Artificial disc prosthesis

• US 20060142860A1
• Filed: 02/24/2006
• Published: 06/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Theken Spine LLC (Orthofix Medical Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Theken Disc, LLC (Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Theken, Randall R., Navarro, Richard R., Ananthan, Bharadwaj
• Granted Patent: US 7,806,935 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.110
• 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 2002/30372 with additional means for limiting said translation
• 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 2002/30462 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 2002/30604 modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30884 Fins or wings, e.g. longitudinal wings for preventing rotation within the bone cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30892 parallel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30904 serrated profile, i.e. saw-toothed
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3097 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4666 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• 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 2310/00017 Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00023 Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00029 Cobalt-based alloys, e.g. Co-Cr alloys or Vitallium

Abstract

A visco-elastic motion-limiting artificial intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided that mimics the physiologic function of a normal spinal disc. The disc comprises upper and lower endplates having therewithin channels or openings for optionally receiving one or more motion-limiting members fitted on each end with an enlarged portion. One or more compression stops is provided between the upper and lower endplates. Additionally, an elastomeric cushion is disposed between the endplates and surrounds the motion-limiting members. Also, force transducers and microelectronics can be utilized to provide data to the surgeon or the patient regarding the load state of the disc.

Claims

1. A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:

a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae; and

a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member,

wherein said polymeric member interior space is hermetically isolated from an exterior of said prosthesis.

2. A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:

a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae; and

a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member,

wherein said first and second endplates both have continuous boundary surfaces suitable to exclude fluids from said polymeric member interior space.

3. A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:

a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae; and

a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member,

wherein said prosthesis further comprises at least one force-measuring sensor.

4. The prosthesis of claim 3, wherein said load-measuring sensor is selected from the group consisting of strain gauges and piezoelectric sensors.

5. A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:

a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae; and

a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member,

wherein said prosthesis further comprises a battery.

6. A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:

a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae; and

a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member;

wherein said prosthesis further comprises electronic components contained within said prosthesis.

7. The prosthesis of claim 6, wherein said electronic components are located within one of said endplates.

8. The prosthesis of claim 6, wherein said electronic components are located within a protrusion whose interior space is open to said polymeric member interior space.

9. The prosthesis of claim 6, wherein said electronic components are located within a protrusion whose interior space is separated from said polymeric member interior space.