ends 218 and 220.

The first stop member 198 can define an inner end 224 that is configured to face the actuator shaft 54, and an outer end 226 that is opposite the inner end 224. The inner end 224 can define at least one contact surface 228 such as a plurality of contact surfaces 228 that are configured to contact the actuator shaft 54 when the first stop member 198 is coupled to the actuator shaft 54. The contact surfaces 228 can define a radius of curvature in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the expansion direction. The radius of curvature can be substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the actuation shaft at the unthreaded portion 73. Further, the contact surfaces 228 can be spaced from each other by respective recessed surfaces 231 that face the actuator shaft 54 and are spaced from the actuator shaft 54 when the first stop member 198 is coupled to the actuator shaft 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-5B and 22A-B, assembly of the implant 20 will now be described. In particular, the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 are attached to the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46. In particular, to attach the first wedge member 48 to the upper endplate 44, the first and second upper projections 108 of the first wedge member 48 are inserted into the first and second channels 112, respectively, of the upper endplate 44. Further, to attach the first wedge member 48 to the lower endplate 46, the first and second lower projections 110 of the first wedge member 48 are inserted into the first and second channels 114, respectively, of the lower endplate 46. To attach the second wedge member 50 to the upper endplate 44, the first and second upper projections 124 of the second wedge member 50 are inserted into the first and second channels 128, respectively, of the upper endplate 44. Further, to attach the second wedge member 50 to the lower endplate 46, the first and second lower projections 126 of the second wedge member 50 are inserted into the first and second channels 130, respectively, of the lower endplate 46.

Further, the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can be threadedly attached to the actuator shaft 54, as shown in FIG. 19A. The first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can threadedly attach to the actuator shaft 54 prior to attaching the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 to the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46. Alternatively, the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can threadedly attach to the actuator shaft 54 after attaching the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 to the upper and lower endplates 44 and 46.

Next, with specific reference to FIGS. 22A-22B, the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can be attached to the actuator shaft 54 as described above. In particular, the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can be attached to the actuator shaft 54 when the intervertebral implant 20 is in the collapsed position. Alternatively, the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can be attached to the actuator shaft 54 when the intervertebral implant 20 is in a position collapsed with respect to the expanded configuration.

For instance, the first stop member 198 can be inserted through the window 92 of the upper endplate 44 or lower endplate 46 and attached to the actuator shaft 54 at the first attachment region 212. For instance, the first stop member 198 can be attached to the first unthreaded portion 73 of the actuator shaft 54. In particular, the circumferential void 222 can be aligned with the actuator shaft 54. Next, the first and second circumferential ends 218 and 220 of the first stop member 198 can be moved away from each other. For instance, the first and second circumferential ends 218 and 220 can be forced apart from each other as they ride over the actuator shaft 54. Because the first stop member 198 can be flexible and resilient, the first and second ends 198 and 200 can flex from the neutral or relaxed position to a second position sized to receive the actuator shaft 54 therebetween. Once the actuator shaft 54 has been received in the first stop member 198, the first and second circumferential ends 218 and 220 can be biased toward the neutral position, such that the contact surfaces 228 apply a force to the actuator shaft 54 that captures the actuator shaft 54 in the first stop member 198.

The at least one contact surface 228 can therefore apply a retention force against the actuator shaft 54 that resists sliding of the first stop member 198 along the actuator shaft 54. Alternatively, the first stop member 198 can be slidable along the actuator shaft 54, it being appreciated that the first stop member 198 will ultimately be captured between the first wedge member 48 and the first shoulder 202. As an alternative to the first locking member 198 being resilient and flexible, one or both of the first and second ends 198 and 200 can be mechanically movable between an unlocked position whereby the void 222 is sized to receive the actuator shaft 54, and a locked position whereby the actuator shaft 54 is captured in the first stop member 198. As a further alternative, the first locking member 198 can be expanded and moved along the central axis of the actuator shaft 54 to the first attachment location 212, and then can be mechanically or resiliently collapsed so as to attach to the actuator shaft 54 at the first attachment location 212. In this regard, the first locking member 198 can be configured as a fully enclosed annulus. As described above, the second stop member 200 can be attached to the actuator shaft 54 as described above with respect to the first stop member 198, but at the second attachment region 214.

Referring now to FIG. 23, the expansion limiter 129 can be constructed such that the first and second stop members 198 and 200 are urged radially inward against the actuator shaft 54 when the intervertebral implant is in its fully expanded configuration. In particular, the first abutment surfaces 230 can be sloped inwardly toward the actuator shaft 54 as it extends in the expansion direction toward the first shoulder 202. The first shoulder 202 can define a first abutment surface 236 that slopes inwardly toward the actuator shaft 54 as it extends in the expansion direction away from the first stop member 198. The first abutment surface 236 can at least partially or entirely surround the actuator shaft 54. The first abutment surface 236 can be sloped substantially equal to the slope of the abutment surface 230 of the first stop member 198. Thus, the first abutment surface 236 can be in surface contact with the abutment surface 230 of the first stop member 198 when the intervertebral implant 20 is in the fully expanded configuration. It is recognized therefore that as a force is applied to the first stop member 198 in the expansion direction, the sloped first abutment surface 236 will urge the abutment surface 230 of the first stop member 198 against the actuator shaft 54, thereby securing the first stop member 198 against the actuator shaft 54. In particular, the first stop member 198 is captured between the first abutment surface 236 and the actuator shaft 54.

