Artificial disc prosthesis

• US 20060149377A1
• Filed: 02/24/2006
• Published: 07/06/2006
• 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 7,771,480 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,

wherein said first endplate is made substantially of metal and comprises an endplate internal cavity that is substantially bounded by metal.

2. The prosthesis of claim 1, further comprising a polymeric member that defines polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member, and wherein said first endplate comprises a protrusion extending into said polymeric member interior space.

3. The prosthesis of claim 2, wherein said protrusion defines protrusion internal space which connects with said endplate internal cavity

4. The prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said endplate internal cavity is bounded at least by by a bone-facing boundary and a non-bone-facing boundary, and said bone-facing boundary is capable of interacting with bone of one of said vertebrae.

5. The prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said internal cavity contains electronics.

6. The prosthesis of claim 1, wherein said first endplate comprises a layer of metal, and further comprising a sensor in contact with said layer of metal.

7. The prosthesis of claim 1, further comprising a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates.

8. 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; and

connected to said first endplate, a protrusion which extends into said polymeric member interior space.

9. The prosthesis of claim 8, wherein said protrusion defines protrusion interior space.

10. The prosthesis of claim 9, wherein said protrusion interior space contains electronic components therein.

11. The prosthesis of claim 9, wherein said protrusion interior space is open to said polymeric member interior space.

12. The prosthesis of claim 9, wherein said protrusion interior space is isolated from said polymeric member interior space.

13. The prosthesis of claim 9, further comprising endplate internal cavity space adjacent to and connected to said protrusion interior space.

14. The prosthesis of claim 13, wherein said endplate internal cavity space contains electronic components therein.

15. The prosthesis of claim 8, wherein said protrusion is capable of receiving compressive load from said second endplate or from a component connected to said second endplate.

16. The prosthesis of claim 8, wherein said protrusion and said first endplate are made substantially of a metal.