Selectively Expandable Composite Structures for Spinal Arthroplasty
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A selectively expandable composite intervertebral disc prosthesis, comprising:
- an outer shell comprised of a non-hydrogel polymer material; and
at least one core positioned within the outer shell, the core comprised of a hydrophilic polymer;
where the at least one core expands upon hydration, thereby deforming the outer shell.
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Abstract
Embodiments include selectively expandable composite structures useful as spinal arthroplasty devices such as intervertebral disc prostheses. The structures may comprise an outer shell comprised of a non-hydrogel polymer material. The structures also may comprise at least one core positioned within the outer shell. The core may be comprised of a hydrophilic polymer. The core may expand upon hydration, thereby deforming the outer shell. The selectively expandable composite structures may be implanted in a dehydrated form and then expand during re-hydration following implantation.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A selectively expandable composite intervertebral disc prosthesis, comprising:
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an outer shell comprised of a non-hydrogel polymer material; and
at least one core positioned within the outer shell, the core comprised of a hydrophilic polymer;
where the at least one core expands upon hydration, thereby deforming the outer shell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification