Implantable intervertebral disc shearing device

Abstract

An implantable device for stabilizing joints is provided. The stabilizing device, or implant, includes an elongated body and at least two bone cutting surfaces. The bone cutting surfaces are adapted to cut bone upon rotation of the body about its longitudinal axis between two bones. The device is adapted to promote bone fusion. In one embodiment, a device to initiate bony fusion between two adjacent vertebral bodies in the spine is provided. Methods of stabilizing joints and promoting bone fusion are also provided.

1 . An implantable stabilizing device for stabilizing a joint in the human body comprising: 
 an elongate body having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein said upper and lower surfaces having a longitudinal axis and transverse axis;    a first pair of opposing blade-like shearing protrusions extending from said upper surface of the elongate body;    a second pair of opposing blade-like shearing protrusions extending from said lower surface of the elongate body,    wherein said first pair of blade-like shearing protrusions comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, and    wherein said second pair of blade-like shearing protrusions comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first pair or second pair of blade-like shearing protrusions extend away from the elongate body at an angle less than about 90 degrees relative to the transverse axis of the elongate body to facilitate containment of a harvested bone material.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first pair or second pair of blade-like shearing protrusions are curved to facilitate the containment of harvested bone.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first pair or second pair of blade-like shearing protrusions comprises barbs.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first pair or second pair of blade-like shearing protrusions comprises one or more perforations, holes, or voids.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said one or more perforations, holes, or voids permit bone ingrowth.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first pair or second pair of blade-like shearing protrusions comprises a porous portion.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said porous portion permits bone ingrowth.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion at least one of said first pair or second pair of blade-like shearing protrusions is coated with a bone growth facilitator.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said first pair and second pair of shearing protrusions extend along said upper and lower surface of the elongate body at an angle parallel to the transverse axis of the elongate body.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said wherein said first pair and second pair of shearing protrusions are oriented along said upper and lower surface of the elongate body such that said shearing protrusions pairs form a wedge.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate body comprises a hollow portion.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the hollow portion is adapted to accept bone that is sheared by at least one of said first pair or second pair of blade-like shearing protrusions.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate body comprises one or more perforations, holes, or voids.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said one or more perforations, holes, or voids permit bone ingrowth.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate body comprises a porous portion.  
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein said porous portion permits bone ingrowth.  
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the elongate body is coated with a bone growth facilitator.