US20030023308A1 - Spherical spinal implant - Google Patents
Spherical spinal implant Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030023308A1 US20030023308A1 US10/252,207 US25220702A US2003023308A1 US 20030023308 A1 US20030023308 A1 US 20030023308A1 US 25220702 A US25220702 A US 25220702A US 2003023308 A1 US2003023308 A1 US 2003023308A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- prosthetic implant
- partially
- implant
- vertebrae
- stabilizer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/44—Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
- A61F2/442—Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/30721—Accessories
- A61F2/30744—End caps, e.g. for closing an endoprosthetic cavity
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/30767—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/3094—Designing or manufacturing processes
- A61F2/30965—Reinforcing the prosthesis by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/44—Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs
- A61F2/4455—Joints for the spine, e.g. vertebrae, spinal discs for the fusion of spinal bodies, e.g. intervertebral fusion of adjacent spinal bodies, e.g. fusion cages
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/46—Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor
- A61F2/4603—Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof
- A61F2/4611—Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof of spinal prostheses
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30108—Shapes
- A61F2002/30199—Three-dimensional shapes
- A61F2002/30242—Three-dimensional shapes spherical
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
- A61F2002/30667—Features concerning an interaction with the environment or a particular use of the prosthesis
- A61F2002/30677—Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products, e.g. antibiotics, into the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/30767—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
- A61F2/30771—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth applied in original prostheses, e.g. holes or grooves
- A61F2002/30772—Apertures or holes, e.g. of circular cross section
- A61F2002/30774—Apertures or holes, e.g. of circular cross section internally-threaded
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/30767—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
- A61F2/30771—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth applied in original prostheses, e.g. holes or grooves
- A61F2002/30772—Apertures or holes, e.g. of circular cross section
- A61F2002/30784—Plurality of holes
- A61F2002/30789—Plurality of holes perpendicular with respect to each other
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/30767—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
- A61F2/30771—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth applied in original prostheses, e.g. holes or grooves
- A61F2002/30795—Blind bores, e.g. of circular cross-section
- A61F2002/30797—Blind bores, e.g. of circular cross-section internally-threaded
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/30767—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
- A61F2/30771—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth applied in original prostheses, e.g. holes or grooves
- A61F2002/30795—Blind bores, e.g. of circular cross-section
- A61F2002/30807—Plurality of blind bores
- A61F2002/30812—Plurality of blind bores perpendicular with respect to each other
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/30—Joints
- A61F2/30767—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
- A61F2002/30929—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth having at least two superposed coatings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2230/00—Geometry of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2230/0063—Three-dimensional shapes
- A61F2230/0071—Three-dimensional shapes spherical
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2310/00—Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
- A61F2310/00005—The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
- A61F2310/00011—Metals or alloys
- A61F2310/00017—Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2310/00—Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
- A61F2310/00005—The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
- A61F2310/00011—Metals or alloys
- A61F2310/00023—Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2310/00—Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
- A61F2310/00005—The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
- A61F2310/00179—Ceramics or ceramic-like structures
- A61F2310/00185—Ceramics or ceramic-like structures based on metal oxides
- A61F2310/00203—Ceramics or ceramic-like structures based on metal oxides containing alumina or aluminium oxide
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2310/00—Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
- A61F2310/00005—The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
- A61F2310/00179—Ceramics or ceramic-like structures
- A61F2310/00185—Ceramics or ceramic-like structures based on metal oxides
- A61F2310/00239—Ceramics or ceramic-like structures based on metal oxides containing zirconia or zirconium oxide ZrO2
Definitions
- the present invention pertains to prosthetic implants, and more particularly to inner body spinal prosthetic implants to fuse two or more vertebrae together, and even more particularly to inner body spinal prosthetic implants that provide a substitute for an intervertebral disc and/or that provide a flexible spacer between two vertebrae.
- the human spine is made up of a column of thirty-three bones and their adjoining structures.
- the vertebrae near the head are known as the presaccral vertebrae which are separate bones capable of individual movement.
- the bodies of these vertebrae are connected by anterior and posterior ligaments and by discs of fibrocartilage generally known as intervertebral discs. These discs are positioned between opposite faces of adjacent vertebral bodies.
- This column of vertebrae and intervertebral discs form a central axis that supports the head and torso. These vertebrae also enclose an opening through which the spinal cord passes therebetween.
- the presaccral vertebrae are normally held in position to one another by the intervertebral discs, ligaments and musculature of the body. These vertebrae move relative to adjacent vertebrae thus permitting the head to be turned relative the body and providing a wide range of flexibility to the spine.
- Back pain can be caused by several factors such as congenital deformities, traumatic injuries, degenerative changes to the spine, and the like. Such changes can cause painful excessive motion, or collapse of a motion segment resulting in the contraction of the spinal canal and compressing the neural structures causing debilitating pain, paralysis or both, which in turn can result in nerve root compression or spinal stenosis.
- Nerve conduction disorders can also be associated with intervertebral discs or the vertebrae themselves.
- One such condition is herniation of the intervertebral disc, in which a small amount of tissue protrudes from the sides of the disc into the foramen to compress the spinal cord.
- a second common condition involves the development of small bone spurs, termed osteophytes, along the posterior surface of the vertebral body, again impinging on the spinal cord.
- intervertebral discectomy In this procedure, the involved vertebrae are exposed and the intervertebral disc is removed, thus removing the offending tissue or providing access for the removal of the bone osteophytes.
- a second procedure termed a spinal fusion, may then be required to fix the vertebrae together to prevent movement and maintain a space originally occupied by the intervertebral disc.
- a prosthetic implant or spinal implant is inserted into the intervertebral space.
- This prosthetic implant is often a bone graft removed from another portion of the patient's body, termed an autograph.
- the use of bone taken from the patient's body has the important advantage of avoiding rejection of the implant, but has several shortcomings. There is always a risk in opening a second surgical site in obtaining the implant, which can lead to infection or pain for the patient, and the site of the implant is weakened by the removal of bony material.
- the bone implant may not be perfectly shaped and placed, leading to slippage or absorption of the implant or failure of the implant to fuse with the vertebrae.
- graft source of the implant bone removed from cadavers, termed allograft, or from other species, termed a xenograft.
- allograft bone removed from cadavers
- a xenograft from other species
- An alternative approach is using a bone graft or using a manufactured implant made of a synthetic material that is biologically compatible with the body and the vertebrae.
- a manufactured implant made of a synthetic material that is biologically compatible with the body and the vertebrae.
- One of the more prevailing designs of these prosthetic implants takes the form of a cylindrical implant.
- These types of prosthetic implants are represented by Brantigan U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,915 and Ray U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740.
- the exterior portion of the cylinder can be threaded to facilitate insertion of the prosthetic device.
- Some of these prosthetic implants are designed to be pounded into the intervertebral disc space and the vertebral end plates.
- These types of devices are represented in Brantigan U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,757 and Brantigan U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,327.
- the Brantigan and Ray patents all disclose prosthetic implants wherein the transverse cross-section of the implant is constant throughout the length of the implant and is typically in the form of a right circular cylinder.
- the various prosthetic implants can be generally divided into two basic categories, namely solid implants and implants designed to encourage bone ingrowth.
- Solid implants are represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,878,915 and 4,349,921.
- the remaining patents discussed above include some aspect that permits bone to grow across the implant. It has been found that devices which promote natural bone ingrowth achieve a more rapid and stable arthrodesis.
- These implants are typically filled with autologous bone prior to insertion into the intervertebral disc space.
- These implants typically include apertures which communicate with openings in the implant, thereby providing a path for tissue growth between the vertebral end plate and the bone or bone substitute within the implant.
- the end plates of the vertebrae are preferably reduced to bleeding bone to facilitate tissue growth within the implant.
- the present invention pertains to an improved implant, and more particularly to an improved prosthetic implant for insertion between one or more vertebrae and a method for inserting the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae.
- a prosthetic implant that is formed of a biologically compatible material for use in humans.
- the prosthetic implant is shaped and sized for insertion between two vertebrae.
- the prosthetic implant is designed to be placed in the intervertebral disc space that was formerly occupied by at least a portion of an intervertebral disc.
- the intervertebral disc is partially or completely removed prior to insertion of the prosthetic implant between the vertebrae.
- the prosthetic implant is designed to be readily inserted by established surgical procedures, with minimal chances of surgical difficulty.
- the geometry of the prosthetic implant ensures proper load bearing, desired load bearing and support through the vertebrae so as to reduce or minimize the likelihood of the prosthetic implant dislocating relative to the vertebrae either during surgery or during the post operative fusing process.
- the prosthetic implant includes a generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. The maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be varied depending upon the location of the prosthetic implant in the vertebrae. Typically, the maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body will vary from about 3-15 mm; however, other radii can be used.
- the maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is selected so that the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be at least partially positioned between the two adjacently positioned vertebrae and the surrounding fibers and muscle that complete the spinal structure.
- the maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is selected to cause two adjacently positioned vertebrae to at least partially separate from one another a distance greater than their relative positions prior to surgery. The spreading of the adjacently positioned vertebrae from their original positions results in the elastic nature of the surrounding tissue and muscles maintaining the inserted prosthetic implant in compression between the vertebrae.
- the maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is selected to cause two adjacently positioned vertebrae to at least partially separate from one another a distance generally equal to or less than their relative positions prior to surgery.
- the prosthetic implant is capable of achieving arthrodesis (fusion) and/or arthroplasty (joint formation) between adjacent vertebrae, depending on the desired procedure. As such, the prosthetic implant allows the surgeon to cause either a multidirectional joint or a fusion to form between two of more vertebrae.
- the prosthetic implant reduces or eliminates nerve pressure caused by a damaged or removed disc.
- a prosthetic implant which includes a generally spherical or ellipsoidal body design to be inserted in a cavity between two adjacent vertebrae.
- the prosthetic implant is substantially spherical.
- the prosthetic implant is ellipsoidal.
- the prosthetic implant is made of a material that is inert or biologically compatible with the vertebrae and/or surrounding tissue about the vertebrae.
- the material of the prosthetic implant includes, but is not limited to, bone, stainless steel, titanium, chromemolybdenum, cobalt chromium alloy, ceramic (zirconium oxide ceramic, aluminum oxide ceramic, etc.), chrome or chrome alloys, cobalt or cobalt alloys, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polysolfone types filled with glass and/or carbon fibers, and various types of carbon and fiber reinforced polymers.
- the material is wear resistant.
- the material has an increased frictional coefficient.
- the material has a reduced frictional coefficient.
- the prosthetic implant is designed to maintain a tension load of about ten to forty pounds, and more preferably about fifteen to thirty-five pounds on the disc tissue and/or vertebral endplate. This tension load facilitates in maintaining the prosthetic implant in position between the vertebrae and accelerates bone ingrowth between the vertebrae, if such bone growth is desired.
- the prosthetic implant is made of a material which closely approximates the elasticity of the vertebrae.
- the prosthetic implant is coated with, made up of, and/or contains a material which is radiolucent to enhance the visibility of the implant when exposed to X-rays.
- the prosthetic implant is coated with, made up of, and/or contains a material to enhance the visibility of the implant when exposed to sound waves, light waves, magnetic waves, and/or various types of electromagnetic waves.
- the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes a substantially smooth outer surface or includes regions having a substantially smooth outer surface to prevent or substantially prevent bone growth and/or other tissue growth on the substantially smooth surface and/or into the interior of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant.
- the substantially smooth surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body allows the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to move freely or relatively freely between two vertebrae.
- the growth of bone or other tissue into the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can result in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body becoming seized or at least partially retained in a position relative to one or both vertebrae.
- the outer smooth surface material of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body includes a wear resistant, relatively smooth material. The material may also have low frictional characteristics to allow for better movement between one or more vertebrae.
- the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least the majority of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 60 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 70 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 80 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still another aspect of this embodiment, the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 90 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 95 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is at least partially coated with a material that reduces or eliminates voids and/or non-smooth surfaces in the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the coating is a biocompatible material.
- Non-limiting materials that can be used include polytetrafluoroethylene, or polymers and/or co-polymers that includes polytetrafluoroethylene.
- the coated material can be applied to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body by adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, shrink wrapping, melting, spray coating, hot dipping, electroplating, immersion coating, brush coating, and/or the like.
- the coated material can be biologically neutral or include one or more substances that inhibit bone and/or other tissue growth.
- the coating includes one or more substances that migrate from the coated material into the surrounding tissue.
- the one or more substances are inserted in, entrapped in and/or at least partially bonded to the coated material so as to at least partially control the time of release and/or release rate of the one or more substances into the surrounding tissue.
- the coating material enhances the strength and/or durability of the prosthetic implant and/or hardens or softens the surface of the prosthetic implant.
- the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes one or more smooth surfaces to promote bone growth and/or other tissue growth into the surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant.
- the one or more smooth surfaces allow for one or more surfaces of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to become partially or fully fused with one or more vertebrae.
- the smooth surface can be designed to be adapted to engage and/or anchor the underside surface of a vertebrae within the intervertebral disc space.
- At least a portion of the surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is coated with a material that forms a smooth surface.
- the coated material can be biologically neutral or can include one or more substances that inhibit and/or promote bone or other tissue growth.
- the coated material includes, but is not limited to, a natural and/or synthetic bone cement; polymer, co-polymer and/or urethane foam; autologous growth compound, powdered bone, bone and/or other tissue growth stimulating substances, bone, polyglycolate polymers or analogues, lactides, polydioxamone, polyglycolate, lactide/glycolide copolymers, and/or other tissue growth inhibiting substances and/or medicines.
- the coated material can be applied to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body by adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, shrink wrapping, melting, spray coating, hot dipping, electroplating, immersion coating, brush coating, and/or the like.
- the coated material can be biologically neutral or include one or more substances that inhibit bone and/or other tissue growth.
- the coating includes one or more substances that migrate from the coated material into the surrounding tissue.
- the one or more substances are inserted in, entrapped in and/or at least partially bonded to the coated material so as to at least partially control the time of release and/or release rate of the one or more substances into the surrounding tissue.
- the coating material enhances the strength and/or durability of the prosthetic implant and/or hardens or softens the surface of the prosthetic implant.
- the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes one or more non-smooth surfaces and/or openings into the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to promote bone growth and/or other tissue growth into the surface and/or interior of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant.
- the one or more non-smooth surfaces and/or openings in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body allow one or more surfaces of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to become partially or fully fused with one or more vertebrae.
- the non-smooth surface can be designed to be adapted to engage with and/or anchor to the underside surface of a vertebrae within the intervertebral disc space.
- the non-smooth surfaces include, but are not limited to, ridges, grooves, pits, holes, notches, slits, slots, channels, corrugations, and the like.
- at least a portion of the surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is coated with a material that forms a non-smooth surface.
- the coated material is typically biocompatible.
- the coated material can be biologically neutral or include one or more substances that inhibit or promote bone and/or other tissue growth.
- the coated material includes, but is not limited to, a natural and/or synthetic bone cement, polymer, co-polymer and/or urethane foam, autologous growth compound, powdered bone, bone and/or other tissue growth stimulating substances, bone, polyglycolate polymers or analogues, lactides, polydioxamone, polyglycolate, lactide/glycolide copolymers, and/or other tissue growth inhibiting substances and/or medicines.
- the coated material can be applied to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body by adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, shrink wrapping, melting, spray coating, hot dipping, electroplating, immersion coating, brush coating, and/or the like.
- the coated material can be biologically neutral or include one or more substances that inhibit bone and/or other tissue growth.
- the coating includes one or more substances that migrate from the coated material into the surrounding tissue.
- the one or more substances are inserted in, entrapped in and/or at least partially bonded to the coated material so as to at least partially control the time of release and/or release rate of the one or more substances into the surrounding tissue.
- the coating material enhances the strength and/or durability of the prosthetic implant and/or hardens or softens the surface of the prosthetic implant.
- the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body includes one or more internal cavities. These cavities can include one or more passageways to the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body, or be at least partially isolated from the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one embodiment, at least one of the cavities is substantially vacant. In another embodiment, at least one of the cavities includes one or more substances that promote the effectiveness of the prosthetic implant between at least two vertebrae. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the substances include, but is not limited to, a substance which facilitates in the formation of a graft between one or more vertebrae.
- Such substance can include, but is not limited to, medicine, human tissue, animal tissue, synthetic tissue, human cells, animal cells, synthetic cells, and the like.
- at least one of the substances include, but is not limited to, a chemical compound that promotes bone or other tissue growth which inhibits rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduces infection, reduces inflammation, reduces pain, promotes healing of surrounding tissue, functions as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like.
- one or more cavities are filled with bone material or a synthetic material, with or without a bone activating matter, such as hydroxyapatite bone or proteins, bone growth factor, or cartilage activation factor.
- one or more of the cavities in the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body allows blood supply and/or other body fluids to flow into and/or out of one or more of the cavities.
- the size or the passageway and/or opening to the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be selected to control the amount and/or rate of the one or more substances in the one or more cavities that exits the cavities.
- the size or the passageway and/or opening to the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be selected to control the amount and/or rate of bone and/or other tissue growth that occurs in the opening and/or passageway and into the one or more cavities.
- the substance in one or more cavities can be at least partially pre-packed in the cavity prior to inserting the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae, and/or the substance can be at least partially packed into one or more cavities after the prosthetic implant is inserted between one or more vertebrae.
- the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 50% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. The volume of two or more cavities can be the same or different. In another aspect of this embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 40% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 30% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 20% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still yet another aspect of this embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 10% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 50% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 40% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 30% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 20% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still yet another aspect of this embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 10% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- At least two of the cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body intersect one another. In one aspect of this embodiment, two or more cavities intersect one another at substantially the center of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, two or more cavities intersect one another generally off center of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body at least partially includes a generally cylindrical portion. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is substantially cylindrical.
- the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes one or more openings in the outer wall of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant to facilitate in the positioning of the prosthetic implant between the vertebrae and/or to secure the prosthetic implant in place within the intervertebral disc space.
- one or more of the openings in the outer wall of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is adapted to receive an instrument for guiding and/or inserting the prosthetic implant between the vertebrae of the spine by an anterior, posterior, lateral, and/or latroscopic approach into the spinal column.
- the instrument opening includes a securing mechanism such as, but not limited to, a thread, in the opening to secure the instrument within the opening.
- the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes one or more openings in the outer wall of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant that can be at least partially closed prior to, during and/or after the prosthetic implant is inserted between one or more vertebrae.
- a cap is used to at least partially close one or more openings in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the cap substantially seals one or more openings.
- the cap alters the size of the one or more openings.
- the altered size of the one or more openings can be used to control the amount and/or rate of substances exiting the one or more openings and/or to control the rate and/or amount of substances, bone and/or other tissue entering the opening.
- the cap can be made of a porous material or a non-porous material.
- the cap is adapted to receive an instrument for guiding and/or inserting the cap into one or more openings in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the cap is made of a biocompatible material.
- the cap is made or includes a material that is the same as the material make-up of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the cap is made of or includes a material that is different from the material of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the cap is made of a material that fuses with the surrounding bone and/or tissue while the prosthetic implant is between one or more vertebrae.
- the cap is made of a material that resists fusion with the surrounding bone and/or tissue while the prosthetic implant is between one or more vertebrae.
- the cap is made of a material that decomposes after the prosthetic implant is positioned between one or more vertebrae.
- At least one or more surfaces of the prosthetic implant are rounded off so as not to be sharp. Rounding off the surfaces reduces and/or eliminates pinching of the nerve leading from the spinal cord which can result in pain, damage and/or paralysis to the individual.
- the rounded surfaces avoid or minimize nerve pressure that can be exerted on the nerves intervertebrally exiting the spinal cord.
- the one or more rounded off surfaces also facilitate with the insertion of the prosthetic implant within the intervertebral disc space. In one embodiment, substantially all the surfaces of the prosthetic implant are rounded off.
- the prosthetic implant includes at least one stabilizer positioned at least partially about the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant.
- the stabilizer is designed to facilitate in at least partially orienting the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae, limiting the amount of movement of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body between one or more vertebrae and/or facilitating in the insertion of the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae.
- at least one stabilizer is positioned substantially about the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- At least one stabilizer is positioned substantially about the central axis of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, at least one stabilizer is positioned substantially off-center of the central axis of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is substantially disc shaped; however, the shape of the stabilizer is in no way limited to such a shape. In yet another embodiment, the stabilizer includes one or more tapered edges. In still another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least partially made of a porous material, a non-porous material, a non-biodegradable material, and/or a biodegradable material.
- the stabilizer can be coated with, contain and/or be made of a substance that promotes bone and/or other tissue growth, to inhibit rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduce infection, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, promote healing of surrounding tissue, function as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like.
- the stabilizer includes, but is not limited to, a substance that includes medicine, human tissue, animal tissue, synthetic tissue, human cells, animal cells, synthetic cells, and/or bone activating matter.
- the stabilizer includes, but is not limited to, a substance that includes bone, stainless steel, titanium, chromemolybdenum, cobalt chromium alloy, ceramic (zirconium oxide ceramic, aluminum oxide ceramic, etc.), chrome or chrome alloys, cobalt or cobalt alloys, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polysolfone types filled with glass and/or carbon fibers, and various types of carbon and fiber reinforced polymers.
- the material is wear resistant.
- the material has an increased frictional coefficient.
- the material has a reduced frictional coefficient.
- the stabilizer and/or coating that is at least partially coated can be made of a material that results in smooth surfaces, rough surfaces, low frictional surfaces, wear resistant surfaces, and/or the like.
- the stabilizer can include one or more openings and/or cavities. The openings and/or cavities can include various types of substances to promote bone and/or other tissue growth, inhibit rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduce infection, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, promote healing of surrounding tissue, function as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like.
- the stabilizer includes a coating with one or more substances that migrate from the coated material into the surrounding tissue.
- the one or more substances are inserted in, entrapped in and/or at least partially bonded to the coated material so as to at least partially control the time of release and/or release rate of the one or more substances into the surrounding tissue.
- the coating material enhances the strength and/or durability of the prosthetic implant and/or hardens or softens the surface of the stabilizer.
- the stabilizer can be detached from, or is substantially permanently connected to, the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. In one aspect of this embodiment, the stabilizer and the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body constitute a single component.
- the maximum radial width of the stabilizer is less than about three times the maximum radius of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. In one aspect of this embodiment, the maximum radial width of the stabilizer is no more than about two times the maximum radius of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. In another embodiment, the angle of articulation of the stabilizer in relation to the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be constant or vary from an angle of less than about 0.01° to about 180°. In still another embodiment, the maximum thickness of the stabilizer is generally less than or equal to the maximum diameter of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- the maximum thickness of the stabilizer is less than the maximum diameter of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, the maximum thickness of the stabilizer at least closely adjacent to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of the stabilizer at the outer edge of the stabilizer. In one particular design, the width of the stabilizer reduces from a point at least closely adjacent to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to the outer edge of the stabilizer. In a specific design, the taper is generally constant.
- a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant that includes a generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- Still a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant that includes a stabilizer.
- Yet a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant that includes one or more smooth surfaces to inhibit bone and/or other tissue growth on the smooth surface.
- Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant that includes a cap to at least partially alter the size of an opening in the outer surface of the prosthetic implant.
- Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant which has one or more openings that can receive packing material to facilitate in the fusion of two adjacently positioned vertebrae and/or the healing process after insertion of the prosthetic implant.
- a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant which can be easily and efficiently positioned between two vertebrae and which reduces the failure rate of prosthetic implants between the vertebrae.
- FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the prosthetic implant of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation view of a portion of a spinal column which includes the prosthetic implant of the present invention positioned between two adjacently positioned vertebrae;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a modified prosthetic implant of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of another modified prosthetic implant of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of still another modified prosthetic implant of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of yet another modified prosthetic implant of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of still yet another modified prosthetic implant of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a further modified prosthetic implant of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the surface of the prosthetic implant illustrating a coating material applied to a smooth outer surface of the body of the prosthetic implant;
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the surface of the prosthetic implant illustrating a coating material applied to an outer surface of the body of the prosthetic implant that has a plurality of openings;
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the surface of the prosthetic implant illustrating a coating material applied to a non-smooth outer surface of the body of the prosthetic implant that has a plurality of openings;
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of the surface of the prosthetic implant illustrating a coating material having a non-smooth surface applied to the outer surface of the body of the prosthetic implant:
- FIGS. 1 , and 3 - 8 illustrate a prosthetic device or implant 10 which is designed to be inserted in an intervertebral disc space between two vertebrae of the spinal column.
- Prosthetic implant 10 is illustrated as having a spherical body 20 that has an outer surface 22 .
- spherical body 20 can be made of a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, bone, stainless steel, titanium, chromemolybdenum, cobalt chromium alloy, ceramic (zirconium oxide ceramic, aluminum oxide ceramic, etc.), chrome or chrome alloys, cobalt or cobalt alloys, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polysolfone types filled with glass and/or carbon fibers, and various types of carbon and fiber reinforced polymers.
- the particular material or materials selected will generally depend on the location of the implant and the various objectives to be accomplished by the implant.
- spherical body 20 can include medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc. that are mixed with the materials of spherical body 20 which are designed to flow or otherwise escape from spherical body 20 and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant, and/or interact with the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant.
- implant 10 includes a spherical body 20 that has an outer surface 22 which is substantially smooth.
- the interior of spherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities. If spherical body 20 includes one or more cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.). Implant 10 also includes a stabilizer 30 connected to spherical body 20 .
- Stabilizer 30 is disc shaped and extends about the central axis of spherical body 20 . Stabilizer 30 and spherical body 20 are shown to be formed of a single piece of material. Generally, the stabilizer is made of a similar material as spherical body 20 ; however, the stabilizer can include different or additional materials. As can be appreciated, stabilizer 30 can be a separate component that is later connected to outer surface 22 . Stabilizer 30 is designed to facilitate in at least partially orienting the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae, limiting the amount of movement of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body between one or more vertebrae, and/or facilitating in the insertion of the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae.
- Edge 32 of stabilizer 30 is a rounded, non-sharp edge. The rounding off of the surfaces of the stabilizer reduces and/or eliminates pinching of the nerve leading from the spinal cord which can result in pain, damage and/or paralysis to the individual.
- Stabilizer 30 also has a thickness that reduces as the distance increases from spherical body 20 .
- Stabilizer 30 also has a maximum thickness that is less than the diameter of spherical body 20 . Generally, the maximum thickness of the stabilizer is less than about 1.5 times the diameter of spherical body 20 , and typically less than about 4 times the diameter of spherical body 20 .
- Stabilizer 30 is shown to have a generally constant width that radially extends outwardly from spherical body 20 ; however, the width of the stabilizer can vary. Generally, the maximum width of the stabilizer is less than about 2 times the diameter of spherical body 20 , and typically less than about 1 times the diameter of spherical body 20 .
- implant 10 is shown as being inserted into a human vertebrae column 40 .
- Human vertebrae column 40 includes several vertebrae 42 , 44 , 46 and includes intervertebral disc 50 positioned between two adjacently positioned vertebrae.
- Implant 10 is designed to partially or fully replace a damaged intervertebral disc.
- vertebrae 42 and 44 are separated by, and at least partially supported on, spherical body 20 of prosthetic implant 10 .
- the remaining vertebrae are illustrated as being supported on, and separated by, intervertebral disc 50 which maintains a space between the adjoining vertebrae.
- intervertebral disc 50 The damaged portions of intervertebral disc 50 have been removed from the region between vertebrae 42 and 44 prior to prosthetic implant 10 being inserted therebetween.
- the inner surfaces of vertebrae 42 and 44 are also prepared prior to implant 10 being inserted therebetween. Such preparation typically includes cleaning the region between the vertebrae of unwanted materials, removing bone and/or tissue from the surface of one or more vertebrae, inserting separators between the vertebrae, and the like.
- implant 10 is inserted into the space between the vertebrae.
- the prosthetic implant will achieve arthrodesis (fusion) and/or arthroplasty (joint formation) between adjacent vertebrae.
- stabilizer 30 limits the movement of implant 10 between the vertebrae.
- prosthetic implant 10 includes a spherical body 20 that has a substantially smooth outer surface 22 .
- the interior of spherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities. If spherical body 20 includes one or more cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e.
- Implant 10 is also shown has not having a stabilizer.
- Spherical body 20 includes several openings 60 , 64 and 70 .
- the openings are illustrated as being circular shaped; however, other shapes can be used.
- the size of the openings is selected so that various materials can be pack therein and/or to enable bone and/or tissue to grow in the opening to facilitate in the fusion of the body to a vertebrae.
- the packed material typically includes, but is not limited to, medicine, tissue, cells, and the like.
- One or more of the openings can also be used to enable an instrument to be connected to the implant to facilitate in the insertion and/or positioning of the implant between the vertebrae.
- the instrument can be used to insert the prosthetic implant in the intervertebral disc space in a number of different approaches such as from an anterior, posterior, lateral, and/or lateralscopic approach to the vertebrae.
- the opening for the instrument is typically threaded to receive a threaded instrument.
- the threaded opening allows an instrument to be simply secured to and/or removed from the prosthetic implant 10 .
- the instrument opening can also be used to secure pedicle screws to the prosthetic implant to facilitate in the attachment of a rod or plate stabilization system to the prosthetic implant.
- prosthetic implant 10 includes a spherical body 20 that has a substantially smooth outer surface 22 .
- Implant 10 is also shown has not having a stabilizer.
- Implant 10 also includes a plurality of cavities 80 , 82 and 84 .
- the cavities have a substantially cylindrical shape and extend through implant 10 .
- the cavities are illustrated as all passing through the center of spherical body 20 ; however, it can be appreciated that one or more of the cavities do not pass through the center of spherical body 20 .
- Cavity 80 includes openings 60 and 62
- cavity 82 includes openings 68 and 70
- cavity 84 includes openings 64 and 66 .
- the cavities typically include material packed therein; however, the cavities can be empty to allow fluids to flow therethrough.
- One or more of the openings can also be used to enable an instrument to be connected to the implant to facilitate in the insertion and/or positioning of the implant between the vertebrae.
- the remaining portion of the interior of spherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities. If spherical body 20 includes one or more of these cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.).
- prosthetic implant 10 includes a spherical body 20 that has a substantially smooth outer surface 22 .
- Implant 10 is also shown has not having a stabilizer.
- Implant 10 is further illustrated as not having any openings.
- the interior of spherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities. If spherical body 20 includes one or more cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.).
- prosthetic implant 10 includes a spherical body 20 that has a substantially smooth outer surface 22 .
- Implant 10 is also shown has not having a stabilizer.
- Implant 10 is further illustrated as having two openings 60 and 62 and a cylindrical cavity 80 extending therebetween.
- the cavities typically include material packed therein; however, the cavities can be empty to allow fluids to flow therethrough.
- the single cavity is illustrated as having a volume that is greater than the individual volumes of cavities 80 , 82 and 84 of FIG. 4.
- the volume of cavity 80 of FIG. 6 is less than half the volume of spherical body 20 .
- the remaining portion of the interior of spherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities.
- spherical body 20 includes one or more of these cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.).
- a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.
- which which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.).
- implant 10 is similar to the implant shown in FIG. 3, but includes a single opening 60 .
- Opening 60 includes a threaded interior 72 that is designed to receive an instrument as described above and/or a cap 120 .
- Cap 120 includes threading 122 that threads into opening 60 to at least partially close opening 60 .
- implant 10 is similar to the implant shown in FIG. 7, but outer surface 22 is a non-smooth surface.
- the non-smooth surface openings enable the implant to become partially or filly fused with one or more vertebrae.
- the non-smooth surface can also be designed to engage with and/or anchor to the underside surface of a vertebrae within the intervertebral disc space.
- an implant is shown to have an outer surface 22 that is at least partially coated with a coating 90 .
- Coating 90 can form a substantially smooth outer surface 92 as shown in FIGS. 9 - 11 or have a non-smooth surface 92 as shown in FIG. 12.
- Coating 90 can be made of a variety of materials.
- coating 90 includes one or more materials that is different from the material composition of the outer surface 22 of spherical body 20 .
- Coating 90 can also have a variety of functions such as, but not limited to, forming a substantially smooth and durable surface over a substantially smooth outer surface 22 of spherical body 20 as shown in FIG.
- coating 90 can be at least partially coated onto the stabilizer of the implant when the implant includes a stabilizer.
- a substance 110 flows from opening 100 and through coating 90 .
- Coating 90 can be formulated to control the flow rate of substance 110 out of opening 100 .
- the substance can be any number of materials that promote bone and/or other tissue growth, inhibit rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduce infection, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, promote healing of surrounding tissue, function as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like.
- coating 90 includes a substance 112 that is released from the coating. This substance can be any number of materials that promote bone and/or other tissue growth, inhibit rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduce infection, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, promote healing of surrounding tissue, function as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like.
Abstract
An improved 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 an adjacent vertebrae. The generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can include an opening to receive packing material such as medicine, human tissue and the like. The generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can include a stabilizer to at least partially limit the movement of the prosthetic implant between two vertebrae.
Description
- This application claims priority on co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Serial No., filed, entitled “Spherical Spinal Implant.”
- The present invention pertains to prosthetic implants, and more particularly to inner body spinal prosthetic implants to fuse two or more vertebrae together, and even more particularly to inner body spinal prosthetic implants that provide a substitute for an intervertebral disc and/or that provide a flexible spacer between two vertebrae.
- U.S. Provisional Application Serial No., filed, entitled “Spherical Spinal Implant” is incorporated by reference. Also incorporated herein by reference is U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/494,645, filed Jan. 31, 2000 entitled “Spinal Fusion Implant.”
- The human spine is made up of a column of thirty-three bones and their adjoining structures. The vertebrae near the head are known as the presaccral vertebrae which are separate bones capable of individual movement. The bodies of these vertebrae are connected by anterior and posterior ligaments and by discs of fibrocartilage generally known as intervertebral discs. These discs are positioned between opposite faces of adjacent vertebral bodies. This column of vertebrae and intervertebral discs form a central axis that supports the head and torso. These vertebrae also enclose an opening through which the spinal cord passes therebetween.
- The presaccral vertebrae are normally held in position to one another by the intervertebral discs, ligaments and musculature of the body. These vertebrae move relative to adjacent vertebrae thus permitting the head to be turned relative the body and providing a wide range of flexibility to the spine.
- One of the most costly health problems in society involves back pain and pathology of the spine. These problems can affect individuals of all ages and can result in great suffering to victims. Back pain can be caused by several factors such as congenital deformities, traumatic injuries, degenerative changes to the spine, and the like. Such changes can cause painful excessive motion, or collapse of a motion segment resulting in the contraction of the spinal canal and compressing the neural structures causing debilitating pain, paralysis or both, which in turn can result in nerve root compression or spinal stenosis.
- Nerve conduction disorders can also be associated with intervertebral discs or the vertebrae themselves. One such condition is herniation of the intervertebral disc, in which a small amount of tissue protrudes from the sides of the disc into the foramen to compress the spinal cord. A second common condition involves the development of small bone spurs, termed osteophytes, along the posterior surface of the vertebral body, again impinging on the spinal cord.
- Upon identification of these abnormalities, surgery may be required to correct the problem. For those problems associated with the formation of osteophytes or herniations of the intervertebral disc, one such surgical procedure is intervertebral discectomy. In this procedure, the involved vertebrae are exposed and the intervertebral disc is removed, thus removing the offending tissue or providing access for the removal of the bone osteophytes. A second procedure, termed a spinal fusion, may then be required to fix the vertebrae together to prevent movement and maintain a space originally occupied by the intervertebral disc. Although this procedure may result in some minor loss and flexibility in the spine, due to the relatively large number of vertebrae, the minor loss of mobility is typically acceptable.
- During a spinal fusion following a discectomy, a prosthetic implant or spinal implant is inserted into the intervertebral space. This prosthetic implant is often a bone graft removed from another portion of the patient's body, termed an autograph. The use of bone taken from the patient's body has the important advantage of avoiding rejection of the implant, but has several shortcomings. There is always a risk in opening a second surgical site in obtaining the implant, which can lead to infection or pain for the patient, and the site of the implant is weakened by the removal of bony material. The bone implant may not be perfectly shaped and placed, leading to slippage or absorption of the implant or failure of the implant to fuse with the vertebrae.
- Other options for a graft source of the implant are bone removed from cadavers, termed allograft, or from other species, termed a xenograft. In these cases, while there is the benefit of not having a second surgical site as a possible source of infection or pain, there is increased difficulty of the graft rejection and the risk of transmitting communicable diseases.
- An alternative approach is using a bone graft or using a manufactured implant made of a synthetic material that is biologically compatible with the body and the vertebrae. Several compositions and geometries of such implants have been utilized, ranging from simple blocks of material to carefully shaped implants, with varying success.
- There has been an extensive number of attempts in developing an acceptable prosthetic implant that can be used to replace an intervertebral disc and yet maintain the stability of the intervertebral disc spaced between adjacent vertebrae, at least until complete arthrodesis is achieved. These prosthetic implants have taken many forms. While many types of synthetic prosthetic devices have been proposed, the success ratio has been low and the surgical procedures have been complicated and often traumatic to the patient.
- One of the more prevailing designs of these prosthetic implants takes the form of a cylindrical implant. These types of prosthetic implants are represented by Brantigan U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,915 and Ray U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740. In these cylindrical implants, the exterior portion of the cylinder can be threaded to facilitate insertion of the prosthetic device. Some of these prosthetic implants are designed to be pounded into the intervertebral disc space and the vertebral end plates. These types of devices are represented in Brantigan U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,757 and Brantigan U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,327. The Brantigan and Ray patents all disclose prosthetic implants wherein the transverse cross-section of the implant is constant throughout the length of the implant and is typically in the form of a right circular cylinder.
- Other prosthetic implants have been developed that do not have a constant cross-section. For instance, the patent to McKinna U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,469 shows a hemispherical implant with elongated protuberances that project into the vertebral end plate. The implant of Bagby U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,848 is in the form of a sphere which is positioned between the centrums of the adjacent vertebrae.
- The various prosthetic implants can be generally divided into two basic categories, namely solid implants and implants designed to encourage bone ingrowth. Solid implants are represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,878,915 and 4,349,921. The remaining patents discussed above include some aspect that permits bone to grow across the implant. It has been found that devices which promote natural bone ingrowth achieve a more rapid and stable arthrodesis. These implants are typically filled with autologous bone prior to insertion into the intervertebral disc space. These implants typically include apertures which communicate with openings in the implant, thereby providing a path for tissue growth between the vertebral end plate and the bone or bone substitute within the implant. In preparing the intervertebral disc space for a prosthetic implant, the end plates of the vertebrae are preferably reduced to bleeding bone to facilitate tissue growth within the implant.
- A number of difficulties still remain with the many prosthetic implants currently available. While it is recognized that hollow implants which permit bone ingrowth in the bone or bone substitute within the implant is an optimum technique for achieving fusion, most of these devices have difficulty achieving this fusion, at least without the aid of some additional stabilizing device, such as a rod or plate. Moreover, some of these devices are not structurally strong enough to support the heavy loads applied at the most frequently fused vertebral levels, mainly those in the lower lumbar spine.
- In view of the present state of technology related to prosthetic implants, there is a continued need for new implant designs that optimize the bone ingrowth capabilities and are strong enough to support the vertebrae until arthtrodesis occurs, maintains or restores the normal spinal anatomy at the instrumented segment, and/or exhibits reduced slippage when inserted between vertebrae and diminishes the occurrence of nerve pinching.
- The present invention pertains to an improved implant, and more particularly to an improved prosthetic implant for insertion between one or more vertebrae and a method for inserting the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae.
- In accordance with the principal feature of the present invention, there is provided a prosthetic implant that is formed of a biologically compatible material for use in humans. The prosthetic implant is shaped and sized for insertion between two vertebrae. In one specific embodiment, the prosthetic implant is designed to be placed in the intervertebral disc space that was formerly occupied by at least a portion of an intervertebral disc. The intervertebral disc is partially or completely removed prior to insertion of the prosthetic implant between the vertebrae. In another embodiment, the prosthetic implant is designed to be readily inserted by established surgical procedures, with minimal chances of surgical difficulty. In yet another embodiment, the geometry of the prosthetic implant ensures proper load bearing, desired load bearing and support through the vertebrae so as to reduce or minimize the likelihood of the prosthetic implant dislocating relative to the vertebrae either during surgery or during the post operative fusing process. In still another embodiment, the prosthetic implant includes a generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. The maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be varied depending upon the location of the prosthetic implant in the vertebrae. Typically, the maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body will vary from about 3-15 mm; however, other radii can be used. In one aspect of this embodiment, the maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is selected so that the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be at least partially positioned between the two adjacently positioned vertebrae and the surrounding fibers and muscle that complete the spinal structure. In one particular aspect, the maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is selected to cause two adjacently positioned vertebrae to at least partially separate from one another a distance greater than their relative positions prior to surgery. The spreading of the adjacently positioned vertebrae from their original positions results in the elastic nature of the surrounding tissue and muscles maintaining the inserted prosthetic implant in compression between the vertebrae. In another particular aspect, the maximum radii of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is selected to cause two adjacently positioned vertebrae to at least partially separate from one another a distance generally equal to or less than their relative positions prior to surgery. In still yet another embodiment, the prosthetic implant is capable of achieving arthrodesis (fusion) and/or arthroplasty (joint formation) between adjacent vertebrae, depending on the desired procedure. As such, the prosthetic implant allows the surgeon to cause either a multidirectional joint or a fusion to form between two of more vertebrae. In still another embodiment, the prosthetic implant reduces or eliminates nerve pressure caused by a damaged or removed disc.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prosthetic implant which includes a generally spherical or ellipsoidal body design to be inserted in a cavity between two adjacent vertebrae. In one embodiment, the prosthetic implant is substantially spherical. In another embodiment, the prosthetic implant is ellipsoidal. In still another embodiment, the prosthetic implant is made of a material that is inert or biologically compatible with the vertebrae and/or surrounding tissue about the vertebrae. The material of the prosthetic implant includes, but is not limited to, bone, stainless steel, titanium, chromemolybdenum, cobalt chromium alloy, ceramic (zirconium oxide ceramic, aluminum oxide ceramic, etc.), chrome or chrome alloys, cobalt or cobalt alloys, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polysolfone types filled with glass and/or carbon fibers, and various types of carbon and fiber reinforced polymers. In one aspect of this embodiment, the material is wear resistant. In another aspect of this embodiment, the material has an increased frictional coefficient. In still another aspect of this embodiment, the material has a reduced frictional coefficient. In accordance with another embodiment, the prosthetic implant is designed to maintain a tension load of about ten to forty pounds, and more preferably about fifteen to thirty-five pounds on the disc tissue and/or vertebral endplate. This tension load facilitates in maintaining the prosthetic implant in position between the vertebrae and accelerates bone ingrowth between the vertebrae, if such bone growth is desired. In still another embodiment, the prosthetic implant is made of a material which closely approximates the elasticity of the vertebrae. In still yet another embodiment, the prosthetic implant is coated with, made up of, and/or contains a material which is radiolucent to enhance the visibility of the implant when exposed to X-rays. In a further embodiment, the prosthetic implant is coated with, made up of, and/or contains a material to enhance the visibility of the implant when exposed to sound waves, light waves, magnetic waves, and/or various types of electromagnetic waves.
- In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes a substantially smooth outer surface or includes regions having a substantially smooth outer surface to prevent or substantially prevent bone growth and/or other tissue growth on the substantially smooth surface and/or into the interior of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. The substantially smooth surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body allows the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to move freely or relatively freely between two vertebrae. The growth of bone or other tissue into the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can result in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body becoming seized or at least partially retained in a position relative to one or both vertebrae. In one embodiment, the outer smooth surface material of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body includes a wear resistant, relatively smooth material. The material may also have low frictional characteristics to allow for better movement between one or more vertebrae. In another embodiment, the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least the majority of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 60 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 70 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 80 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still another aspect of this embodiment, the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 90 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still yet another aspect of this embodiment, the substantially smooth surface has a total surface area that represents at least about 95 percent of the total surface area of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still another embodiment, the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is at least partially coated with a material that reduces or eliminates voids and/or non-smooth surfaces in the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the coating is a biocompatible material. Non-limiting materials that can be used include polytetrafluoroethylene, or polymers and/or co-polymers that includes polytetrafluoroethylene. In another embodiment, the coated material can be applied to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body by adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, shrink wrapping, melting, spray coating, hot dipping, electroplating, immersion coating, brush coating, and/or the like. The coated material can be biologically neutral or include one or more substances that inhibit bone and/or other tissue growth. In one aspect of this embodiment, the coating includes one or more substances that migrate from the coated material into the surrounding tissue. In one specific design, the one or more substances are inserted in, entrapped in and/or at least partially bonded to the coated material so as to at least partially control the time of release and/or release rate of the one or more substances into the surrounding tissue. In another embodiment, the coating material enhances the strength and/or durability of the prosthetic implant and/or hardens or softens the surface of the prosthetic implant.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes one or more smooth surfaces to promote bone growth and/or other tissue growth into the surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. The one or more smooth surfaces allow for one or more surfaces of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to become partially or fully fused with one or more vertebrae. The smooth surface can be designed to be adapted to engage and/or anchor the underside surface of a vertebrae within the intervertebral disc space. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is coated with a material that forms a smooth surface. The coated material can be biologically neutral or can include one or more substances that inhibit and/or promote bone or other tissue growth. In still another aspect of the embodiment, the coated material includes, but is not limited to, a natural and/or synthetic bone cement; polymer, co-polymer and/or urethane foam; autologous growth compound, powdered bone, bone and/or other tissue growth stimulating substances, bone, polyglycolate polymers or analogues, lactides, polydioxamone, polyglycolate, lactide/glycolide copolymers, and/or other tissue growth inhibiting substances and/or medicines. In another embodiment, the coated material can be applied to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body by adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, shrink wrapping, melting, spray coating, hot dipping, electroplating, immersion coating, brush coating, and/or the like. The coated material can be biologically neutral or include one or more substances that inhibit bone and/or other tissue growth. In one aspect of this embodiment, the coating includes one or more substances that migrate from the coated material into the surrounding tissue. In one specific design, the one or more substances are inserted in, entrapped in and/or at least partially bonded to the coated material so as to at least partially control the time of release and/or release rate of the one or more substances into the surrounding tissue. In another embodiment, the coating material enhances the strength and/or durability of the prosthetic implant and/or hardens or softens the surface of the prosthetic implant.
- In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes one or more non-smooth surfaces and/or openings into the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to promote bone growth and/or other tissue growth into the surface and/or interior of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. The one or more non-smooth surfaces and/or openings in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body allow one or more surfaces of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to become partially or fully fused with one or more vertebrae. The non-smooth surface can be designed to be adapted to engage with and/or anchor to the underside surface of a vertebrae within the intervertebral disc space. In one embodiment, the non-smooth surfaces include, but are not limited to, ridges, grooves, pits, holes, notches, slits, slots, channels, corrugations, and the like. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is coated with a material that forms a non-smooth surface. The coated material is typically biocompatible. The coated material can be biologically neutral or include one or more substances that inhibit or promote bone and/or other tissue growth. In still another aspect of the embodiment, the coated material includes, but is not limited to, a natural and/or synthetic bone cement, polymer, co-polymer and/or urethane foam, autologous growth compound, powdered bone, bone and/or other tissue growth stimulating substances, bone, polyglycolate polymers or analogues, lactides, polydioxamone, polyglycolate, lactide/glycolide copolymers, and/or other tissue growth inhibiting substances and/or medicines. In another embodiment, the coated material can be applied to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body by adhesive bonding, welding, soldering, shrink wrapping, melting, spray coating, hot dipping, electroplating, immersion coating, brush coating, and/or the like. The coated material can be biologically neutral or include one or more substances that inhibit bone and/or other tissue growth. In one aspect of this embodiment, the coating includes one or more substances that migrate from the coated material into the surrounding tissue. In one specific design, the one or more substances are inserted in, entrapped in and/or at least partially bonded to the coated material so as to at least partially control the time of release and/or release rate of the one or more substances into the surrounding tissue. In another embodiment, the coating material enhances the strength and/or durability of the prosthetic implant and/or hardens or softens the surface of the prosthetic implant.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body includes one or more internal cavities. These cavities can include one or more passageways to the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body, or be at least partially isolated from the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one embodiment, at least one of the cavities is substantially vacant. In another embodiment, at least one of the cavities includes one or more substances that promote the effectiveness of the prosthetic implant between at least two vertebrae. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the substances include, but is not limited to, a substance which facilitates in the formation of a graft between one or more vertebrae. Such substance can include, but is not limited to, medicine, human tissue, animal tissue, synthetic tissue, human cells, animal cells, synthetic cells, and the like. In another aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the substances include, but is not limited to, a chemical compound that promotes bone or other tissue growth which inhibits rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduces infection, reduces inflammation, reduces pain, promotes healing of surrounding tissue, functions as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like. In still another aspect of this embodiment, one or more cavities are filled with bone material or a synthetic material, with or without a bone activating matter, such as hydroxyapatite bone or proteins, bone growth factor, or cartilage activation factor. In still yet another embodiment, one or more of the cavities in the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body allows blood supply and/or other body fluids to flow into and/or out of one or more of the cavities. In a further embodiment, the size or the passageway and/or opening to the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be selected to control the amount and/or rate of the one or more substances in the one or more cavities that exits the cavities. In yet a further embodiment, the size or the passageway and/or opening to the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be selected to control the amount and/or rate of bone and/or other tissue growth that occurs in the opening and/or passageway and into the one or more cavities. In still another embodiment, the substance in one or more cavities can be at least partially pre-packed in the cavity prior to inserting the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae, and/or the substance can be at least partially packed into one or more cavities after the prosthetic implant is inserted between one or more vertebrae. In still yet another embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 50% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. The volume of two or more cavities can be the same or different. In another aspect of this embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 40% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still another aspect of this embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 30% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 20% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still yet another aspect of this embodiment, the volume of each of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 10% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still yet another embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 50% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 40% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still another aspect of this embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 30% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 20% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still yet another aspect of this embodiment, the sum of the volumes of the one or more cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is less than about 10% of the total volume of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In yet another embodiment of the invention, at least two of the cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body intersect one another. In one aspect of this embodiment, two or more cavities intersect one another at substantially the center of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, two or more cavities intersect one another generally off center of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body at least partially includes a generally cylindrical portion. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the cavities in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is substantially cylindrical.
- In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention, the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes one or more openings in the outer wall of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant to facilitate in the positioning of the prosthetic implant between the vertebrae and/or to secure the prosthetic implant in place within the intervertebral disc space. In one embodiment, one or more of the openings in the outer wall of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is adapted to receive an instrument for guiding and/or inserting the prosthetic implant between the vertebrae of the spine by an anterior, posterior, lateral, and/or latroscopic approach into the spinal column. The one or more openings allow a surgeon to select the best approach for inserting the prosthetic implant in the intervertebral disc space. In one aspect of this embodiment, the instrument opening includes a securing mechanism such as, but not limited to, a thread, in the opening to secure the instrument within the opening.
