Flanged interbody fusion device with oblong fastener apertures

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation device within fastener apertures and screws configured to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation device to bone is provided. In some embodiments, a fastener aperture insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation device. The fastener apertures and aperture inserts may have an oblong configuration. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.

1 . An orthopedic fixation system, comprising: 
 a fastener comprising a fastener head and a threaded fastener body, wherein the fastener head comprises a lumen opening, a central internal lumen contiguous with the lumen opening, a side lumen contiguous with the central internal lumen and an expansion member located at least partially within the side lumen and having an expanded configuration and a reduced configuration; and    a fixation component with one or more fastener apertures adapted to receive said fastener.    
     
     
         2 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 1 , wherein the one or more fastener apertures have an oblong configuration.  
     
     
         3 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 2 , wherein the oblong configuration is an oval configuration.  
     
     
         4 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 3 , wherein the oval configuration has a widest dimension that is generally oriented along a vertical axis of said fixation component.  
     
     
         5 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 1 , wherein the fastener head further comprises an internal screw and located in the central internal lumen, the internal screw having a proximal position and a distal position.  
     
     
         6 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 5 , wherein the internal screw in the proximal position is located about the side lumen and in the distal position is located distal to the side lumen.  
     
     
         7 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 5 , wherein the proximal position of the internal screw displaces the expansion member into the expanded configuration.  
     
     
         8 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 5 , wherein the proximal position of the internal screw at least partially displaces the expansion member out of the side lumen.  
     
     
         9 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 5 , wherein the proximal position of the internal screw allows the expansion member to be in the reduced configuration.  
     
     
         10 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 6 , wherein the expansion member in the reduced configuration is partially located in the central internal lumen.  
     
     
         11 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 10 , wherein the proximal position of the internal screw at least partially displaces the expansion member out of the central internal lumen.  
     
     
         12 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 1 , wherein the expansion member is biased to the reduced configuration.  
     
     
         13 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 1 , wherein the fastener head further comprises an expansion groove contiguous with the side lumen and the expansion member comprises an elongate body positioned about the expansion groove.  
     
     
         14 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 13 , wherein the elongate body is an arcuate elongate body.  
     
     
         15 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 13 , wherein the expansion member further comprises a radial elongate body located at least partially in the side lumen.  
     
     
         16 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 1 , further comprising an orthopedic device comprising a fastener lumen adapted to retain the fastener.  
     
     
         17 . An orthopedic fixation system, comprising: 
 a screw comprising a screw head and a threaded screw body, wherein the screw head comprises a lumen opening, a central internal lumen contiguous with the lumen opening, a side lumen contiguous with the central internal lumen and an C-shaped ring located at least partially within the side lumen and having an expanded configuration and a reduced configuration, a threaded expansion screw within the central internal lumen; and    a fixation component with one or more oval screw apertures adapted to receive said screw.    
     
     
         18 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 17 , wherein the one or more screw apertures have an oblong configuration.  
     
     
         19 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 18 , wherein the oblong configuration is an oval configuration.  
     
     
         20 . The orthopedic fixation system as in  claim 19 , wherein the oval configuration has a widest dimension that is generally oriented along a vertical axis of said fixation component.