Support device and method for use

Abstract

Devices and methods for orthopedic support are disclosed. The device can have a first rigid section hingedly attached to a second rigid section. The device can be curved or rotated around obstructions along an access path to a target site. The device can be delivered to an intervertebral location in a patient.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for inserting an implant to a target site between a first vertebra and a second vertebra comprising:
 creating a first channel through the ilium;   creating a second channel through the sacrum, wherein the first channel is aligned with the second channel;   inserting a first rigid section of the implant through the first channel and the second channel into the target site,   rotating a second rigid section of the implant with respect to the first rigid section, wherein the first rigid section is hingedly attached to the second rigid section; and   inserting the second rigid section of the implant into the target site.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second channel passes through a vertebral endplate. 
     
     
         3 . A biological implant device for providing orthopedic support comprising:
 a first rigid section with a first top plate and a first bottom plate, wherein the first rigid section is at a first terminal longitudinal and of the device; and   a second rigid section with a second top plate and a second bottom plate;   wherein the first rigid section is rotatably attached to the second rigid section, and wherein the top and bottom plates are configured to interface with hard tissue.   
     
     
         4 . A method for inserting a support device to a target site in a spine adjacent a first vertebra comprising:
 creating a channel through a non-vertebral bone and a vertebra; and   inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein creating a channel through the vertebra comprises creating a channel through a vertebral end plate. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein inserting the support device through the channel and into the target site comprises:
 inserting a first rigid section of the device through the channel and into the target site,   inserting a second rigid section of the device through the channel,   rotating the second rigid section of the implant with respect to the first rigid section, wherein the first rigid section is hingedly attached to the second rigid section; and   inserting the second rigid section of the implant into the target site.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein creating the channel comprises drilling, with a flexible drill. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the non-vertebral bone comprises the pelvis. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the non-vertebral bone comprises the ilium. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the non-vertebral bone comprises the sacrum.