Devices for Insertion into a Vertebral Body and Methods of Treating a Vertebral Body

Abstract

Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.

1 .- 56 . (canceled) 
     
     
         57 . A device for insertion into a vertebral body having a superior endplate, an inferior endplate and an interior region therebetween, the device comprising:
 a generally elongated member sized and configured for insertion into the interior region of the vertebral body, the generally elongated member having a pre-deployed configuration for insertion into the interior of the vertebral body and changing to a curved configuration within the interior region of the vertebral body; and   an energy source operatively connected to the generally elongated member.   
     
     
         58 . The device of  claim 57  wherein the generally elongated member comprises an implant. 
     
     
         59 . The device of  claim 57  wherein the generally elongated member comprises a guide member configured to guide an implant into the interior of the vertebral body. 
     
     
         60 . The device of  claim 57  wherein the curved configuration comprises a generally helical configuration. 
     
     
         61 . The device of  claim 57  wherein the elongated member extends greater than 360 degrees when in the curved configuration. 
     
     
         62 . The device of  claim 57  wherein the pre-deployed configuration comprises a generally linear configuration. 
     
     
         63 . The device of  claim 57  wherein the elongated member includes a channel configured for delivering a flowable material into the interior of the vertebral body. 
     
     
         64 . The device of  claim 63  wherein the flowable material comprises bone filler. 
     
     
         65 . The device of  claim 63  wherein the flowable material comprises a drug. 
     
     
         66 . The device of  claim 57  wherein the energy source comprises a transducer assembly. 
     
     
         67 . The device of  claim 57  wherein the energy source produces vibrations that assists in penetration of the elongated member into the interior region of the vertebral body. 
     
     
         68 . The device of  claim 57  wherein the energy source propagates ultrasonic energy that assists in penetration of the elongated member into the interior region of the vertebral body. 
     
     
         69 . A method of treating a vertebral body having a superior endplate, an inferior endplate and an interior region therebetween, the method comprising:
 inserting a generally elongated member in a pre-deployed configuration into the interior region of the vertebral body, during insertion the generally elongated member having energy applied thereto to assist in penetration of the generally elongated member into the interior region of the vertebral body; and   changing the configuration of the generally elongated member into a curved configuration within the interior of the vertebral body.   
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69  wherein the generally elongated member comprises an implant. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 69  wherein the generally elongated member comprises a guide member configured to guide an implant into the interior of the vertebral body. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 69  wherein the curved configuration comprises a generally helical configuration. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 69  wherein the pre-deployed configuration comprises a generally linear configuration. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 69  further including delivering a flowable material into the interior of the vertebral body. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 74  wherein the flowable material comprises at least one of a bone filler or drug. 
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 69  wherein the energy applied to the generally elongated is propagated by an energy source operatively connected to the generally elongated member.