Expandable spherical spinal implant

• US 7,824,444 B2
• Filed: 03/16/2004
• Issued: 11/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Spineco, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Spineco, Inc.
• Inventors: Biscup, Robert S., Leroux, Clayton G.
• Primary Examiner(s): RAMANA, ANURADHA
• Application Number:
  US10/801,975
• Publication Number:
  US 20040186576A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,422 Days
• Field of Search: 623 1711- 1716, 623/4.1, 623/6.11, 623/6.56, 623/6.59, 623/6.64
• US Class Current: 623/17.12
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/28 Bones joints A61F2/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30744 End caps, e.g. for closing an endoprosthetic cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/3094 Designing or manufacturing processes
• 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 2/442 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 2/4455 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 2/48 Operating or control means, e.g. from outside the body, control of sphincters
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/009 for hindering or preventing attachment of biological tissue of bone tissue onto implantable joints A61F2002/30932
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/2817 Bone stimulation by chemical reactions or by osteogenic or biological products for enhancing ossification, e.g. by bone morphogenetic or morphogenic proteins [BMP] or by transforming growth factors [TGF]
• 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 2002/30062 (bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30075 swellable, e.g. when wetted
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3008 radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30092 using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30242 spherical
• 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 2002/30467 : using hook and loop-type fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30507 : using a threaded locking member, e.g. a locking screw or a set screw
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30579 : 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 2002/30593 : hollow
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3067 : for data transfer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30677 : Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products, e.g. antibiotics, into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30774 : internally-threaded
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30787 : inclined obliquely 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 2002/30879 : Ribs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30929 : having at least two superposed coatings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30932 : for retarding or preventing ingrowth of bone tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4629 : connected to the endoprosthesis or implant via a threaded connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4666 : for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0004 : bioabsorbable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0014 : using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0033 : electrically, e.g. heated by resistor
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0061 : swellable
• 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 2220/0041 : 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 2220/0083 : using hook and loop-type fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0071 : spherical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0002 : for data transfer
• 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 2250/0098 : radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• 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 2310/00952 : Coating, pre-coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of bone cement, e.g. pre-applied PMMA cement mantle
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/0097 : Coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of pharmaceutical products, e.g. antibiotics

Abstract

A prosthetic implant for forming a support structure between adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column. The prosthetic implant includes a generally spherical or ellipsoidal body that at least partially engages a surface of adjacent vertebrae.

Claims

1. A prosthetic implant to at least partially support adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column, said prosthetic implant comprising a substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body and single expandable component, said spherical or ellipsoidal body including a top portion and a bottom portion, said single expandable component at least partially positioned between said top and bottom portions, said top and bottom portions formed of a non-expandable material, said top and bottom portions designed to maintain a substantially same size and shape when said single expandable component is expanded at least a portion of said single expandable component designed to expand radially outwardly from said spherical or ellipsoidal body to at least partially form a stabilizer, said single expandable component designed to increase in surface area and have an increased sized perimeter when said single expandable component is expanded from an non-expanded state to an expanded state to at least partially form said stabilizer, said stabilizer in said expanded state having a perimeter that is greater than a perimeter of said top and bottom portions of said spherical or ellipsoidal body, said stabilizer positioned about a central axis of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body, said stabilizer being substantially disc shaped.

2. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said top and bottom portions of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body are substantially non-expandable, said top and bottom portions designed to maintain a substantially same size and shape when said expandable component is expanded, said spherical or ellipsoidal body at least partially formed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of bone, metal, ceramic material, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polymer tilled with glass, and polymer filled with fibers.

3. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component is at least partially positioned in, on or about an outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.

4. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component is at least partially expandable radially outwardly about a central axis of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.

5. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component at least partially expands radially outwardly into a substantial disc shape.

6. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component includes at least one biologically active substance, said at least one biologically active substance at least one of coated on said single expandable component, contained in said single expandable component.

7. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component includes at least one biologically active substance, at least one biologically neutral substance, or combinations thereof to at least partially inhibit tissue growth, bone growth, or combinations thereof on at least a portion of said single expandable component.

8. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component includes at least one biologically active substance, at least one biologically neutral substance, or combinations thereof to at least partially promote tissue growth, bone growth, or combinations thereof on at least a portion of said single expandable component.

9. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said single expandable component includes a substantially smooth surface.

10. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said single expandable component includes a non-smooth surface.

11. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said has a maximum radial expanded width that is up to 300% the maximum diameter of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.

12. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said expanded radial width of said single expandable component is substantially constant.

13. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 12, wherein said stabilizer having a thickness that is variable, said thickness of said stabilizer adjacent to said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body being different from said thickness of said stabilizer at a location radially spaced from said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body, said stabilizer having a peripheral edge that is tapered.

14. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said expanded radial width of said single expandable component is variable.

15. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component has a maximum expanded thickness that is less than a maximum diameter of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.

16. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 15, wherein said expanded thickness of said single expandable component is substantially constant.

17. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 15, wherein said expanded thickness of said single expandable component is variable.

18. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component is expandable radially outwardly from said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body along a substantially constant axis.

19. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component is expandable radially outwardly from said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body at an angle that deviates from a substantially constant axis.

20. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component has an expanded thickness adjacent to said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body that is different from an expanded thickness of said single expandable component at a location radially spaced from said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.

21. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 20, wherein an outer perimeter of said single expandable component includes at least one tapered edge in an expanded state.

22. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component and said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body are foiled from at least one different material.

23. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes two hemispherical or two semi-hemispherical portions, said single expandable component is portioned between said two hemispherical or two semi-hemispherical portions.

24. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 23, wherein said single expandable component includes an elastic material at least prior to the single expandable component being expanded.

25. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 23, wherein at least one of said two hemispherical or two semi-hemispherical portions of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body are formed to maintain a tension load of at least about five pounds without substantially deforming.

26. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component includes an elastic material at least prior to the single expandable component being expanded.

27. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 26, wherein said elastic material includes an expandable pouch.

28. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 27, wherein said expandable pouch includes at least one fluid or malleable material that is at least partially hardenable.

29. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 27, wherein said expandable pouch is at least partially hardenable.

30. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 26, wherein said elastic material includes an expandable wall at least partially positioned between said two hemispherical or two semi-hemispherical portions of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.

31. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 30, wherein said expandable wall at least partially retains at least one fluid or malleable material that is at least partially hardenable.

32. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said expandable component includes at least one fluid or malleable material that is at least partially hardenable.

33. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes at least one cavity.

34. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 33, wherein less than a majority of the volume of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes said at least one cavity.

35. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes an outer surface, at least a portion of said outer surface is substantially smooth.

36. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 35, wherein said at least one opening at least partially packed with a biologically active substance, a biologically neutral substance, or combinations thereof.

37. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 35, wherein said at least one opening including a connector that is adapted to receive an instrument to guide said prosthetic implant between adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column, to receive a component of a stabilization system, or combinations thereof.

38. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 35, including a cap to at least partially cover or seal said at least one opening.

40. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes an outer surface, said outer surface at least partially coated with a biologically active substance, a biologically neutral substance, or combinations thereof.

41. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes at least one opening.

42. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 41, wherein said mechanical compression arrangement includes a threaded member.

43. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes a mechanical compression arrangement that is adapted to at least partially compress together at least two portions of said spherical or ellipsoidal body.

44. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes a memory material.

45. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component includes a memory material.

46. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes at least one electrical connection.

48. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes at least one pressure sensor.

49. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said expandable component includes at least one pressure sensor.

50. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said single expandable component in an expanded state expanding from an outer surface of said spherical or ellipsoidal body a distance of 0.01%-300% a diameter of said spherical or ellipsoidal body.

51. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1, wherein said stabilizer having a thickness that is variable, said thickness of said stabilizer adjacent to said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body being different from said thickness of said stabilizer at a location radially spaced from said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body, said stabilizer having a peripheral edge that is tapered.

39. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim wherein said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body includes an outer surface, at least a portion of said outer surface is substantially non-smooth.

47. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim), wherein said single expandable component includes at least one electrical connection.

52. A method of expanding an expandable stabilizer of a prosthetic implant comprising:

a. selecting a prosthetic implant having a substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body and at least one expandable component, said spherical or ellipsoidal body including a top portion and a bottom portion, said expandable component at least partially positioned between said top and bottom portions; and

,

b. applying pressure to at least a portion of said at least one expandable component until said at least one expandable component at least partially radially expands, said at least one expandable component designed to increase in surface area and having an increased sized perimeter when said at least one expandable component is expanded from an non-expanded state to an expanded state, said expandable component in said expanded state having an increased perimeter that is greater than a perimeter of said top and bottom portions of said spherical or ellipsoidal body.

53. The method as defined in claim 52, wherein said top and bottom portions maintain a substantially same size and shape prior to and after said expandable component is expanded.

54. A method of expanding an expandable stabilizer of a prosthetic implant comprising:

a. selecting a prosthetic implant having a substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body and at least one expandable component, said spherical or ellipsoidal body including a top portion and a bottom portion, said expandable component at least partially positioned between said top and bottom portions; and

,

b. causing at least one material of said at least one expandable component to chemically react and form an expanded composition until said at least one expandable component at least partially expands, said at least one expandable component designed to increase in surface area and having an increased sized perimeter when said at least one expandable component is expanded from an non-expanded state to an expanded state, said expandable component in said expanded state having am increased perimeter that is greater than a perimeter of said top and bottom portions of said spherical or ellipsoidal body.

55. The method as defined in claim 54, wherein said top and bottom portions maintain a substantially same size and shape prior to and after said expandable component is expanded.