Minimally invasive apparatus to manipulate and revitalize spinal column disc

• US 20060276899A1
• Filed: 09/30/2005
• Published: 12/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Arthrodisc LLC
• Original Assignee: Arthrodisc LLC
• Inventors: Zipnick, Richard I., Stultz, Randall W.
• Application Number:
  US11/241,143
• Publication Number:
  US 20060276899A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.130
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320016 Endoscopic cutting instruments, e.g. arthroscopes, resectoscopes A61B10/0233, A61B17/29, A61B17/3207 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/32002 with continuously rotating, oscillating or reciprocating cutting instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3468 for implanting or removing devices, e.g. prostheses, implants, seeds, wires devices for implanting seeds A61M37/0069
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8875 Screwdrivers, spanners or wrenches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/32113 with extendable or retractable guard or blade
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0801 Prevention of accidental cutting or pricking
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30771 applied in original prostheses, e.g. holes or grooves
• 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 2/4425 made of articulated components
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4455 for the fusion of spinal bodies, e.g. intervertebral fusion of adjacent spinal bodies, e.g. fusion cages intervertebral discs A61F2/442
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/446 having a circular or elliptical cross-section substantially parallel to the axis of the spine, e.g. cylinders or frustocones
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/447 substantially parallelepipedal, e.g. having a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30112 Rounded shapes, e.g. with rounded corners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30131 horseshoe- or crescent- or C-shaped or U-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30136 undulated or wavy, e.g. serpentine-shaped or zigzag-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30153 rectangular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30172 T-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30205 conical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30224 : cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30233 : Stepped cylinders, i.e. having discrete diameter changes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30253 : ellipsoidal or ovoid
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30261 : parallelepipedal
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30285 : rugby-ball-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30286 : barrel-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30293 : Cylindrical body made by spirally rolling up a sheet or a strip around itself
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30294 : Conical or frustoconical body made by spirally rolling up a sheet or a strip around itself
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30331 : made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementarily-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30393 : with additional means for limiting said rotation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30398 : Sliding
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30401 : with additional means for preventing or locking said sliding
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30428 : made by inserting a protrusion into a slot
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30471 : connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30507 : using a threaded locking member, e.g. a locking screw or a set screw
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30517 : using a locking plate
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30528 : Means for limiting said movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30545 : for adjusting a diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3055 : for adjusting length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30553 : for adjusting a position by translation along an axis
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30566 : Helical springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30571 : Leaf springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30573 : 2-D spiral springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30579 : with mechanically expandable devices, e.g. fixation devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30593 : hollow
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30594 : slotted, e.g. radial or meridian slot ending in a polar aperture, non-polar slots, horizontal or arcuate slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30601 : telescopic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30604 : modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30624 : Hinged joint, e.g. with transverse axle restricting the movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30634 : biaxial
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30649 : Ball-and-socket joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30662 : with rotation-limiting means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30772 : Apertures or holes, e.g. of circular cross section
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30818 : castellated or crenellated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30822 : Circumferential grooves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30823 : having the shape of a reverse dovetail
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30831 : perpendicular with respect to each other
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30841 : Sharp anchoring protrusions for impaction into the bone, e.g. sharp pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30881 : Circumferential ribs, flanges or fins
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30883 : dovetail-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30884 : Fins or wings, e.g. longitudinal wings for preventing rotation within the bone cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4415 : elements of the prosthesis being arranged in a chain like manner
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/443 : having two transversal endplates and at least one intermediate component
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/444 : for replacing the nucleus pulposus
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4627 : with linear motion along or rotating motion about the instrument axis or the implantation direction, e.g. telescopic, along a guiding rod, screwing inside the instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4629 : connected to the endoprosthesis or implant via a threaded connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4677 : using a guide wire
• 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 2220/0091 : connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0004 : Rounded shapes, e.g. with rounded corners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0013 : Horseshoe-shaped, e.g. crescent-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0019 : rectangular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0052 : T-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0063 : Three-dimensional shapes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0067 : conical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 : cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0071 : spherical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0076 : ellipsoidal or ovoid
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0082 : parallelepipedal
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0091 : helically-coiled or spirally-coiled, i.e. having a 2-D spiral cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0008 : for adjusting a position by translation along an axis or two perpendicular axes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/001 : for adjusting a diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00011 : Metals or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00179 : Ceramics or ceramic-like structures

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided to manipulate and revitalize a spinal column disc while minimizing or preventing the removal of material comprising the disc. The method allows a device to be inserted in the disc either through a pre-existing rupture or through an opening formed in the front, back, or sides of the disc. Increasing the space between the vertebra bounding the disc or removing disc material often is not necessary to insert the device in the disc. The device generates internal traction or other forces acting on the disc to alter the shape of the disc. The shape of the disc is altered to relieve pressure on nerves adjacent the disc. The shape of the disc is also altered to draw nuclear hernias back into the interior of the disc and to produce a disc shape that improves functioning of the disc.

