Controlled artificial intervertebral disc implant

• US 20050251260A1
• Filed: 02/11/2005
• Published: 11/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/15/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Synthes USA LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Synthes USA LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Angelucci, Christopher, Paul, David C., Stihl, Pascal, Gerber, David, Coppes, Justin K., Boyer, Michael L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,563,286 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.130
• 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 2002/3055 : for adjusting length
• 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 natural disc curvature, 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 lumbar regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior including at least one spring member preferably incorporating a arcuate surface member, a flexible core, the flexible core preferably being a slotted core, a ring spring, a winged leaf spring, or a leaf spring, or The articulating member preferably being attached to one of the endplate by an intermediate shock absorbing element.

Claims

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

a first endplate having a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the first outer surface contacting the first vertebra;

a second endplate having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, the second outer surface contacting the second vertebra;

a leaf spring having first and second resilient ends, configured to engage the second endplate, and a length, the leaf spring further comprising a central body having first and second surfaces, the first surface comprising an articulating surface.

2. The intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein the second endplate further comprises a recess having a length smaller than the leaf spring length, wherein when the leaf spring engages the second endplate so that the first and second resilient ends are supported on the inner surface of the endplate and the central body is positioned over the endplate recess, at least a portion of the central body may move into the recess when a compressive force is applied to the leaf spring first surface allowing the second surface to contact the recess surface.

3. The intervertebral disc according to claim 2, the recess further comprising a recess surface, the leaf spring second surface and the recess surface configured to define a gap therebetween so that when a predetermined compressive force is applied to the leaf spring first surface the leaf spring second surface contacts at least a portion of the recess surface.

4. The intervertebral disc according to claim 2, wherein the central body and the recess are configured so that the leaf spring may translate in at least one direction with respect to the second end plate.

5. The intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein the first endplate further comprises an inner surface having an articulating surface configured to correspond with the leaf spring articulating surface.

6. The intervertebral disc according to claim 5, wherein the articulating surfaces are configured to allow the leaf spring to articulate, and to translate, relative to the first endplate.

7. The intervertebral disc according to claim 1, further comprising a membrane disposed between the first and second endplates.

8. The intervertebral disc according to claim 7, further comprising a membrane disposed between the upper and lower endplates, the membrane encapsulating at least the leaf spring.

9. The intervertebral disc according to claim 7, wherein the membrane encapsulates the first and second endplates.

10. The intervertebral disc according to claim 7, wherein the membrane is formed of an elastomeric material.

11. The intervertebral disc according to claim 7, wherein the membrane comprises a bellow.

12. The intervertebral disc according to claim 7, wherein the endplates and membrane define an interior volume, the volume being at least partially filled a fluid.

13. The intervertebral disc according to claim 12, further comprising a valve in communication with the volume for at least partially filling the volume with the fluid.

14. The intervertebral disc according to claim 12, wherein the fluid is incompressible.

15. The intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the endplates is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, polymer, ceramic and composite.

16. The intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the endplates is formed of bone material selected from the group consisting of cortical, cancellous, allograft, autograft, xenograft, demineralized or partially demineralized bone.

17. The intervertebral disc according to claim 1, further comprising migration-resistant structures disposed on at least one of the first and second outer surfaces.

18. The intervertebral disc according to claim 1, further comprising permanent fixation means disposed on at least one of the first and second outer surfaces.

19. The intervertebral disc according to claim 1, further comprising implant instrumentation attachment, guiding, or retaining structures disposed on at least one of the first and second inner or outer surfaces.

20. An intervertebral disc for placement between first and second vertebrae comprising:

a first endplate having a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the first outer surface configured for contacting the first vertebra;

a second endplate having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, the second outer surface configured for contacting the second vertebra;

a first articulation member having a first surface associated with the first endplate,

a leaf spring having at least a first surface associated with the second endplate and a second surface associated with a second surface of the first articulation member;

wherein the first articulation member is configured to allow the first and second endplates to articulate with respect to each other, and the leaf spring is configured to allow the end plates to approach one another in response to a compressive force applied to at least one of the end plates.

21. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the first endplate inner surface and the first articulation member first surface comprises a concave surface, the other surface being convex, the surfaces configured to allow the articulation member to articulate with respect the first endplate.

22. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, wherein the first endplate inner surface comprises a concave shape, and the first articulation member comprises a corresponding convex shape.

23. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, further comprising a second articulation member having a first surface associated with the first endplate inner surface and a second surface associated with the first articulation member first surface.

24. The intervertebral disc according to claim 23, wherein the second articulation member second surface is concave and configured to correspond to a convex first surface of the first articulation member.

25. The intervertebral disc according to claim 24, wherein the concave and convex surfaces are configured to allow both articulation and translation between the articulation members.

26. The intervertebral disc according to claim 23, wherein at least one of the articulation members comprises a material that is different from the material of one of the first or second endplates.

27. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, wherein the first endplate inner surface and the articulation member first surface are further configured to allow the articulation member to translate relative to the first endplate.

28. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, the second endplate further comprising a recess in the second inner surface, the leaf spring having a length sufficient to span the recess so that at least opposite ends of the leaf spring are supported by the inner surface and a central portion of the leaf spring is positioned over the recess, wherein when the central portion may move into the recess when a compressive force is applied to a second surface of the leaf spring.

29. The intervertebral disc according to claim 28, the second endplate further comprising a perimeter edge sized and configured to allow the leaf spring to translate with respect to the second endplate in at least one direction.

30. The intervertebral disc according to claim 28, the second endplate further comprising a perimeter edge sized and configured to prevent the leaf spring from translating in at least one other direction.

31. The intervertebral disc according to claim 27, the leaf spring second surface further comprising a recess configured to accept a projection formed on a second surface of the articulation member.

32. The intervertebral disc according to claim 31, wherein the recess and projection are sized and configured to allow the articulation member to translate in at least one direction relative to the leaf spring.

33. The intervertebral disc according to claim 29, further comprising a cap member configured to engage at least a portion of the second endplate, and to cover at least a portion of the leaf spring to prevent the leaf spring from axially disengaging from the second endplate.

34. The intervertebral disc according to claim 28, the cap member further comprising at least one raised ridge configured to contact at least one raised ridge associated with the first endplate to limit articulation between the endplates in at least one direction.

35. The intervertebral disc according to claim 34, wherein the raised ridges have corresponding flat surface profiles.

36. The intervertebral disc according to claim 34, wherein the raised ridges have correspondingly angled surfaces.

37. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the endplates is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, polymer, ceramic and composite.

38. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the endplates is formed of bone material selected from the group consisting of cortical, cancellous, allograft, autograft, xenograft, demineralized or partially demineralized bone.

39. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, further comprising migration-resistant structures disposed on at least one of the first and second outer surfaces.

40. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, further comprising permanent fixation means disposed on at least one of the first and second outer surfaces.

41. The intervertebral disc according to claim 20, further comprising implant instrumentation attachment, guiding, or retaining structures disposed on at least one of the first and second inner or outer surfaces.