Controlled artificial intervertebral disc implant
First Claim
1. An intervertebral disc for placement between first and second vertebrae comprising:
- a first endplate having a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the first outer surface contacting the first vertebra;
a second endplate having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, the second outer surface contacting the second vertebra;
a leaf spring having first and second resilient ends, configured to engage the second endplate, and a length, the leaf spring further comprising a central body having first and second surfaces, the first surface comprising an articulating surface.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc is preferably designed to restore disc height and natural disc curvature, allow for a natural range of motion, absorb shock and provide resistance to motion and axial compression. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc may be used in the cervical, the thoracic, or the lumbar regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior including at least one spring member preferably incorporating a arcuate surface member, a flexible core, the flexible core preferably being a slotted core, a ring spring, a winged leaf spring, or a leaf spring, or The articulating member preferably being attached to one of the endplate by an intermediate shock absorbing element.
-
Citations
41 Claims
-
1. An intervertebral disc for placement between first and second vertebrae comprising:
-
a first endplate having a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the first outer surface contacting the first vertebra;
a second endplate having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, the second outer surface contacting the second vertebra;
a leaf spring having first and second resilient ends, configured to engage the second endplate, and a length, the leaf spring further comprising a central body having first and second surfaces, the first surface comprising an articulating surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
-
20. An intervertebral disc for placement between first and second vertebrae comprising:
-
a first endplate having a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the first outer surface configured for contacting the first vertebra;
a second endplate having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, the second outer surface configured for contacting the second vertebra;
a first articulation member having a first surface associated with the first endplate, a leaf spring having at least a first surface associated with the second endplate and a second surface associated with a second surface of the first articulation member;
wherein the first articulation member is configured to allow the first and second endplates to articulate with respect to each other, and the leaf spring is configured to allow the end plates to approach one another in response to a compressive force applied to at least one of the end plates. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
-
Specification