- In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention, the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant includes one or more openings in the outer wall of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant that can be at least partially closed prior to, during and/or after the prosthetic implant is inserted between one or more vertebrae. In one embodiment, a cap is used to at least partially close one or more openings in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the cap substantially seals one or more openings. In another aspect of this embodiment, the cap alters the size of the one or more openings. The altered size of the one or more openings can be used to control the amount and/or rate of substances exiting the one or more openings and/or to control the rate and/or amount of substances, bone and/or other tissue entering the opening. In another aspect of this embodiment, the cap can be made of a porous material or a non-porous material. In another embodiment, the cap is adapted to receive an instrument for guiding and/or inserting the cap into one or more openings in the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In still another embodiment, the cap is made of a biocompatible material. In one aspect of this embodiment, the cap is made or includes a material that is the same as the material make-up of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, the cap is made of or includes a material that is different from the material of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In yet another embodiment, the cap is made of a material that fuses with the surrounding bone and/or tissue while the prosthetic implant is between one or more vertebrae. In yet another embodiment, the cap is made of a material that resists fusion with the surrounding bone and/or tissue while the prosthetic implant is between one or more vertebrae. In still yet another embodiment, the cap is made of a material that decomposes after the prosthetic implant is positioned between one or more vertebrae.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least one or more surfaces of the prosthetic implant are rounded off so as not to be sharp. Rounding off the surfaces reduces and/or eliminates pinching of the nerve leading from the spinal cord which can result in pain, damage and/or paralysis to the individual. The rounded surfaces avoid or minimize nerve pressure that can be exerted on the nerves intervertebrally exiting the spinal cord. The one or more rounded off surfaces also facilitate with the insertion of the prosthetic implant within the intervertebral disc space. In one embodiment, substantially all the surfaces of the prosthetic implant are rounded off.
- In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the prosthetic implant includes at least one stabilizer positioned at least partially about the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. The stabilizer is designed to facilitate in at least partially orienting the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae, limiting the amount of movement of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body between one or more vertebrae and/or facilitating in the insertion of the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae. In one embodiment, at least one stabilizer is positioned substantially about the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one stabilizer is positioned substantially about the central axis of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, at least one stabilizer is positioned substantially off-center of the central axis of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is substantially disc shaped; however, the shape of the stabilizer is in no way limited to such a shape. In yet another embodiment, the stabilizer includes one or more tapered edges. In still another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least partially made of a porous material, a non-porous material, a non-biodegradable material, and/or a biodegradable material. In still yet another embodiment, the stabilizer can be coated with, contain and/or be made of a substance that promotes bone and/or other tissue growth, to inhibit rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduce infection, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, promote healing of surrounding tissue, function as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like. In one aspect of this embodiment, the stabilizer includes, but is not limited to, a substance that includes medicine, human tissue, animal tissue, synthetic tissue, human cells, animal cells, synthetic cells, and/or bone activating matter. In another aspect of this embodiment, the stabilizer includes, but is not limited to, a substance that includes bone, stainless steel, titanium, chromemolybdenum, cobalt chromium alloy, ceramic (zirconium oxide ceramic, aluminum oxide ceramic, etc.), chrome or chrome alloys, cobalt or cobalt alloys, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polysolfone types filled with glass and/or carbon fibers, and various types of carbon and fiber reinforced polymers. In one aspect of this embodiment, the material is wear resistant. In another aspect of this embodiment, the material has an increased frictional coefficient. In still another aspect of this embodiment, the material has a reduced frictional coefficient. In still another aspect of this embodiment, the stabilizer and/or coating that is at least partially coated can be made of a material that results in smooth surfaces, rough surfaces, low frictional surfaces, wear resistant surfaces, and/or the like. In another embodiment, the stabilizer can include one or more openings and/or cavities. The openings and/or cavities can include various types of substances to promote bone and/or other tissue growth, inhibit rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduce infection, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, promote healing of surrounding tissue, function as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like. In still another embodiment, the stabilizer includes a coating with one or more substances that migrate from the coated material into the surrounding tissue. In one specific design, the one or more substances are inserted in, entrapped in and/or at least partially bonded to the coated material so as to at least partially control the time of release and/or release rate of the one or more substances into the surrounding tissue. In another embodiment, the coating material enhances the strength and/or durability of the prosthetic implant and/or hardens or softens the surface of the stabilizer. In a further embodiment, the stabilizer can be detached from, or is substantially permanently connected to, the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. In one aspect of this embodiment, the stabilizer and the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body constitute a single component. In still yet a further embodiment, the maximum radial width of the stabilizer is less than about three times the maximum radius of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. In one aspect of this embodiment, the maximum radial width of the stabilizer is no more than about two times the maximum radius of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body of the prosthetic implant. In another embodiment, the angle of articulation of the stabilizer in relation to the outer surface of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body can be constant or vary from an angle of less than about 0.01° to about 180°. In still another embodiment, the maximum thickness of the stabilizer is generally less than or equal to the maximum diameter of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the maximum thickness of the stabilizer is less than the maximum diameter of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body. In another aspect of this embodiment, the maximum thickness of the stabilizer at least closely adjacent to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body is greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of the stabilizer at the outer edge of the stabilizer. In one particular design, the width of the stabilizer reduces from a point at least closely adjacent to the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body to the outer edge of the stabilizer. In a specific design, the taper is generally constant.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved prosthetic implant for insertion between two vertebrae.
- It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide a prosthetic implant which at least partially emulates the space between the vertebrae.
- Yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant which includes one or more non-smooth surfaces to help secure the prosthetic implant in position between the vertebrae.
- It is still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide a prosthetic implant which provides improved spinal support fixation and methodology which provides stability between adjacent vertebrae and in which the shape will facilitate in securing the prosthetic implant between the vertebrae.
- A further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant that includes a generally spherical or ellipsoidal body.
- Still a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant that includes a stabilizer.
- Yet a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant that includes one or more smooth surfaces to inhibit bone and/or other tissue growth on the smooth surface.
- Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant that includes a cap to at least partially alter the size of an opening in the outer surface of the prosthetic implant.
- Another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which will at least partially aid in the positioning of the prosthetic implant between the vertebrae.
- Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant which has one or more openings that can receive packing material to facilitate in the fusion of two adjacently positioned vertebrae and/or the healing process after insertion of the prosthetic implant.
- A further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a prosthetic implant which can be easily and efficiently positioned between two vertebrae and which reduces the failure rate of prosthetic implants between the vertebrae.
- It is still another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide a prosthetic implant which includes one or more surfaces that reduce pinching with the spinal cord and other body parts closely adjacent to the prosthetic implant.
- It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide a prosthetic implant that is at least partially made of a biologically compatible material.
- It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide a prosthetic implant that is at least partially made of and/or includes a material that enhances the visibility of the implant when exposed to X-rays, sound waves, light waves, magnetic waves, and/or various other types of electromagnetic waves.
- It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide a prosthetic implant that is at least partially made of a material which closely approximates the elasticity of the vertebrae and/or the intervertebral disc.
- These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken together with the drawings.
- The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
- FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the prosthetic implant of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation view of a portion of a spinal column which includes the prosthetic implant of the present invention positioned between two adjacently positioned vertebrae;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a modified prosthetic implant of the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of another modified prosthetic implant of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of still another modified prosthetic implant of the present invention;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of yet another modified prosthetic implant of the present invention;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of still yet another modified prosthetic implant of the present invention;
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a further modified prosthetic implant of the present invention;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the surface of the prosthetic implant illustrating a coating material applied to a smooth outer surface of the body of the prosthetic implant;
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the surface of the prosthetic implant illustrating a coating material applied to an outer surface of the body of the prosthetic implant that has a plurality of openings;
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the surface of the prosthetic implant illustrating a coating material applied to a non-smooth outer surface of the body of the prosthetic implant that has a plurality of openings; and,
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of the surface of the prosthetic implant illustrating a coating material having a non-smooth surface applied to the outer surface of the body of the prosthetic implant:
- Referring to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIGS.1, and 3-8 illustrate a prosthetic device or
implant 10 which is designed to be inserted in an intervertebral disc space between two vertebrae of the spinal column.Prosthetic implant 10 is illustrated as having aspherical body 20 that has anouter surface 22.spherical body 20 can be made of a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, bone, stainless steel, titanium, chromemolybdenum, cobalt chromium alloy, ceramic (zirconium oxide ceramic, aluminum oxide ceramic, etc.), chrome or chrome alloys, cobalt or cobalt alloys, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polysolfone types filled with glass and/or carbon fibers, and various types of carbon and fiber reinforced polymers. The particular material or materials selected will generally depend on the location of the implant and the various objectives to be accomplished by the implant. Additionally,spherical body 20 can include medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc. that are mixed with the materials ofspherical body 20 which are designed to flow or otherwise escape fromspherical body 20 and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant, and/or interact with the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant. - Referring now to FIG. 1,
implant 10 includes aspherical body 20 that has anouter surface 22 which is substantially smooth. The interior ofspherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities. Ifspherical body 20 includes one or more cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.).Implant 10 also includes astabilizer 30 connected tospherical body 20.Stabilizer 30 is disc shaped and extends about the central axis ofspherical body 20.Stabilizer 30 andspherical body 20 are shown to be formed of a single piece of material. Generally, the stabilizer is made of a similar material asspherical body 20; however, the stabilizer can include different or additional materials. As can be appreciated,stabilizer 30 can be a separate component that is later connected toouter surface 22.Stabilizer 30 is designed to facilitate in at least partially orienting the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae, limiting the amount of movement of the generally spherical or ellipsoidal body between one or more vertebrae, and/or facilitating in the insertion of the prosthetic implant between one or more vertebrae.Edge 32 ofstabilizer 30 is a rounded, non-sharp edge. The rounding off of the surfaces of the stabilizer reduces and/or eliminates pinching of the nerve leading from the spinal cord which can result in pain, damage and/or paralysis to the individual.Stabilizer 30 also has a thickness that reduces as the distance increases fromspherical body 20.Stabilizer 30 also has a maximum thickness that is less than the diameter ofspherical body 20. Generally, the maximum thickness of the stabilizer is less than about 1.5 times the diameter ofspherical body 20, and typically less than about 4 times the diameter ofspherical body 20.Stabilizer 30 is shown to have a generally constant width that radially extends outwardly fromspherical body 20; however, the width of the stabilizer can vary. Generally, the maximum width of the stabilizer is less than about 2 times the diameter ofspherical body 20, and typically less than about 1 times the diameter ofspherical body 20. - Referring now to FIG. 2,
implant 10 is shown as being inserted into ahuman vertebrae column 40.Human vertebrae column 40 includesseveral vertebrae intervertebral disc 50 positioned between two adjacently positioned vertebrae.Implant 10 is designed to partially or fully replace a damaged intervertebral disc. As shown in FIG. 2,vertebrae spherical body 20 ofprosthetic implant 10. The remaining vertebrae are illustrated as being supported on, and separated by,intervertebral disc 50 which maintains a space between the adjoining vertebrae. The damaged portions ofintervertebral disc 50 have been removed from the region betweenvertebrae prosthetic implant 10 being inserted therebetween. The inner surfaces ofvertebrae implant 10 being inserted therebetween. Such preparation typically includes cleaning the region between the vertebrae of unwanted materials, removing bone and/or tissue from the surface of one or more vertebrae, inserting separators between the vertebrae, and the like. After the region between the vertebrae has been prepared,implant 10 is inserted into the space between the vertebrae. Depending of the design ofimplant 10, the prosthetic implant will achieve arthrodesis (fusion) and/or arthroplasty (joint formation) between adjacent vertebrae. Onceimplant 10 has been inserted betweenvertebrae stabilizer 30 limits the movement ofimplant 10 between the vertebrae. - Referring now to FIGS.3-8, other designs of the prosthetic implant are illustrated. Referring specifically to FIG. 3,
prosthetic implant 10 includes aspherical body 20 that has a substantially smoothouter surface 22. The interior ofspherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities. Ifspherical body 20 includes one or more cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.).Implant 10 is also shown has not having a stabilizer.Spherical body 20 includesseveral openings prosthetic implant 10. The instrument opening can also be used to secure pedicle screws to the prosthetic implant to facilitate in the attachment of a rod or plate stabilization system to the prosthetic implant. - Referring now to FIG. 4,
prosthetic implant 10 includes aspherical body 20 that has a substantially smoothouter surface 22.Implant 10 is also shown has not having a stabilizer.Implant 10 also includes a plurality ofcavities implant 10. The cavities are illustrated as all passing through the center ofspherical body 20; however, it can be appreciated that one or more of the cavities do not pass through the center ofspherical body 20.Cavity 80 includesopenings cavity 82 includesopenings cavity 84 includesopenings spherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities. Ifspherical body 20 includes one or more of these cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.). - Referring now to FIG. 5,
prosthetic implant 10 includes aspherical body 20 that has a substantially smoothouter surface 22.Implant 10 is also shown has not having a stabilizer.Implant 10 is further illustrated as not having any openings. The interior ofspherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities. Ifspherical body 20 includes one or more cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.). - Referring now to FIG. 6,
prosthetic implant 10 includes aspherical body 20 that has a substantially smoothouter surface 22.Implant 10 is also shown has not having a stabilizer.Implant 10 is further illustrated as having twoopenings cylindrical cavity 80 extending therebetween. The cavities typically include material packed therein; however, the cavities can be empty to allow fluids to flow therethrough. The single cavity is illustrated as having a volume that is greater than the individual volumes ofcavities cavity 80 of FIG. 6 is less than half the volume ofspherical body 20. The remaining portion of the interior ofspherical body 20 can be solid, hollow or have one or more cavities. Ifspherical body 20 includes one or more of these cavities, the cavities can be empty or at least partially filled with a material which alters the physical characteristics of spherical body 20 (i.e. weight distribution, density distribution, etc.) and/or which is designed to flow or otherwise escape the void and enter the bone, tissue and/or fluids about the implant (i.e. medicine, bone and/or tissue growth promoters, bone and/or tissue growth inhibitors, etc.). - Referring now to FIG. 7,
implant 10 is similar to the implant shown in FIG. 3, but includes asingle opening 60.Opening 60 includes a threaded interior 72 that is designed to receive an instrument as described above and/or acap 120.Cap 120 includes threading 122 that threads into opening 60 to at least partiallyclose opening 60. - Referring now to FIG. 8,
implant 10 is similar to the implant shown in FIG. 7, butouter surface 22 is a non-smooth surface. The non-smooth surface openings enable the implant to become partially or filly fused with one or more vertebrae. The non-smooth surface can also be designed to engage with and/or anchor to the underside surface of a vertebrae within the intervertebral disc space. - Referring now to FIGS.9-12, an implant is shown to have an
outer surface 22 that is at least partially coated with acoating 90.Coating 90 can form a substantially smoothouter surface 92 as shown in FIGS. 9-11 or have anon-smooth surface 92 as shown in FIG. 12.Coating 90 can be made of a variety of materials. Typically, coating 90 includes one or more materials that is different from the material composition of theouter surface 22 ofspherical body 20.Coating 90 can also have a variety of functions such as, but not limited to, forming a substantially smooth and durable surface over a substantially smoothouter surface 22 ofspherical body 20 as shown in FIG. 9, forming a substantially smooth and durable surface over a substantially smoothouter surface 22 ofspherical body 20 and to at least partially coveropenings 100 in the surface ofspherical body 20 as shown in FIG. 10, forming a substantially smooth and durable surface of the prosthetic implant over a non-smoothouter surface 22 ofspherical body 20 and to at least partially coveropenings 100 in the surface ofspherical body 20 as shown in FIG. 11, or forming a non-smooth surface over a substantially smoothouter surface 22 ofspherical body 20 as shown in FIG. 12. As can be appreciated, coating 90 can be at least partially coated onto the stabilizer of the implant when the implant includes a stabilizer. - As shown in FIG. 10, a
substance 110 flows from opening 100 and throughcoating 90.Coating 90 can be formulated to control the flow rate ofsubstance 110 out ofopening 100. The substance can be any number of materials that promote bone and/or other tissue growth, inhibit rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduce infection, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, promote healing of surrounding tissue, function as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like. Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, coating 90 includes asubstance 112 that is released from the coating. This substance can be any number of materials that promote bone and/or other tissue growth, inhibit rejection of the prosthetic implant, reduce infection, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, promote healing of surrounding tissue, function as a location and/or visual indicator, and/or the like. - The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. These and other modifications of the preferred embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be obvious from the disclosure herein, whereby the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (51)
1. A prosthetic implant to at least partially support adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column, comprising a prosthetic implant having a substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body that includes at least one non-growth outer surface that at least partially inhibits growth on said outer surface while positioned between adjoining vertebrae.
2. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1 , wherein said at least one non-growth outer surface having a surface area, said surface area being at least about 80 percent of a total outer surface area of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
3. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1 , wherein said body including at least one opening.
4. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said non-growth outer surface is formed by a coating material applied to said outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
5. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of said non-growth outer surface is formed by a coating material applied to said outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
6. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 5 , wherein said coating material at least partially covering at least one opening in said outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
7. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 3 , wherein at least one opening including a substance to at least partially inhibit tissue growth in said opening.
8. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 6 , wherein at least one opening including a substance to at least partially inhibit tissue growth in said opening.
9. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 4 , wherein said coating material including a substance to at least partially inhibit tissue growth on said coating material.
10. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 8 , wherein said coating material including a substance to at least partially inhibit tissue growth on said coating material.
11. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1 , wherein said non-growth outer surface includes a substantially smooth surface.
12. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 5 , wherein said non-growth outer surface includes a substantially smooth surface.
13. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1 , wherein said non-growth outer surface includes a substantially non-smooth surface.
14. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 5 , wherein said non-growth outer surface includes a substantially non-smooth surface.
15. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1 , including at least one stabilizer positioned at least partially about said outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body that at least partially limits movement of said body between said adjoining vertebrae.
16. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 3 , including at least one stabilizer positioned at least partially about said outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body that at least partially limits movement of said body between said adjoining vertebrae.
17. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 10 , including at least one stabilizer positioned at least partially about said outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body that at least partially limits movement of said body between said adjoining vertebrae.
18. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 11 , wherein said stabilizer is substantially disc shaped.
19. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 11 , wherein said stabilizer includes a substance to at least partially inhibit tissue growth on said stabilizer.
20. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 17 , wherein said stabilizer includes a substance to at least partially inhibit tissue growth on said stabilizer.
21. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 11 , wherein said stabilizer includes a substance to at least partially promote tissue growth on said stabilizer.
22. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 17 , wherein said stabilizer includes a substance to at least partially inhibit tissue growth on said stabilizer.
23. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 1 , including an instrument cavity adapted to receive an instrument to guide said prosthetic implant between adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column, to receive an implant to secure said prosthetic implant in position relative to said vertebrae, and combinations thereof.
24. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 20 , including an instrument cavity to adapted to receive an instrument to guide said prosthetic implant between adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column, to receive an implant to secure said prosthetic implant in position relative to said vertebrae, and combinations thereof.
25. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 23 , including a cap to at least partially cover said instrument cavity.
26. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 24 , including a cap to at least partially cover said instrument cavity.
27. A prosthetic implant to at least partially support adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column, comprising a prosthetic implant having a substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body that includes at least one growth promoting outer area, said growth promoting outer area at least partially promoting tissue growth on said growth promoting outer surface while positioned between adjoining vertebrae, said one growth promoting outer area including a substantially smooth surface, a non-smooth surface, an opening, and combinations thereof.
28. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 27 , wherein said at least one growth promoting outer area includes a substance that promotes tissue growth.
29. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 27 , wherein said at least one growth promoting outer area includes at least one opening that at least partially provides fluid access to at least one cavity in the interior of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
30. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 28 , wherein said at least one growth promoting outer area includes at least one opening that at least partially provides fluid access to at least one cavity in the interior of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
31. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 29 , wherein at least one of said cavities having a substantially cylindrical shape.
32. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 30 , wherein at least one of said cavities has a substantially cylindrical shape.
33. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 27 , including an instrument cavity adapted to receive an instrument to guide said prosthetic implant between adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column, to receive an implant to secure said prosthetic implant in position relative to said vertebrae, and combinations thereof.
34. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 32 , including an instrument cavity adapted to receive an instrument to guide said prosthetic implant between adjoining vertebrae in a spinal column, to receive an implant to secure said prosthetic implant in position relative to said vertebrae, and combinations thereof.
35. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 33 , including a cap to at least partially cover said instrument cavity.
36. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 34 , including a cap to at least partially cover said instrument cavity.
37. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 27 , wherein at least a portion of said growth promoting outer area is formed by a coating material applied to an outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
38. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 32 , wherein at least a portion of said growth promoting outer area is formed by a coating material applied to an outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
39. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 37 , wherein said coating material at least partially covering at least one opening in said outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
40. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 38 , wherein said coating material at least partially covering at least one opening in said outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body.
41. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 37 , wherein said coating material including a substance to at least partially promote tissue growth on said coating material.
42. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 38 , wherein said coating material including a substance to at least partially promote tissue growth on said coating material.
43. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 27 , wherein said growth promoting outer area including a substantially non-smooth surface.
44. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 42 , wherein said growth promoting outer area including a substantially non-smooth surface.
45. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 27 , including at least one stabilizer positioned at least partially about an outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body that at least partially limits movement of said body between said adjoining vertebrae.
46. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 32 , including at least one stabilizer positioned at least partially about an outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body that at least partially limits movement of said body between said adjoining vertebrae.
47. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 44 , including at least one stabilizer positioned at least partially about an outer surface of said substantially spherical or ellipsoidal body that at least partially limits movement of said body between said adjoining vertebrae.
48. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 45 , wherein said stabilizer is substantially disc shaped.
49. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 45 , wherein said stabilizer includes a substance to at least partially promote tissue growth on said stabilizer.
50. The prosthetic implant as defined in claim 47 , wherein said stabilizer includes a substance to at least partially promote tissue growth on said stabilizer.
51. A method for promoting arthrodesis or arthroplasty between adjacent spinal vertebrae comprising:
a. partially or completely removing a ruptured, flattened or degenerated disc located between a pair of adjacent vertebrae having opposed facing surfaces;
b. separating the pair of vertebrae;
c. preparing the opposed facing surfaces on the pair of vertebrae for a prosthetic implant; and,
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/252,207 US20030023308A1 (en) | 2001-03-20 | 2002-09-23 | Spherical spinal implant |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US27703801P | 2001-03-20 | 2001-03-20 | |
US09/865,114 US6478822B1 (en) | 2001-03-20 | 2001-05-24 | Spherical spinal implant |
US10/252,207 US20030023308A1 (en) | 2001-03-20 | 2002-09-23 | Spherical spinal implant |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/865,114 Division US6478822B1 (en) | 2001-03-20 | 2001-05-24 | Spherical spinal implant |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030023308A1 true US20030023308A1 (en) | 2003-01-30 |
Family
ID=26958276
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/865,114 Expired - Lifetime US6478822B1 (en) | 2001-03-20 | 2001-05-24 | Spherical spinal implant |
US10/252,207 Abandoned US20030023308A1 (en) | 2001-03-20 | 2002-09-23 | Spherical spinal implant |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/865,114 Expired - Lifetime US6478822B1 (en) | 2001-03-20 | 2001-05-24 | Spherical spinal implant |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6478822B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1377238B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4173009B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1270674C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE506035T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002338511B9 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2441384C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60239794D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002087480A1 (en) |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040199256A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2004-10-07 | Chao-Jan Wang | Support device for supporting between spinal vertebrae |
US20060188542A1 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2006-08-24 | Bobyn John D | Implant improving local bone formation |
US20060224240A1 (en) * | 2005-04-04 | 2006-10-05 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Non-circular stabilization sphere and method |
US20070123923A1 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2007-05-31 | Lindstrom Curtis C | Implantable medical device minimizing rotation and dislocation |
US20080114453A1 (en) * | 2006-11-13 | 2008-05-15 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Intervertebral prosthetic devices and surgical methods |
US20080161833A1 (en) * | 2007-01-02 | 2008-07-03 | Ray Charles D | Joint prosthesis |
US20090171394A1 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2009-07-02 | Abdou M S | Devices And Methods For The Treatment Of Facet Joint Disease |
US20100185288A1 (en) * | 2009-01-21 | 2010-07-22 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc | Spinal nucleus replacement implant |
US20100228350A1 (en) * | 2009-03-04 | 2010-09-09 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Spinal nucleus replacement implants |
US9011538B2 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2015-04-21 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Methods of spinal nucleus replacemennt |
WO2016054682A1 (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2016-04-14 | Pedoulias Panagiotis | Bone scaffold improvements |
US10543107B2 (en) | 2009-12-07 | 2020-01-28 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for minimally invasive spinal stabilization and instrumentation |
US10548740B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2020-02-04 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral bone realignment |
US10575961B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2020-03-03 | Samy Abdou | Spinal fixation devices and methods of use |
US10695105B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2020-06-30 | Samy Abdou | Spinal fixation devices and methods of use |
US10857003B1 (en) | 2015-10-14 | 2020-12-08 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral stabilization |
US10918498B2 (en) | 2004-11-24 | 2021-02-16 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement |
