Interbody cage with spill-free biological material compartment

Abstract

Interbody cages for spinal stabilization having a frame that surrounds a central compartment suitable for retaining biological material, such as bone graft material. The central compartment acts as a spill-free bone and biologic compartment that allows a surgeon to introduce the interbody cage into the body in an effective manner without spilling the biological material. Methods for introducing the interbody cages are disclosed.

1 . An interbody cage for spinal stabilization comprising
 a) a frame that surrounds a central compartment, the frame comprising a top face and a bottom face, the top face comprising one or more top openings, and the bottom face comprising one or more bottom openings,   b) a cover that covers the one or more bottom openings, the cover comprising one or more apertures suitable for retaining biological material, and   c) a removable cover configured to be removably secured to the top face of the frame such that the removable cover covers the one or more top openings when secured to the top face of the frame, the removable cover comprising one or more apertures suitable for retaining biological material,   wherein the top face of the frame is configured to receive the removable cover, and   wherein the removable cover is convex.   
     
     
         2 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cover and the removable cover comprises mesh. 
     
     
         3 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cover and the removable cover comprises flexible mesh. 
     
     
         4 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is convex. 
     
     
         5 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 1 , wherein the frame further comprises at least one vertical face, wherein the at least one vertical face comprises one or more apertures suitable for retaining biological material. 
     
     
         6 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one vertical face comprises mesh. 
     
     
         7 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the top face and the bottom face comprises teeth that extend in an outward direction. 
     
     
         8 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured to receive an insertion rod. 
     
     
         9 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cover and the removable cover further comprises a pivotable attachment mechanism configured to engage at least one of the top face and the bottom face. 
     
     
         10 . An interbody cage for spinal stabilization comprising
 a) a frame that surrounds a central compartment, the frame comprising a top face and a bottom face, the top face comprising one or more top openings, and the bottom face comprising one or more bottom openings,   b) a cover that covers the one or more bottom openings, the cover comprising one or more apertures suitable for retaining biological material, and   c) an openable cover configured to be secured to the top face of the frame in a closed position and capable of being opened, the openable cover covering the one or more top openings when secured to the top face of the frame in the closed position, the openable cover comprising one or more apertures suitable for retaining biological material,   wherein the openable cover is convex.   
     
     
         11 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 10 , wherein the openable cover is configured to be secured to the top face of the frame by at least one latching mechanism and at least one hinge. 
     
     
         12 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the cover and the openable cover comprises mesh. 
     
     
         13 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the cover and the openable cover comprises flexible mesh. 
     
     
         14 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 10 , wherein the cover is convex. 
     
     
         15 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 10 , wherein the frame further comprises at least one vertical face, wherein the at least one vertical face comprises one or more apertures suitable for retaining biological material. 
     
     
         16 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one vertical face comprises mesh. 
     
     
         17 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the top face and the bottom face comprises teeth that extend in an outward direction. 
     
     
         18 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 10 , wherein the frame is configured to receive an insertion rod. 
     
     
         19 . The interbody cage for spinal stabilization of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the cover and the openable cover further comprises a pivotable attachment mechanism configured to engage at least one of the top face and the bottom face.