Linked Slideable and Interlockable Rotatable Components

Abstract

Medical devices having one or more rotatable linkable components or segments, delivered in a first orientation relative to a component guide into a tissue cavity, such as the interbody vertebral space. After delivery, each segment may be rotated to a second, different orientation relative to the component guide, such as into a permanent vertical standing position. The segments achieve maximum distraction of the cavity space such as adjacent vertebra end plates, while using a minimal invasive surgical (MIS) approach. When the segments are tightened in place, the device provides long-term stability. The device can be used as a distraction instrument and/or permanent implant that can be used for interbody fusion, nuclear replacement, or anywhere in the body where a stable distraction of tissue and/or the implantation of material such as a device with an MIS approach is desired.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A medical device comprising:
 a component guide;   at least one linkable segment engaged with the component guide, each of the at least one linkable segments including a first region and a second region hingedly secured to the first region, and each of the at least one linkable segment being introduced to a proximity of tissue to be distracted such that the first and second regions are in a first orientation, the first and second hingedly attached regions rotating to a second orientation different from the first orientation upon an occurrence of a condition.   
     
     
         19 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein the condition includes a tightening of at least one linkable segment engaged with the component guide. 
     
     
         20 . The medical device of  claim 18 , and wherein the second region of the linkable segment is rotatable to an orientation different from the first orientation upon the occurrence of the condition. 
     
     
         21 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein a top face of the first region and a bottom face of the second region include arced surfaces which are eccentric relative to a hinged axis along which the first and second regions are hingedly secured. 
     
     
         22 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . The medical device of  claim 18  wherein at least the first region rotates to a second orientation different from the first orientation upon an occurrence of a condition. 
     
     
         28 . The medical device of  claim 18  wherein the distal tip of at least one region of the one linkable segment is a sharp tip. 
     
     
         29 . The medical device of  claim 18  wherein the distal tip of at least one region of the one linkable segment is a flat tip. 
     
     
         30 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein the condition includes urging of a tightening member provided on the component guide in a direction toward at least one of the linked segments engaged with the component guide. 
     
     
         31 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein the condition includes application of a force to a proximal end of at least one of the linkable segments. 
     
     
         32 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein the condition includes tightening of a tensioning member passing through at least one of the linkable segments, said tensioning member being separate from the component guide. 
     
     
         33 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein the condition includes contact between at least one of the linkable segments and a proximal end of an adjacent one of the plurality of linkable segments 
     
     
         34 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein at least one linkable segment engaged with the component guide is composed of a rigid material. 
     
     
         35 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein at least one linkable segment engaged with the component guide is composed of a flexible material. 
     
     
         36 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein at least two or more linkable segment first regions are of varying vertical heights. 
     
     
         37 . The medical device of  claim 18 , wherein a locking device is attached to the component guide at the proximal end of the most proximal linkable segment.