US10973648B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2021-04-13 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral bone realignment |
US11006982B2 (en) | 2012-02-22 | 2021-05-18 | Samy Abdou | Spinous process fixation devices and methods of use |
US11173040B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2021-11-16 | Cogent Spine, LLC | Devices and methods for spinal stabilization and instrumentation |
US11179248B2 (en) | 2018-10-02 | 2021-11-23 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for spinal implantation |
Families Citing this family (125)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7879095B2 (en) * | 1994-03-18 | 2011-02-01 | Madhavan Pisharodi | Method of inserting, rotating and releasing a spring-loaded artificial disk |
US6245108B1 (en) | 1999-02-25 | 2001-06-12 | Spineco | Spinal fusion implant |
US7163541B2 (en) * | 2002-12-03 | 2007-01-16 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Tibial resurfacing system |
US7678151B2 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2010-03-16 | Ek Steven W | System and method for joint resurface repair |
US6610067B2 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2003-08-26 | Arthrosurface, Incorporated | System and method for joint resurface repair |
US8177841B2 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2012-05-15 | Arthrosurface Inc. | System and method for joint resurface repair |
US6520964B2 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2003-02-18 | Std Manufacturing, Inc. | System and method for joint resurface repair |
US6478822B1 (en) * | 2001-03-20 | 2002-11-12 | Spineco, Inc. | Spherical spinal implant |
US6736850B2 (en) * | 2001-12-28 | 2004-05-18 | Spinal Concepts, Inc. | Vertebral pseudo arthrosis device and method |
US8137402B2 (en) * | 2002-01-17 | 2012-03-20 | Concept Matrix Llc | Vertebral defect device |
US7105023B2 (en) * | 2002-01-17 | 2006-09-12 | Concept Matrix, L.L.C. | Vertebral defect device |
US7291171B2 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2007-11-06 | Ferree Bret A | Artificial disc replacement (ADR) using elastic tether member |
US7001433B2 (en) * | 2002-05-23 | 2006-02-21 | Pioneer Laboratories, Inc. | Artificial intervertebral disc device |
US8388684B2 (en) | 2002-05-23 | 2013-03-05 | Pioneer Signal Technology, Inc. | Artificial disc device |
US20100185294A1 (en) * | 2002-06-04 | 2010-07-22 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Nanorough Alloy Substrate |
US20040133278A1 (en) * | 2002-10-31 | 2004-07-08 | Marino James F. | Spinal disc implant |
US7901408B2 (en) | 2002-12-03 | 2011-03-08 | Arthrosurface, Inc. | System and method for retrograde procedure |
US8388624B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-03-05 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Trochlear resurfacing system and method |
US7824444B2 (en) * | 2003-03-20 | 2010-11-02 | Spineco, Inc. | Expandable spherical spinal implant |
EP1610740A4 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2009-04-08 | Theken Disc Llc | Artificial disc prosthesis |
US20050010297A1 (en) * | 2003-05-08 | 2005-01-13 | Kuros Biosurgery Ag | Balloon technologies for tissue repair |
US7252685B2 (en) * | 2003-06-05 | 2007-08-07 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Fusion implant and method of making same |
US7785351B2 (en) | 2003-08-05 | 2010-08-31 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Artificial functional spinal implant unit system and method for use |
US7909869B2 (en) | 2003-08-05 | 2011-03-22 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Artificial spinal unit assemblies |
US7753958B2 (en) | 2003-08-05 | 2010-07-13 | Gordon Charles R | Expandable intervertebral implant |
US9445916B2 (en) | 2003-10-22 | 2016-09-20 | Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. | Joint arthroplasty devices having articulating members |
AU2006203909A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 | 2006-07-13 | Arthrosurface, Inc. | System and method for retrograde procedure |
CA2546582A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 | 2005-06-09 | Arthrosurface, Inc. | Retrograde delivery of resurfacing devices |
US7670377B2 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2010-03-02 | Kyphon Sarl | Laterally insertable artifical vertebral disk replacement implant with curved spacer |
US8480742B2 (en) * | 2005-08-02 | 2013-07-09 | Perumala Corporation | Total artificial disc |
AU2005260590A1 (en) | 2004-06-28 | 2006-01-12 | Arthrosurface, Inc. | System for articular surface replacement |
US7172628B2 (en) * | 2004-07-27 | 2007-02-06 | Lonnie Jay Lamprich | Spinal disc prosthesis and methods |
US7862617B2 (en) * | 2004-07-27 | 2011-01-04 | Lamprich Medical, Llc | Spinal disc prosthesis apparatus and placement method |
US8114158B2 (en) * | 2004-08-03 | 2012-02-14 | Kspine, Inc. | Facet device and method |
US20060047341A1 (en) * | 2004-08-24 | 2006-03-02 | Trieu Hai H | Spinal disc implants with reservoirs for delivery of therapeutic agents |
US7763024B2 (en) * | 2004-09-23 | 2010-07-27 | Spine Solutions, Inc. | Adjustable cutting of cutout in vertebral bone |
WO2006033067A2 (en) * | 2004-09-23 | 2006-03-30 | Spine Solutions Inc. | System and method for an intervertebral implant |
WO2006042485A1 (en) * | 2004-10-18 | 2006-04-27 | Buettner-Janz Karin | Intervertebral disk endoprosthesis for lumbar and cervical spine, which corresponds to the physiology of movement |
US9161783B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2015-10-20 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Interspinous spacer |
US8945183B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2015-02-03 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Interspinous process spacer instrument system with deployment indicator |
US8613747B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2013-12-24 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Spacer insertion instrument |
US8152837B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2012-04-10 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine |
US8123782B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2012-02-28 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Interspinous spacer |
US8409282B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2013-04-02 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine |
US8123807B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2012-02-28 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine |
US9119680B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2015-09-01 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Interspinous spacer |
US8317864B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2012-11-27 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine |
US8167944B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2012-05-01 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine |
US8128662B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2012-03-06 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Minimally invasive tooling for delivery of interspinous spacer |
US7763074B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2010-07-27 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine |
US9023084B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2015-05-05 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Systems and methods for stabilizing the motion or adjusting the position of the spine |
US8012207B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2011-09-06 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine |
US8277488B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2012-10-02 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Interspinous spacer |
US8425559B2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2013-04-23 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine |
WO2009009049A2 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2009-01-15 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Interspinous spacer |
US7828853B2 (en) | 2004-11-22 | 2010-11-09 | Arthrosurface, Inc. | Articular surface implant and delivery system |
WO2009086010A2 (en) | 2004-12-06 | 2009-07-09 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Spacer insertion instrument |
US7753957B2 (en) * | 2005-03-24 | 2010-07-13 | Accelerated Innovation, Llc | Ball and Socket intervertebral disc replacement device with keyed surfaces assembly |
US9119901B2 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2015-09-01 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Surface treatments for promoting selective tissue attachment to medical impants |
US8414907B2 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2013-04-09 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Coatings on medical implants to guide soft tissue healing |
DE202006006920U1 (en) * | 2006-04-25 | 2007-08-30 | Biomed Est. | Orthopedic anchoring system, for fixation of long bone e.g. tibia, fracture, has two lateral implants, where each implant includes base and post that are arranged orthogonally and coated with active substances |
US8357181B2 (en) | 2005-10-27 | 2013-01-22 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of implanting same |
CA2632322C (en) * | 2005-12-08 | 2014-04-08 | Fbcdevice Aps | Disc implant |
US20070168039A1 (en) * | 2006-01-13 | 2007-07-19 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Materials, devices and methods for treating multiple spinal regions including vertebral body and endplate regions |
US20070173821A1 (en) * | 2006-01-13 | 2007-07-26 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Materials, devices, and methods for treating multiple spinal regions including the posterior and spinous process regions |
US20070173820A1 (en) * | 2006-01-13 | 2007-07-26 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Materials, devices, and methods for treating multiple spinal regions including the anterior region |
US7520888B2 (en) | 2006-02-14 | 2009-04-21 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Treatment of the vertebral column |
US8118869B2 (en) | 2006-03-08 | 2012-02-21 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Dynamic interbody device |
US20070270970A1 (en) * | 2006-03-14 | 2007-11-22 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Spinal implants with improved wear resistance |
US20070270971A1 (en) * | 2006-03-14 | 2007-11-22 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Intervertebral prosthetic disc with improved wear resistance |
US20070233246A1 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-04 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Spinal implants with improved mechanical response |
US8122832B1 (en) | 2006-05-11 | 2012-02-28 | Spherical Precision, Inc. | Projectiles for shotgun shells and the like, and methods of manufacturing the same |
US8016886B2 (en) * | 2006-07-18 | 2011-09-13 | Altus Partners, Llc | Intervertebral disc replacement device |
US20080021462A1 (en) * | 2006-07-24 | 2008-01-24 | Warsaw Orthopedic Inc. | Spinal stabilization implants |
US20080021557A1 (en) * | 2006-07-24 | 2008-01-24 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Spinal motion-preserving implants |
US8715350B2 (en) | 2006-09-15 | 2014-05-06 | Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. | Systems and methods for securing an implant in intervertebral space |
US8845726B2 (en) | 2006-10-18 | 2014-09-30 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Dilator |
WO2008073404A2 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2008-06-19 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Retrograde resection apparatus and method |
US7905922B2 (en) | 2006-12-20 | 2011-03-15 | Zimmer Spine, Inc. | Surgical implant suitable for replacement of an intervertebral disc |
US8597358B2 (en) | 2007-01-19 | 2013-12-03 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Dynamic interbody devices |
US8262667B1 (en) | 2007-02-23 | 2012-09-11 | Holmed Corporation | Multi-diameter implant forceps |
EP2155121B1 (en) | 2007-04-16 | 2015-06-17 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Interspinous spacer |
US20100191333A1 (en) | 2007-06-08 | 2010-07-29 | Morrison Iii Thomas J | Load-bearing spinal interbody device |
EP2155125A4 (en) * | 2007-06-08 | 2011-05-04 | Medgem Llc | Spinal interbody device |
WO2009036380A1 (en) * | 2007-09-12 | 2009-03-19 | Life Spine, Inc. | Spinal interbody device |
US8157844B2 (en) | 2007-10-22 | 2012-04-17 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Dampener system for a posterior stabilization system with a variable length elongated member |
US8267965B2 (en) | 2007-10-22 | 2012-09-18 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Spinal stabilization systems with dynamic interbody devices |
US8162994B2 (en) | 2007-10-22 | 2012-04-24 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Posterior stabilization system with isolated, dual dampener systems |
US8523912B2 (en) | 2007-10-22 | 2013-09-03 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Posterior stabilization systems with shared, dual dampener systems |
US8187330B2 (en) | 2007-10-22 | 2012-05-29 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Dampener system for a posterior stabilization system with a variable length elongated member |
US8182514B2 (en) | 2007-10-22 | 2012-05-22 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Dampener system for a posterior stabilization system with a fixed length elongated member |
WO2009091922A2 (en) | 2008-01-15 | 2009-07-23 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Interspinous spacer |
EP2262448A4 (en) | 2008-03-03 | 2014-03-26 | Arthrosurface Inc | Bone resurfacing system and method |
KR101547212B1 (en) * | 2008-04-22 | 2015-08-25 | 키네틱 스파인 테크놀로지스 인크. | Artificial intervertebral spacer |
CN101433479B (en) * | 2008-12-03 | 2012-02-15 | 崔志明 | Lumbar zygapophysial joints fusion device and implantation device thereof |
US20100249932A1 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2010-09-30 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Materials, Devices and Methods for Intervertebral Stabilization Via Use of In Situ Shape Recovery |
US9078712B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2015-07-14 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Preformed drug-eluting device to be affixed to an anterior spinal plate |
US9414864B2 (en) | 2009-04-15 | 2016-08-16 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Anterior spinal plate with preformed drug-eluting device affixed thereto |
WO2016154393A1 (en) | 2009-04-17 | 2016-09-29 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Glenoid repair system and methods of use thereof |
US9662126B2 (en) | 2009-04-17 | 2017-05-30 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Glenoid resurfacing system and method |