The second shoulder 206 can define a second abutment surface 238 that slopes inwardly toward the actuator shaft 54 as it extends in the expansion direction away from the second stop member 202. The second abutment surface 238 can at least partially or entirely surround the actuator shaft 54. The second abutment surface 238 can be sloped substantially equal to the slope of the abutment surface 230 of the second stop member 200. Thus, the second abutment surface 238 can be in surface contact with the abutment surface 230 of the second stop member 200 when the intervertebral implant 20 is in the fully expanded configuration. It is recognized therefore that as a force is applied to the second stop member 200 in the expansion direction, the sloped second abutment surface 238 will urge the abutment surface 230 of the second stop member 200 against the actuator shaft 54, thereby securing the second stop member 200 against the actuator shaft 54. In particular, the second stop member 200 is captured between the first abutment surface 236 and the actuator shaft 54.

With continuing reference to FIG. 23, the stop surface 232 of the first stop member 198 can be sloped inwardly toward the actuator shaft 54 as it extends in a direction opposite the expansion direction, and thus toward the first wedge member 48. The first wedge member 48 can define a first wedge surface 240 that faces the first stop member 198. The first wedge surface 240 can slope inwardly toward the actuator shaft 54 as it extends in the direction opposite the expansion direction, and thus away from the first stop member 198. The first wedge surface 240 can at least partially or entirely surround the actuator shaft 54. Further, the first wedge surface 240 can define an opening to the first bore 68 of the first wedge member 48. The first wedge surface 240 can be sloped substantially equal to the slope of the stop surface 232 of the first stop member 198. Thus, the first wedge surface 240 can be in surface contact with the stop surface 232 of the first stop member 198 when the intervertebral implant is in the fully expanded configuration. It is recognized therefore that as the first wedge member 48 applies the force to the first stop member 198 in the expansion direction, the sloped first wedge surface 240 will urge the stop surface 232 of the first stop member 198 against the actuator shaft 54, thereby securing the first stop member 198 against the actuator shaft 54. In particular, the first stop member 198 is captured between the first wedge surface 240 and the actuator shaft 54.

The stop surface 232 of the second stop member 200 can be sloped inwardly toward the actuator shaft 54 as it extends in a direction opposite the expansion direction, and thus toward the second wedge member 50. The second wedge member 50 can define a second wedge surface 242 that faces the second stop member 200. The second wedge surface 242 can slope inwardly toward the actuator shaft 54 as it extends in the direction opposite the expansion direction, and thus away from the second stop member 200. The second wedge surface 242 can at least partially or entirely surround the actuator shaft 54. Further, the second wedge surface 242 can be defined by the second wall 71, and can define an opening to the second bore 72 of the second wedge member 50. The second wedge surface 242 can be sloped substantially equal to the slope of the stop surface 232 of the second stop member 200. Thus, the second wedge surface 242 can be in surface contact with the stop surface 232 of the second stop member 200 when the intervertebral implant is in the fully expanded configuration. It is recognized therefore that as the second wedge member 500 applies the force to the second stop member 200 in the expansion direction, the sloped second wedge surface 242 will urge the stop surface 232 of the second stop member 200 against the actuator shaft 54, thereby securing the second stop member 200 against the actuator shaft 54. In particular, the second stop member 200 is captured between the second wedge surface 242 and the actuator shaft 54.

Referring again to FIGS. 19A and 19B, as the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 move in the expansion direction, the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can urge at least one or both of the first and second endplates 44 and 46 to move away from the other of the first and second endplates 44 and 46. The first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can move in the expansion direction until they abut the respective first and second stop members 198 and 200 while the first and second stop members 198 and 200 abut the first and second shoulders 202 and 206, respectively. Abutment between the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 and the first and second stop members 198 and 200, respectively, prevents subsequent movement of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 in the direction of expansion. Thus, the actuator shaft 54 is prevented from rotating in the first direction in response to a torsional force applied to the actuator shaft 54 in the first direction. At this point, the intervertebral implant 20 can be said to be in the expanded configuration.

It should be appreciated that abutment between either one of the first and second stop members 198 and 200 and the associated one of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can prevent the one of the first and second stop members 198 and 200 from moving in the expansion direction. Further, because each of the first and second stop members 198 and 200 are threadedly coupled to the same actuator shaft, prevention of one of the first and second stop members 198 and 200 from moving in the expansion direction similarly prevents each of the first and second stop members 198 and 200 from moving in the expansion direction. Thus, the expansion limiter 129 can include at least one stop member, which can include one or both of the first and second stop members 198 and 200.