Claims

1. An apparatus for disposition between first and second opposing vertebrae, said first vertebra being canted with respect to said second vertebra, said apparatus shaped and dimensioned to generate a force to change the cant of said first vertebra with respect to said second vertebra.

2. An apparatus for disposition between first and second opposing vertebrae, said first vertebra being rotated about a vertical axis from a first desired position to a second misaligned position, said apparatus shaped and dimensioned to generate a force to cause said first vertebra to rotate from said second misaligned position toward said first desired position.

3. An apparatus to manipulate an intervertebral disc to improve the functioning of the disc, the disc including an annulus, between a pair of vertebra, comprising a device configured when inserted in the disc to contact the vertebra, and operable in response to movement of the vertebra to change the shape of the disc.

4. An apparatus to manipulate an intervertebral disc to improve the functioning of the disc, said apparatus shaped and dimensioned such that when said apparatus is inserted in the disc and compressed between a pair of vertebra, said apparatus gathers at least a portion of the disc to offset at least in part expansive forces acting on the disc.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus is unitary.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus rolls over at least one of the vertebra when compressed between the vertebra.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus slides over at least a portion of one of the vertebra when compressed between the vertebra.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus lengthens inwardly when compressed between the vertebra.

9. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus coils inwardly when compressed between the vertebra.

10. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said apparatus fixedly engages at least one of the vertebra when compressed.

11. The apparatus of claim 4 in combination with the pair of vertebra and the disc.

12. An apparatus to manipulate an intervertebral disc to improve the functioning of the disc, said apparatus shaped and dimensioned such that when said apparatus is inserted in the disc and compressed between a pair of vertebra, at least a portion of said apparatus moves away from the periphery of the disc.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 in combination with the pair of vertebra and the disc.

14. A method to manipulate an intervertebral disc to improve the functioning of the disc, the disc including an annulus, between a pair of vertebra, comprising the steps of

(a) providing a device shaped and dimensioned when inserted in the disc

(i) to contact the vertebra, and

(ii) operable in response to movement of the vertebra to change the shape of the disc;

and,

(b) inserting said device in the disc to change the shape of the disc.

15. A method to manipulate an intervertebral disc to improve the functioning of the disc, the method comprising the steps of

(a) providing an apparatus shaped and dimensioned when inserted in the disc and compressed between a pair of vertebra to gather at least a portion of the disc to offset at least in part expansive forces acting on the disc;

and,

(b) inserting said apparatus in the disc to gather said portion of said disc when said apparatus is compressed between a pair of said vertebra.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said apparatus is unitary.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said apparatus rolls over at least one of the vertebra when compressed between the vertebra.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein said apparatus slides over at least a portion of one of the vertebra when compressed between the vertebra.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein said apparatus lengthens inwardly when compressed between the vertebra.

20. The method of claim 15 wherein said apparatus coils inwardly when compressed between the vertebra.

21. The method of claim 15 wherein said apparatus fixedly engages at least one of the vertebra when compressed.

22. The method of claim 15 in combination with the pair of vertebra and the disc.

23. A method to manipulate an intervertebral disc to improve the functioning of the disc, the disc including a periphery, the method comprising the steps of

(a) providing an apparatus shaped and dimensioned when inserted in the disc and compressed between a pair of vertebra to move at least a portion of said apparatus away from the periphery of the disc;

and,

(b) inserting said apparatus in the disc to move said portion of said apparatus when said apparatus is compressed between a pair of said vertebra.

24. A method for inserting a device to improve in an individual'"'"'s body the functioning of an intervertebral disc, including an annulus, between a pair of vertebrae, the body having a front, a first side, a second side, and a back, the disc including

a front portion facing the front of the body,

side portions each facing a side of the body, and

a back portion facing the back of the body,

said method comprising the steps of

(a) forming an opening in said disc, between the pair of vertebrae, and in one of a group comprising

(i) the side portions of the disc,

(ii) the front portion of the disc, and

(iii) the back portion of the disc;

(b) providing a device shaped and dimensioned to fit through said opening in the disc; and

,

(c) inserting said device through the opening in the disc; and

,

(d) retaining substantially all of the disc.

25. A method for inserting a device to improve in an individual'"'"'s body the functioning of an intervertebral disc, including an annulus, between a pair of vertebrae, the body having a front, a first side, a second side, and a back, the disc including

a front portion facing the front of the body,

side portions each facing a side of the body,

a back portion facing the back of the body, and

a pre-existing rupture,

said method comprising the steps of

(a) providing a device shaped and dimensioned to fit through said pre-existing rupture in the disc;

and,

(b) inserting said device through the pre-existing rupture in the disc; and

,

(c) retaining substantially all of the disc.