Intervertebral disc nucleus implants and methods

• US 20060058881A1
• Filed: 09/16/2004
• Published: 03/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Trieu, Hai H.
• Application Number:
  US10/942,699
• Publication Number:
  US 20060058881A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.160
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/3094 Designing or manufacturing processes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/442 Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient non-disc-shaped intervertebral inflatable pockets A61F2/441; non-disc-shaped intervertebral fusion implants A61F2/4455
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30062 (bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30069 elastomeric
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30075 swellable, e.g. when wetted
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3008 radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30462 retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30563 having elastic means or damping means, different from springs, e.g. including an elastomeric core or shock absorbers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30578 having apertures, e.g. for receiving fixation screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/444 for replacing the nucleus pulposus
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4495 having a fabric structure, e.g. made from wires or fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0004 bioabsorbable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0061 swellable
• 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 2250/0098 radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers

Abstract

Devices for anchoring spinal implants in an intervertebral disc space are provided. Spinal implants are also provided that are resistant to lateral deformation. The implants may include a flexible peripheral supporting band disposed circumferentially about an elastic body. Methods for anchoring spinal implants and methods for reducing deformation of spinal implants are also provided.

Claims

1. A spinal implant, comprising:

(a) an elastic body sized for introduction into an intervertebral disc space that is defined at least partially by an annulus fibrosis, said body having an upper surface and a lower surface for contacting adjacent vertebral endplates; and

(b) a flexible peripheral supporting band disposed circumferentially about said elastic body for reducing deformation of said body, at least a portion of said upper and lower surface free of said supporting band, said implant sized to fit within the intervertebral disc space defined by an annulus fibrosis.

2. The implant of claim 1, wherein said elastic body is comprised of a biocompatible polymeric material.

3. The implant of claim 1, wherein said material is comprised of a hydrogel.

4. The implant of claim 1, wherein said elastic body is comprised of an elastomer.

5. The implant of claim 4, wherein said elastomer is selected from silicone, polyurethane, copolymers of silicone and polyurethane, polyolefins, vulcanized rubber and combinations thereof.

6. The implant of claim 1, wherein said elastic body is comprised of a hydrogel/elastomer composite.

7. The implant of claim 1, wherein said band is made of a solid material.

8. The implant of claim 1, wherein said band is made of a porous material.

9. The implant of claim 1, wherein said band is made of a made of a woven material.

10. The implant of claim 1, wherein said band is made of a braided material.

11. The implant of claim 1, wherein said band is comprised of a biocompatible material selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyurethane, copolymers of silicone and polyurethane, polyolefins, vulcanized rubber, a shape memory material, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, cobalt chrome alloy and combinations thereof.

12. The implant of claim 11, wherein said shape memory material is a shape memory alloy that exhibits superelastic behavior.

13. The implant of claim 1, wherein said peripheral supporting band is comprised of a fabric.

14. The implant of claim 13, wherein said fabric is selected from polyethylene, polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide, cellulose and combinations thereof.

15. The implant of claim 1, wherein at least about 50% of each of said upper and lower surface is free of said peripheral supporting band.

16. The implant of claim 1 wherein said flexible peripheral supporting band is disposed in a groove circumferentially about said elastic body.

17. The implant of claim 1, wherein said peripheral supporting band is elastic.

18. The implant of claim 1, wherein said implant includes at least one strap extending along said upper surface and at least one strap extending across said bottom surface.

19. The implant of claim 18, wherein at least one of said at least one straps is attached to said supporting band.

20. The implant of claim 18 wherein at least one of said at least one straps is positioned in a groove on the surface of said elastic body.

21. The implant of claim 18 wherein said at least one straps comprises at least two straps.

22. The implant of claim 21, wherein said at least two straps are positioned generally parallel to each other.

23. The implant of claim 21, wherein said at least two straps are positioned generally perpendicular to each other.