Intervertebral disc spacer

• US 8,951,300 B2
• Filed: 02/06/2008
• Issued: 02/10/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rob Gene Parrish
• Original Assignee: Rob Gene Parrish
• Inventors: Parrish, Rob Gene
• Primary Examiner(s): Hoffman, Mary
• Assistant Examiner(s): NEGRELLIRODRIGUE, CHRISTINA
• Application Number:
  US12/012,985
• Publication Number:
  US 20080154381A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,561 Days
• Field of Search: 623 1711- 1716, 606246-249, 606/279
• US Class Current: 623/17.11
• 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 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• 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 2002/30062 (bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30125 elliptical or oval
• 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 2002/30354 Cylindrically-shaped protrusion and recess, e.g. cylinder of circular basis
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30556 for adjusting thickness
• 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 2002/30568 Multiple spring systems including two or more helical springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30571 Leaf springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30593 hollow
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30787 inclined obliquely with respect to each other
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/443 having two transversal endplates and at least one intermediate component
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4435 Support means or repair of the natural disc wall, i.e. annulus, e.g. using plates, membranes or meshes
• 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 2210/0004 : bioabsorbable
• 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 2230/0006 : circular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 : cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0071 : spherical

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for improving the stability, flexibility, and/or proper anatomical motion of a spinal column and more particularly, spinal implant devices are provided for use between adjacent vertebral bones. Intervertebral disc spacer devices may comprise two joined surfaces formed of compressible materials. The surfaces may be convex or any variety of shapes. Certain embodiments of intervertebral disc spacer devices include apertures through which nutrients may pass. Additionally, certain embodiments include a partial enclosure or open region between the two surfaces so as to provide an environment conducive to regrowth or stimulation of natural intervertebral disc material. In certain embodiments, the two surfaces may be attached by one or more springs. Alternatively, intervertebral disc spacer embodiments may be comprised of a coiled wire. Methods of introducing intervertebral disc spacer devices into patients are also provided.

Claims

1. A method for promoting regeneration of a disc between two adjacent spaced vertebrae of the spinal column normally separated by a disc, the space between the two adjacent vertebrae including a natural disc which is at least partially degenerated, the method comprising:

a. Introducing an artificial, flexible intervertebral spacer comprising a randomly coiled wire defining a compression spring, wherein the randomly coiled wire is of a length in the range of thirty centimeters to four meters and is of a length sufficient to define a compression spring of sufficient force to simulate the compressive force of a healthy disc, the randomly coiled wire positioned in the space between the two adjacent vertebrae in noninterfering relationship with the at least partially degenerative disc and without disturbing the at least partially degenerated disc, the flexible intervertebral spacer permitting a natural like expansion and compression of the space between the two adjacent spaced vertebrae;

b. Promoting a proximate normal compression and expansion of the spacer and the at least partially degenerated disc during normal movement of the two adjacent spaced vertebrae;

c. Stimulating regeneration of the at least partially degenerated disc during normal expansion and compression of the space between the two adjacent spaced vertebrae during normal movement of the two adjacent spaced vertebrae.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the artificial, flexible intervertebral spacer is a compression spring adapted to simulate the compression force of a natural disc.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the randomly [compression spring] coiled wire is formed of a material having a Young'"'"'s Modulus in the range of 15,000,000 to 17,500,000.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the randomly coiled wire is formed of a titanium compound.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the randomly coiled wire is deformable to a maximum of approximately 7%.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the randomly coiled wire is of an outer diameter in the range of 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters.

7. The method of claim 1, further including the steps of:

a. Introducing the randomly coiled wire into the space between the two adjacent vertebrae by inserting a hollow, elongated insertion tool into the body of a subject having an at least partially degenerative disc between the two adjacent vertebrae, and

b. Advancing the randomly coiled wire into the space through the hollow, elongated insertion tool.