Modular disc device

• US 20060195191A1
• Filed: 01/09/2006
• Published: 08/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Vertebral Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: AlphaSpine, Inc.
• Inventors: Hawkes, David T., Ensign, Michael D., Sweeney, Thomas M. II
• Application Number:
  US11/328,498
• Publication Number:
  US 20060195191A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.13
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30767 Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
• 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 2/4425 made of articulated components
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30387 Dovetail connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3039 with possibility of relative movement of the rib within the groove
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30561 breakable or frangible
• 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 2002/30566 Helical springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30571 Leaf springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30604 modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30922 Hardened surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements

Abstract

The disclosure generally relates to a modular disc that is insertable by sections into a disc space located between vertebral bodies. The primary segments of the modular disc are one or more middle members engageable with first and second side members. The first and second side members are successively inserted into and positioned in the disc space one at a time. The middle member is then slidably engaged on rails extending from the respective first and second side members. Eventually, the middle member is moved along the guides and positioned between the respective first and second side members and the guides or rails are detached. Optionally, a cushioning and/or biasing member may be located between upper and lower portions of the side members and/or middle member.

Claims

1. A modular disc comprising:

a middle member having engagement portions; and

first and second side members having complementary engagement portions, the middle member disposed between the first and second side members, wherein the middle member is slidably engageable with the first and second side members.

2. The modular disc of claim 1 wherein the engagement portions of the middle member comprise recessed slots.

3. The modular disc of claim 1 wherein the engagement portions of the middle member comprise keyed slots.

4. The modular disc of claim 1 wherein the engagement portions of the middle member comprise dovetail portions extending laterally therefrom.

5. The modular disc of claim 1 wherein the complementary engagement portions of the first and second side members comprise recessed slots.

6. The modular disc of claim 1 wherein the complementary engagement portions of the first and second side members comprise keyed slots.

7. The modular disc of claim 1 wherein the complementary engagement portions of the first and second side members comprise dovetail portions extending laterally therefrom.

8. The modular disc of claim 1 wherein the complementary engagement portions of the first and second side members comprise guide tracks extending therefrom.

9. The modular disc of claim 1 wherein the first and second side members include upper and lower portions.

10. The modular disc of claim 1, further comprising:

an intermediate member disposed between the upper and lower portions of the first and second side members.

11. The modular disc of claim 10 wherein the intermediate member is a biasing member.

12. The modular disc of claim 11 wherein the biasing member is a spring.

13. The modular disc of claim 10 wherein the intermediate member is a damping member.

14. The modular disc of claim 13 wherein the damping member is an elastomeric member.

15. The modular disc of claim 10 wherein the intermediate member is a spacer.

16. The modular disc of claim 1, further comprising:

an intermediate member disposed between the upper and lower portions of the middle member.

17. The modular disc of claim 1 wherein the middle member is a two-piece middle member.

18. A modular disc comprising:

a middle member having an engagement portion; and

a first side member having a first complementary engagement portion comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion positioned proximate the first side member, the second portion extending radially from an outer circumference of the first side member, wherein the engagement portion of the middle member is slidably engageable with the first and second portions of the complementary engagement portion of the first side member.

19. The modular disc of claim 18 wherein the engagement portion of the middle member comprises a recessed slot.

20. The disc of claim 18 wherein the engagement portion of the middle member comprises a keyed slot.

21. The modular disc of claim 18 wherein the engagement portion of the middle member comprises a dovetail portion.

22. The modular disc of claim 18 wherein the complementary engagement portion of the first side member comprises a recessed slot.

23. The modular disc of claim 18 wherein the complementary engagement portion of the first side member comprises a keyed slot.

24. The modular disc of claim 18 wherein the complementary engagement portion of the first side members comprises a dovetail extension.

25. The modular disc of claim 18 wherein the complementary engagement portion of the first side member comprise a guide track.

26. The modular disc of claim 18, further comprising:

an intermediate member positioned adjacent to the first side member.

27. The modular disc of claim 26 wherein the intermediate member is a biasing member.

28. The modular disc of claim 27 wherein the biasing member is a spring.

29. The modular disc of claim 26 wherein the intermediate member is a damping member.

30. The modular disc of claim 29 wherein the damping member is an elastomeric member.

31. The modular disc of claim 26 wherein the intermediate member is a spacer.

32. The modular disc of claim 18 wherein the complementary engagement portion includes a decreased strength region located proximate the outer circumference of the first side member.

33. A method of inserting a spinal disc between vertebral bodies, the method comprising:

inserting a first side member into a first portion of a disc space located between the vertebral bodies, the first side member having an engagement member with a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion coupled to the first side member and locatable within the disc space, the second engagement portion extending from the first engagement portion and protrudable from the disc space in a first direction;

inserting a second side member into a second portion of the disc space, the second side member having an engagement member with a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion coupled to the second side member and locatable within the disc space, the second engagement portion extending from the first engagement portion and protrudable from the disc space in substantially the first direction;

slidably engaging a middle member with the second engagement portions of the first and second side members;

sliding the middle member along the second engagement portions of the first and second side members;

sliding the middle member along the first engagement portions of the first and second side members until the middle member is located within the disc space; and

detaching the second engagement portions of the first and second side members.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein detaching the second engagement portions of the first and second side members includes breaking off the second engagement portions along a reduced strength region proximate the first engagement portions.

35. The method of claim 33 wherein inserting the spinal disc between vertebral bodies includes inserting the spinal disc through a posterior surgical opening.

36. The method of claim 33 wherein inserting the spinal disc between vertebral bodies includes inserting the spinal disc through a lateral surgical opening.