Adjustable interbody fusion devices and methods of use

Abstract

Interbody fusion devices, insertion tools, methods for assembling an interbody fusion device, and methods for inserting a medical device between two vertebral bodies are disclosed. The interbody fusion device includes a base member, a top member, and at least one movement mechanism. The base member includes at least one of a pivotal cylinder and a hinge channel. The top member includes at least one of a pivot cylinder and a hinge channel. The at least one pivot cylinder of the base member engages the at least one hinge channel of the top member and the at least one pivot cylinder of the top member engages the at least one hinge channel of the base member. The at least one movement mechanism engages the top member and the base member. Also disclosed are a vertebral spacer device and an interbody spacer system including an insertion tool and an interbody fusion device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An insertion tool, the insertion tool comprising:
 a handle;   a housing coupled to and extending away from the handle;   a securement mechanism with at least a portion of the securement mechanism positioned on a first end of the housing;   at least one adjustment mechanism inserted into the handle at a second end, extending through the handle and the housing, and protruding from the first end of the housing; and   an actuation bar coupled to and moveable relative to the handle, wherein the actuation bar engages the at least one adjustment mechanism to maintain a position of the at least one adjustment mechanism relative to the first end of the housing.   
     
     
         2 . The insertion tool of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one knob coupled to the at least one adjustment mechanism for actuating the at least one adjustment mechanism.   
     
     
         3 . The insertion tool of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one knob comprises:
 a first knob for fine adjustment of the at least one adjustment mechanism; and   a second knob for coarse adjustment of the at least one adjustment mechanism.   
     
     
         4 . The insertion tool of  claim 3 , wherein the first knob comprises:
 a shaft with a first end and a second end; and   a head coupled to the first end of the shaft;   wherein the shaft extends from a second end of the handle, through at least a portion of the handle to engage the adjustment mechanism.   
     
     
         5 . The insertion tool of  claim 4 , wherein the head of the first knob has a first diameter, wherein the second knob has a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. 
     
     
         6 . The insertion tool of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a third knob coupled to the securement mechanism, wherein the third knob rotates to actuate the securement mechanism.   
     
     
         7 . The insertion tool of  claim 6 , wherein the third knob has a threaded end. 
     
     
         8 . The insertion tool of  claim 6 , wherein the third knob is positioned at a first end of the handle and the at least on knob is positioned at a second end of the handle. 
     
     
         9 . The insertion tool of  claim 4 , wherein the shaft of the first knob includes at least one indicator. 
     
     
         10 . The insertion tool of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one adjustment mechanism comprises an engagement end at a first end. 
     
     
         11 . The insertion tool of  claim 10 , wherein the engagement end has a multi-lobed shape. 
     
     
         12 . The insertion tool of  claim 1 , wherein the securement mechanism is moveably coupled to the handle and protruding from a first end of the housing. 
     
     
         13 . The insertion tool of  claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises:
 a first opening extending from a first end of the handle to a second end of the handle along a longitudinal axis of the handle, the first opening receives at least a portion of the at least one adjustment mechanism; and   a second opening extending from a first exterior surface of the handle to a second opposite exterior surface of the handle, wherein the second opening extends perpendicular to the first opening,   wherein a portion of the second opening engages a portion of the first opening.   
     
     
         14 . The insertion tool of  claim 1 , wherein a first end of the housing comprises an engagement protrusion for engaging an implant. 
     
     
         15 . The insertion tool of  claim 1 , wherein the actuation bar is moveable between at least one first locked position and a second translation position. 
     
     
         16 . The insertion tool of  claim 15 , wherein the actuation bar comprises:
 a hole extending from a first side to a second side of the actuation bar, wherein the hole receives a portion of the adjustment mechanism.   
     
     
         17 . The insertion tool of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one first locked position is multiple first locked positions that allow for the adjustment mechanism to extend from the first end of the housing at different lengths. 
     
     
         18 . A method of using an insertion tool, comprising:
 providing an implant;   providing an insertion instrument;   inserting an adjustment mechanism into the insertion instrument; and   coupling the implant to the insertion instrument.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein coupling the implant to the insertion instrument comprises:
 engaging a securement mechanism at the first end of the insertion instrument with an opening in the implant.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 adjusting a dimension of the implant by rotating the adjustment mechanism, wherein adjusting a dimension of the implant comprises moving at least one side of the implant in a vertical direction.