Hydrogel bead intervertebral disc nucleus
First Claim
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1. A prosthetic nucleus for implanting in the disc space after the removal of the degenerated or damaged nucleus of an intervertebral disc comprising:
- A multiplicity of hydrogel beads having a water content of at least 30%; and
a flexible semi-permeable cover surrounding said hydrogel beads.
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Abstract
A prosthetic nucleus for implantation in the disc space after removal of a damaged or degenerated nucleus is formed from a multiplicity of hydrogel beads having a water content of at least 30%. The beads are covered by a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane has porosity less than the size of the beads to thereby retain the beads therein but permit fluids to flow in and out of the prosthetic nucleus.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A prosthetic nucleus for implanting in the disc space after the removal of the degenerated or damaged nucleus of an intervertebral disc comprising:
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A multiplicity of hydrogel beads having a water content of at least 30%; and a flexible semi-permeable cover surrounding said hydrogel beads. - 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)
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26. A prosthetic nucleus for implanting in the disc space after the removal of the degenerated or damaged nucleus of an intervertebral disc comprising:
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a hydrogel material having, when hydrated in the disc, a water content of at least 30%; and a semi-permeable membrane surrounding said hydrogel, and, when inflated, having a size and shape generally conforming to a natural nucleus.
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Specification