The first and second stop members 198 and 200 can abut the first and second shoulders 202 and 206, respectively, when the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 are in the collapsed position. For instance, the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can be attached to the actuator shaft 54 such that they abut the first and second shoulders 202 and 206, respectively. Thus, when the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 first abut the first and second stop members 198 and 200, respectively, when the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 are in the expansion position. Alternatively, the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can be spaced from the first and second shoulders 202 and 206, respectively, when the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 are in the collapsed position. For instance, the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can be attached to the actuator shaft 54 such that they are spaced from the first and second shoulders 202 and 206 along the collapse direction. Thus, as the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 move in the expansion direction, the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 can abut the first and second stop members 198 and 200, respectively, and urge the first and second stop members 198 and 200 to move in the expansion direction until they abut the first and second shoulders 202 and 206, respectively.

While the first stop member 198 can be attachable to the actuator shaft 54 in one example, the first stop member 198 can alternatively be monolithic with the actuator shaft 54 in another example. Similarly, while the second stop member 200 can be attachable to the actuator shaft 54 in one example, the second stop member 200 can alternatively be monolithic with the actuator shaft 54 in another example. If the first and second stop members 198 and 200 are monolithic with the actuator shaft, then abutment between the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 with the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can prevent further movement of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 in the expansion direction regardless of whether the first and second stop members 198 and 200 abut the shoulders 202 and 206, respectively. Alternatively still, the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can be attached to the actuator shaft 54 such that the first and second stop members 198 and 200 fixed with respect to movement along the actuator shaft 54 in the expansion direction. Thus, abutment between the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 with the first and second stop members 198 and 200 can prevent further movement of the first and second wedge members 48 and 50 in the expansion direction regardless of whether the first and second stop members 198 and 200 abut the shoulders 202 and 206, respectively.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from that processes, machines, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An expandable implant configured to be inserted in an intervertebral space defined between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body, the implant comprising:

a first endplate defining an upper bone contacting surface;

a second endplate defining a second bone contacting surface opposite the first bone contacting surface along a transverse direction;

an insertion end and a trailing end opposite the insertion end along a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the transverse direction;

an expansion member that defines a ramped engagement surface configured to bear against an engagement surface of one of the first and second endplates as the expansion member moves in an expansion direction with respect to the first and second endplates, thereby moving the expandable implant from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration,

wherein the expandable implant defines a first height from the first bone contacting surface to the second bone contacting surface in the collapsed configuration, the expandable implant defines a second height from the first bone contacting surface to the second bone contacting surface in the collapsed configuration, and the second height is greater than the first height,

wherein the expansion member mates with the first and second endplates so as to guide movement of the first and second endplates away from each other as the expansion member moves in the expansion direction, and

wherein the second endplate nests within the first endplate when the expandable implant is in the collapsed configuration.

2. The expandable implant as recited in claim 1, wherein the first endplate has a first guide member, the second endplate has a second guide member, and the expansion member defines a first guide member and a second guide member configured to engage the first guide member of the first endplate and the second guide member of the second endplate, respectively, so as to guide movement of the first and second endplates away from each other as the expansion member moves in the expansion direction.

3. The expandable implant as recited in claim 2, wherein the first guide member of the first endplate comprises channels sized to slidably receive the first guide member of the expansion member, and the second guide member of the second endplate comprises respective channels sized to slidably receive the second guide member of the expansion member.

4. The expandable implant as recited in claim 3, wherein the first endplate is an upper endplate, the second endplate is a lower endplate, the first guide member of the expansion member comprises outer projections that are received in the channels of the first guide member of the upper endplate, and the second guide member of the expansion member comprises inner projections that are received in the channels of the lower endplate.

5. The expandable implant of claim 4, wherein the inner projections are inwardly recessed with respect to the outer projections.

6. The expandable implant as recited in claim 5, wherein the channels of the upper endplate are outer channels, and the channels of the lower endplate are inner channels that are inwardly recessed with respect to the outer channels along the lateral direction.

7. The expandable implant as recited in claim 2, wherein the expansion member is movable in a collapse direction that causes the implant to move from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, and the guide members of the expansion member apply a force to the guide members of the upper and lower endplates that draw the upper and lower endplates toward each other as the expansion member moves in the collapse direction.

8. The expandable implant as recited in claim 1, wherein the expansion member comprises first and second expansion members that move toward each other in the expansion direction, and away from each other in the collapse direction.

9. The expandable implant as recited in claim 8, further comprising an expansion limiter that prevents rotation of the actuator shaft in the first direction of rotation when the implant has moved to the expanded configuration.

10. An implant assembly comprising:

the expandable implant as recited in claim 1; and

an instrument configured to attach to the implant and drive the expansion member to move in the expansion direction.