Intervertebral disc implant

• US 7,563,284 B2
• Filed: 02/11/2005
• Issued: 07/21/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/15/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Synthes USA LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Synthes USA LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Paul, David C., Lee, Andrew, Gerber, David, Coppes, Justin K.
• Primary Examiner(s): SNOW, BRUCE EDWARD
• Application Number:
  US11/056,034
• Publication Number:
  US 20050197702A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,621 Days
• Field of Search: 623 1711- 1716
• US Class Current: 623/17.12
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/08 Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments sutures A61B17/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/28 Bones joints A61F2/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30742 Bellows or hose-like seals; Sealing membranes A61B17/8808 takes precedence; sealing membranes for retaining bone substitute A61F2/2846
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30767 Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30965 Reinforcing the prosthesis by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/441 made of inflatable pockets or chambers filled with fluid, e.g. with hydrogel
• 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 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/2835 Bone graft implants for filling a bony defect or an endoprosthesis cavity, e.g. by synthetic material or biological material
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30004 the prosthesis being made from materials having different values of a given property at different locations within the same prosthesis
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30014 differing in elasticity, stiffness or compressibility
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30092 using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30115 circular-O-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30125 elliptical or oval
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30131 horseshoe- or crescent- or C-shaped or U-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30133 kidney-shaped or bean-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30187 D-shaped or half-disc-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/302 toroidal, e.g. rings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30326 differing in height or in length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30329 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30367 : with additional means for preventing said rotation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30369 : Limited lateral translation of the protrusion within a larger recess
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30433 : using additional screws, bolts, dowels, rivets or washers e.g. connecting screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30448 : using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30451 : soldered or brazed or welded
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30462 : retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30481 : using a locking clip
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30495 : using a locking ring
• 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 2002/30565 : having spring elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30566 : Helical springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30568 : Multiple spring systems including two or more helical springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30571 : Leaf springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30578 : having apertures, e.g. for receiving fixation screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30579 : with mechanically expandable devices, e.g. fixation devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30581 : having a pocket filled with fluid, e.g. liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30583 : filled with hardenable fluid, e.g. curable in-situ
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30584 : filled with gas
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30586 : having two or more inflatable pockets or chambers
• 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 2002/30604 : modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30617 : Visible markings for adjusting, locating or measuring
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30649 : Ball-and-socket joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3065 : Details of the ball-shaped head
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30673 : Lubricating means, e.g. synovial pocket
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30685 : Means for reducing or preventing the generation of wear particulates
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30772 : Apertures or holes, e.g. of circular cross section
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30823 : having the shape of a reverse dovetail
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30828 : parallel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30838 : Microstructures
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30841 : Sharp anchoring protrusions for impaction into the bone, e.g. sharp pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30879 : Ribs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30904 : serrated profile, i.e. saw-toothed
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30909 : Nets
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30917 : for avoiding direct contact between bone and implant, e.g. extensible membrane for preventing contamination or for easy removal
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3092 : having an open-celled or open-pored structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3097 : using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4011 : including proximal or total replacement of the humerus
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/443 : having two transversal endplates and at least one intermediate component
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4629 : connected to the endoprosthesis or implant via a threaded connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4631 : the prosthesis being specially adapted for being cemented
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0014 : using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0085 : hardenable in situ, e.g. epoxy resins
• 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 2220/0041 : using additional screws, bolts, dowels or rivets, e.g. connecting screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/005 : using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0058 : soldered or brazed or welded
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0075 : sutured, ligatured or stitched, retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0006 : circular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0008 : elliptical or oval
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0013 : Horseshoe-shaped, e.g. crescent-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0015 : Kidney-shaped, e.g. bean-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0034 : D-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0065 : toroidal, e.g. ring-shaped, doughnut-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0014 : having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0018 : differing in elasticity, stiffness or compressibility
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0037 : differing in height or in length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0097 : Visible markings, e.g. indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00017 : Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00023 : Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00029 : Cobalt-based alloys, e.g. Co-Cr alloys or Vitallium
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00179 : Ceramics or ceramic-like structures
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00359 : Bone or bony tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00407 : Coating made of titanium or of Ti-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00461 : Coating made of nickel or Ni-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/0058 : Coating made of diamond or of diamond-like carbon DLC
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00796 : Coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of a phosphorus-containing compound, e.g. hydroxy(l)apatite
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/0088 : Coating made of titanium nitride

Abstract

The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc is preferably designed to restore disc height and lordosis, allow for a natural range of motion, absorb shock and provide resistance to motion and axial compression. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc may be used in the cervical, the thoracic, or the lumber regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior at least partially filled with a fluid; a valve for injecting fluid into the interior of the disk; a central region having a stiffness that is preferably greater than the stiffness of the outer regions thus enabling the disc to pivot about the central region. The central pivot may be formed by a center opening, a central chamber, an inner core or a central cable.

Claims

1. An intervertebral disc for placement between first and second vertebrae, the intervertebral disc comprising:

an upper surface for contacting the first vertebra;

a lower surface for contacting the second vertebra;

an exterior wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the exterior wall extending between the upper and lower surfaces; and

an interior volume defined between the upper and lower surfaces and the inner surface of the exterior wall, the interior volume including a central chamber surrounded by a plurality of interconnected peripheral chambers, the plurality of interconnected peripheral chambers being sealed from the central chamber,

wherein the central chamber has a stiffness, and the plurality of peripheral chambers has a stiffness less than the stiffness of the central chamber.

2. The intervertebral disc of claim 1, wherein the central chamber has a first fluid disposed therein and the plurality of interconnected peripheral chambers have a second fluid disposed therein.

3. The intervertebral disc of claim 2, further comprising:

a valve in communication with the plurality of interconnected peripheral chambers for at least partially filling the plurality of interconnected peripheral chambers with the second fluid.

4. The intervertebral disc of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the valve is disposed within the exterior wall.

5. The intervertebral disc of claim 1, wherein the central chamber is defined by a first wall, and the plurality of peripheral chambers are disposed between the exterior wall and the first wall.

6. The intervertebral disc of claim 5, wherein the first wall is formed of a first material having a first stiffness and the exterior wall is formed of a second material having a second stiffness.

7. The intervertebral disc of claim 5, wherein the first wall has a first configuration with a first stiffness and the exterior wall has a second configuration with a second stiffness.

8. The intervertebral disc of claim 1, wherein the central chamber has a resilient element disposed therein.

9. The intervertebral disc of claim 8, wherein the disc has a stiffness and the resilient element is a spring.

10. The intervertebral disc of claim 1, wherein the central chamber has a bladder disposed therein.

11. The intervertebral disc of claim 1, wherein the disc is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of an elastomer, a polymer, a ceramic, a composite and a metal mesh.

12. The intervertebral disc of claim 1, further comprising:

a metal mesh secured to the upper and lower surfaces.

13. The intervertebral disc of claim 1, further comprising:

an upper endplate secured to the upper surface and a lower endplate secured to the lower surface.

14. The intervertebral disc of claim 13, further comprising:

migration-resistant structures disposed on the upper and lower endplates.

15. The intervertebral disc of claim 13, further comprising:

permanent fixation means disposed on the upper and lower endplates.

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

migration-resistant structures disposed on at least one of the surfaces.