Artificial disc prosthesis
First Claim
1. A subassembly for a spinal disc prosthesis, said subassembly comprising:
- an opening-containing endplate, said opening-containing endplate having an opening suitable for insertion therethrough of internal components; and
a cover suitable to join with said opening-containing endplate suitably to cover said opening and form a continuous endplate.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A subassembly for a spinal disc prosthesis, said subassembly comprising:
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an opening-containing endplate, said opening-containing endplate having an opening suitable for insertion therethrough of internal components; and
a cover suitable to join with said opening-containing endplate suitably to cover said opening and form a continuous endplate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A subassembly for a spinal disc prosthesis, said subassembly comprising:
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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, wherein said first endplate comprises an opening, a subplate containing a hole, said subplate being suitable to cover said opening; and
a cover suitable to cover said hole. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7)
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8. A subassembly for a spinal disc prosthesis, said subassembly comprising:
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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, wherein said first endplate comprises a bone-facing side and a non-bone-facing side, and wherein said bone-facing side of said endplate has a cavity suitable to contain electronics. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An elongated tension member for a spinal disc prosthesis, said member comprising:
an elongated central region having two ends, and, on each of said ends, a respective ball or portion thereof having a respective convex surface, said convex surfaces facing toward each other. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method of manufacturing a spinal disc prosthesis, said method comprising:
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manufacturing a first endplate and a second endplate, said endplates being suitable to attach to respective vertebrae, wherein said endplates include respective sockets; and
joining a ball or portion thereof onto at least one end of an elongated member. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method of manufacturing a spinal disc prosthesis, said method comprising:
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manufacturing a first endplate and a second endplate, at least said first endplate being an opening-containing endplate containing an opening;
inserting molding cores through said opening, said molding cores being suitable to define polymeric material interior space;
molding a polymer which is interposed between and adhered to said first opening-containing endplate and said second endplate;
removing said molding cores; and
attaching a cover to said frame, said cover being suitable to close said polymeric material interior space. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification