In situ artificaial disc replacements and other prosthetic components

• US 20040186577A1
• Filed: 01/29/2004
• Published: 09/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Bret A. Ferree
• Original Assignee: Bret A. Ferree
• Inventors: Ferree, Bret A.
• Application Number:
  US10/767,194
• Publication Number:
  US 20040186577A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.16
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4425 made of articulated components
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30075 swellable, e.g. when wetted
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30092 using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30331 made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementarily-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30332 Conically- or frustoconically-shaped protrusion and recess
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30383 made by laterally inserting a protrusion, e.g. a rib into a complementarily-shaped groove
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30405 made by screwing complementary threads machined on the parts themselves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30462 retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30471 connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30476 locked by an additional locking mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30481 using a locking clip
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/305 Snap connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30507 using a threaded locking member, e.g. a locking screw or a set screw
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30556 for adjusting thickness
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30579 with mechanically expandable devices, e.g. fixation devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30601 telescopic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30604 modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30841 Sharp anchoring protrusions for impaction into the bone, e.g. sharp pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30883 dovetail-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/443 : having two transversal endplates and at least one intermediate component
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4629 : connected to the endoprosthesis or implant via a threaded connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4631 : the prosthesis being specially adapted for being cemented
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0014 : using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0061 : swellable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0033 : made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementary-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0075 : sutured, ligatured or stitched, retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0091 : connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0009 : for adjusting thickness
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00029 : Cobalt-based alloys, e.g. Co-Cr alloys or Vitallium

Abstract

Multi-component artificial disc replacements (ADRs) facilitate in situ assembly within a disc space. In contrast to single-component ADRs, which use endplates constructed of a single material, assembled ADRs according to the invention allow the use of more than one material, even for the endplates themselves in certain embodiments. As such, materials with good wear characteristics such as chrome cobalt can be combined with materials such as Nitinol exhibiting other desirable characteristics such as the elasticity or shape-memory properties. Devices according to the invention can be used for other joints of the body, such as prosthetic knees and hips.

Claims

1. Artificial disc replacement (ADR) apparatus, comprising:

an endplate that articulates with a cooperating component; and

wherein the endplate, or the endplate and the cooperating component, are physically configured for assembly within an intervertebral disc space.

2. The ADR apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the endplate, or the endplate and the cooperating component, are composed of dissimilar materials.

3. The ADR apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the endplate is composed of Nitinol or other shape-memory material.

4. The ADR apparatus of claim 3, wherein the Nitinol or other shape-memory material is used to form projections that diverge or converge after insertion in the disc space.

5. The ADR apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the endplate includes an articulating component composed of chrome cobalt or another metal alloy.

6. The ADR apparatus of claim 1, wherein the endplate is provided as two separate components that are physically configured for assembly within an intervertebral disc space.

7. The ADR apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the separate components are press-fit into a vertebral body.

8. The ADR apparatus of claim 5, wherein the separate components are connected through a snap-fit engagement.

9. The ADR apparatus of claim 5, wherein the separate components are connected through a hinge.

10. The ADR apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the endplate includes an articulating component that is treaded into the endplate.

11. The ADR apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the endplate includes an articulating component that is press-fit into the endplate.

12. The ADR apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the endplate includes an articulating component that is press-fit through a Morse-taper type joint.

13. The ADR apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooperating component is a spacer.

14. The ADR apparatus of claim 13, wherein the spacer is rotated or otherwise manipulated to achieve a vertebral distraction function.

15. The ADR apparatus of claim 13, wherein the spacer is contained within a disc space using a clip or other retaining element.

16. The ADR apparatus of claim 13, wherein the spacer is contained within a disc space using a clip or other retaining element.

17. The ADR apparatus of claim 13, wherein the spacer is contained within a disc space using a mesh or elastic component.

18. A method of implanting an artificial disc replacement (ADR) into an intervertebral disc space, comprising the steps of:

providing an endplate constructed from first and second components;

installing the first component into an intervertebral disc space; and

installing the second component into the disc space by attaching the second component to the first component, thereby assembling the endplate in situ.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first and second components are comprised of dissimilar materials.

20. The method of claim 18, further including a spacer component which is also assembled in situ.

21. A method of implanting an artificial disc replacement (ADR) into an intervertebral disc space, comprising the steps of:

providing an endplate constructed from first and second components;

installing the first component into an intervertebral disc space; and

installing the second component into the disc space by attaching the second component to the first component, thereby assembling the endplate in situ.