US9283076B2 (en) | 2009-04-17 | 2016-03-15 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Glenoid resurfacing system and method |
US8740948B2 (en) | 2009-12-15 | 2014-06-03 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Spinal spacer for cervical and other vertebra, and associated systems and methods |
WO2011109836A1 (en) | 2010-03-05 | 2011-09-09 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Tibial resurfacing system and method |
FR2960146B1 (en) * | 2010-05-18 | 2012-12-28 | Charles Khalife | DYNAMIC INTER VERTEBRAL DISC |
US8388687B2 (en) | 2011-03-25 | 2013-03-05 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Interbody device insertion systems and methods |
US9066716B2 (en) | 2011-03-30 | 2015-06-30 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Suture coil and suture sheath for tissue repair |
US9526627B2 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2016-12-27 | Exactech, Inc. | Expandable interbody device system and method |
WO2013096746A1 (en) | 2011-12-22 | 2013-06-27 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | System and method for bone fixation |
US9198769B2 (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2015-12-01 | Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. | Bone anchor assembly, bone plate system, and method |
US9468448B2 (en) | 2012-07-03 | 2016-10-18 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | System and method for joint resurfacing and repair |
US9492288B2 (en) | 2013-02-20 | 2016-11-15 | Flexuspine, Inc. | Expandable fusion device for positioning between adjacent vertebral bodies |
US9675303B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-06-13 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Visualization systems, instruments and methods of using the same in spinal decompression procedures |
US20140277505A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Dale Mitchell | Spinal implants with bioactive glass markers |
US9492200B2 (en) | 2013-04-16 | 2016-11-15 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Suture system and method |
US9962265B2 (en) | 2014-03-07 | 2018-05-08 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | System and method for repairing articular surfaces |
US11607319B2 (en) | 2014-03-07 | 2023-03-21 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | System and method for repairing articular surfaces |
US10624748B2 (en) | 2014-03-07 | 2020-04-21 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | System and method for repairing articular surfaces |
US9517144B2 (en) | 2014-04-24 | 2016-12-13 | Exactech, Inc. | Limited profile intervertebral implant with incorporated fastening mechanism |
US10398565B2 (en) | 2014-04-24 | 2019-09-03 | Choice Spine, Llc | Limited profile intervertebral implant with incorporated fastening and locking mechanism |
AU2015256024B2 (en) | 2014-05-07 | 2020-03-05 | Vertiflex, Inc. | Spinal nerve decompression systems, dilation systems, and methods of using the same |
US10323918B2 (en) * | 2014-07-29 | 2019-06-18 | Polywad, Inc. | Auto-segmenting spherical projectile |
CA3108761A1 (en) | 2017-08-04 | 2019-02-07 | Arthrosurface Incorporated | Multicomponent articular surface implant |
AU2018327353A1 (en) | 2017-09-08 | 2020-03-19 | Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. | Intervertebral implants, instruments, and methods |
USD907771S1 (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2021-01-12 | Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. | Intervertebral implant |
GB2596006B (en) | 2019-03-12 | 2022-11-30 | Arthrosurface Inc | Humeral and glenoid articular surface implant systems and methods |
Citations (45)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4349921A (en) * | 1980-06-13 | 1982-09-21 | Kuntz J David | Intervertebral disc prosthesis |
US4714469A (en) * | 1987-02-26 | 1987-12-22 | Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc. | Spinal implant |
US4834757A (en) * | 1987-01-22 | 1989-05-30 | Brantigan John W | Prosthetic implant |
US4936848A (en) * | 1989-09-22 | 1990-06-26 | Bagby George W | Implant for vertebrae |
US4961740A (en) * | 1988-10-17 | 1990-10-09 | Surgical Dynamics, Inc. | V-thread fusion cage and method of fusing a bone joint |
US5059193A (en) * | 1989-11-20 | 1991-10-22 | Spine-Tech, Inc. | Expandable spinal implant and surgical method |
US5123926A (en) * | 1991-02-22 | 1992-06-23 | Madhavan Pisharodi | Artificial spinal prosthesis |
US5192327A (en) * | 1991-03-22 | 1993-03-09 | Brantigan John W | Surgical prosthetic implant for vertebrae |
US5258031A (en) * | 1992-01-06 | 1993-11-02 | Danek Medical | Intervertebral disk arthroplasty |
US5306308A (en) * | 1989-10-23 | 1994-04-26 | Ulrich Gross | Intervertebral implant |
US5306307A (en) * | 1991-07-22 | 1994-04-26 | Calcitek, Inc. | Spinal disk implant |
US5425773A (en) * | 1992-01-06 | 1995-06-20 | Danek Medical, Inc. | Intervertebral disk arthroplasty device |
US5425772A (en) * | 1993-09-20 | 1995-06-20 | Brantigan; John W. | Prosthetic implant for intervertebral spinal fusion |
US5524093A (en) * | 1994-02-24 | 1996-06-04 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Semiconductor memory device having an arrangement to reduce stresses on non-selected ferroelectric capacitors while achieving high integration |
US5571189A (en) * | 1994-05-20 | 1996-11-05 | Kuslich; Stephen D. | Expandable fabric implant for stabilizing the spinal motion segment |
US5607424A (en) * | 1995-04-10 | 1997-03-04 | Tropiano; Patrick | Domed cage |
US5609635A (en) * | 1988-06-28 | 1997-03-11 | Michelson; Gary K. | Lordotic interbody spinal fusion implants |
US5645596A (en) * | 1993-07-07 | 1997-07-08 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ceramic vertebrae prosthesis |
US5658337A (en) * | 1994-05-23 | 1997-08-19 | Spine-Tech, Inc. | Intervertebral fusion implant |
US5674296A (en) * | 1994-11-14 | 1997-10-07 | Spinal Dynamics Corporation | Human spinal disc prosthesis |
US5720751A (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 1998-02-24 | Jackson; Roger P. | Tools for use in seating spinal rods in open ended implants |
US5743918A (en) * | 1996-05-13 | 1998-04-28 | Wright Medical Technology, Inc. | Instrumentation for and method for implanting a spherical prosthesis |
US5766252A (en) * | 1995-01-24 | 1998-06-16 | Osteonics Corp. | Interbody spinal prosthetic implant and method |
US5782832A (en) * | 1996-10-01 | 1998-07-21 | Surgical Dynamics, Inc. | Spinal fusion implant and method of insertion thereof |
US5782919A (en) * | 1995-03-27 | 1998-07-21 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Interbody fusion device and method for restoration of normal spinal anatomy |
US5824093A (en) * | 1994-10-17 | 1998-10-20 | Raymedica, Inc. | Prosthetic spinal disc nucleus |
US5876456A (en) * | 1997-11-14 | 1999-03-02 | Sulzer Orthopedics Inc. | Implantable prosthesis having interference-locked hole plugs |
US5888226A (en) * | 1997-11-12 | 1999-03-30 | Rogozinski; Chaim | Intervertebral prosthetic disc |
US5888224A (en) * | 1993-09-21 | 1999-03-30 | Synthesis (U.S.A.) | Implant for intervertebral space |
US5888227A (en) * | 1995-10-20 | 1999-03-30 | Synthes (U.S.A.) | Inter-vertebral implant |
US5895428A (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 1999-04-20 | Berry; Don | Load bearing spinal joint implant |
US6019792A (en) * | 1998-04-23 | 2000-02-01 | Cauthen Research Group, Inc. | Articulating spinal implant |
US6042380A (en) * | 1997-11-25 | 2000-03-28 | Discotech Medical Technologies, Ltd. | Inflatable dental implant for receipt and support of a dental prosthesis |
US6059829A (en) * | 1995-03-08 | 2000-05-09 | Synthese | Intervertebral implant |
US6080158A (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2000-06-27 | Lin; Chih-I | Intervertebral fusion device |
US6093207A (en) * | 1994-03-18 | 2000-07-25 | Pisharodi; Madhavan | Middle expanded, removable intervertebral disk stabilizer disk |
US6113638A (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-09-05 | Williams; Lytton A. | Method and apparatus for intervertebral implant anchorage |
US6179874B1 (en) * | 1998-04-23 | 2001-01-30 | Cauthen Research Group, Inc. | Articulating spinal implant |
US6214050B1 (en) * | 1999-05-11 | 2001-04-10 | Donald R. Huene | Expandable implant for inter-bone stabilization and adapted to extrude osteogenic material, and a method of stabilizing bones while extruding osteogenic material |
US6245108B1 (en) * | 1999-02-25 | 2001-06-12 | Spineco | Spinal fusion implant |
US6264695B1 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2001-07-24 | Replication Medical, Inc. | Spinal nucleus implant |
US20010032020A1 (en) * | 1999-07-02 | 2001-10-18 | Petrus Besselink | Reinforced expandable cage |
US6383519B1 (en) * | 1999-01-26 | 2002-05-07 | Vita Special Purpose Corporation | Inorganic shaped bodies and methods for their production and use |
US6478822B1 (en) * | 2001-03-20 | 2002-11-12 | Spineco, Inc. | Spherical spinal implant |
US6533818B1 (en) * | 2000-04-26 | 2003-03-18 | Pearl Technology Holdings, Llc | Artificial spinal disc |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IL128261A0 (en) * | 1999-01-27 | 1999-11-30 | Disc O Tech Medical Tech Ltd | Expandable element |
US6146422A (en) * | 1999-01-25 | 2000-11-14 | Lawson; Kevin Jon | Prosthetic nucleus replacement for surgical reconstruction of intervertebral discs and treatment method |
FR2797179B1 (en) * | 1999-08-03 | 2002-03-08 | Michel Gau | INTERVERTEBRAL NUCLEAR PROSTHESIS AND SURGICAL IMPLANTATION METHOD |
-
2001
- 2001-05-24 US US09/865,114 patent/US6478822B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-03-08 JP JP2002584834A patent/JP4173009B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-03-08 CA CA002441384A patent/CA2441384C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-03-08 WO PCT/US2002/007474 patent/WO2002087480A1/en active Application Filing
- 2002-03-08 AU AU2002338511A patent/AU2002338511B9/en not_active Ceased
- 2002-03-08 AT AT02766727T patent/ATE506035T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-03-08 DE DE60239794T patent/DE60239794D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-03-08 EP EP02766727A patent/EP1377238B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-03-08 CN CNB028070062A patent/CN1270674C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-09-23 US US10/252,207 patent/US20030023308A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (48)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4349921A (en) * | 1980-06-13 | 1982-09-21 | Kuntz J David | Intervertebral disc prosthesis |
US4878915A (en) * | 1987-01-22 | 1989-11-07 | Brantigan John W | Surgical prosthetic implant facilitating vertebral interbody fusion |
US4834757A (en) * | 1987-01-22 | 1989-05-30 | Brantigan John W | Prosthetic implant |
US4714469A (en) * | 1987-02-26 | 1987-12-22 | Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc. | Spinal implant |
US5609635A (en) * | 1988-06-28 | 1997-03-11 | Michelson; Gary K. | Lordotic interbody spinal fusion implants |
US4961740B1 (en) * | 1988-10-17 | 1997-01-14 | Surgical Dynamics Inc | V-thread fusion cage and method of fusing a bone joint |
US4961740A (en) * | 1988-10-17 | 1990-10-09 | Surgical Dynamics, Inc. | V-thread fusion cage and method of fusing a bone joint |
US4936848A (en) * | 1989-09-22 | 1990-06-26 | Bagby George W | Implant for vertebrae |
US5306308A (en) * | 1989-10-23 | 1994-04-26 | Ulrich Gross | Intervertebral implant |
US5059193A (en) * | 1989-11-20 | 1991-10-22 | Spine-Tech, Inc. | Expandable spinal implant and surgical method |
US5123926A (en) * | 1991-02-22 | 1992-06-23 | Madhavan Pisharodi | Artificial spinal prosthesis |
US5192327A (en) * | 1991-03-22 | 1993-03-09 | Brantigan John W | Surgical prosthetic implant for vertebrae |
US5306307A (en) * | 1991-07-22 | 1994-04-26 | Calcitek, Inc. | Spinal disk implant |
US5425773A (en) * | 1992-01-06 | 1995-06-20 | Danek Medical, Inc. | Intervertebral disk arthroplasty device |
US5562738A (en) * | 1992-01-06 | 1996-10-08 | Danek Medical, Inc. | Intervertebral disk arthroplasty device |
US5258031A (en) * | 1992-01-06 | 1993-11-02 | Danek Medical | Intervertebral disk arthroplasty |
US5645596A (en) * | 1993-07-07 | 1997-07-08 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ceramic vertebrae prosthesis |
US5425772A (en) * | 1993-09-20 | 1995-06-20 | Brantigan; John W. | Prosthetic implant for intervertebral spinal fusion |
US5888224A (en) * | 1993-09-21 | 1999-03-30 | Synthesis (U.S.A.) | Implant for intervertebral space |
US5524093A (en) * | 1994-02-24 | 1996-06-04 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Semiconductor memory device having an arrangement to reduce stresses on non-selected ferroelectric capacitors while achieving high integration |
US6093207A (en) * | 1994-03-18 | 2000-07-25 | Pisharodi; Madhavan | Middle expanded, removable intervertebral disk stabilizer disk |
US5571189A (en) * | 1994-05-20 | 1996-11-05 | Kuslich; Stephen D. | Expandable fabric implant for stabilizing the spinal motion segment |
US5658337A (en) * | 1994-05-23 | 1997-08-19 | Spine-Tech, Inc. | Intervertebral fusion implant |
US5824093A (en) * | 1994-10-17 | 1998-10-20 | Raymedica, Inc. | Prosthetic spinal disc nucleus |
US5674296A (en) * | 1994-11-14 | 1997-10-07 | Spinal Dynamics Corporation | Human spinal disc prosthesis |
US5766252A (en) * | 1995-01-24 | 1998-06-16 | Osteonics Corp. | Interbody spinal prosthetic implant and method |
US6059829A (en) * | 1995-03-08 | 2000-05-09 | Synthese | Intervertebral implant |
US5782919A (en) * | 1995-03-27 | 1998-07-21 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Interbody fusion device and method for restoration of normal spinal anatomy |
US5607424A (en) * | 1995-04-10 | 1997-03-04 | Tropiano; Patrick | Domed cage |
US5888227A (en) * | 1995-10-20 | 1999-03-30 | Synthes (U.S.A.) | Inter-vertebral implant |
US5743918A (en) * | 1996-05-13 | 1998-04-28 | Wright Medical Technology, Inc. | Instrumentation for and method for implanting a spherical prosthesis |
US5782832A (en) * | 1996-10-01 | 1998-07-21 | Surgical Dynamics, Inc. | Spinal fusion implant and method of insertion thereof |
US5895428A (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 1999-04-20 | Berry; Don | Load bearing spinal joint implant |
US5720751A (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 1998-02-24 | Jackson; Roger P. | Tools for use in seating spinal rods in open ended implants |
US5888226A (en) * | 1997-11-12 | 1999-03-30 | Rogozinski; Chaim | Intervertebral prosthetic disc |
US5876456A (en) * | 1997-11-14 | 1999-03-02 | Sulzer Orthopedics Inc. | Implantable prosthesis having interference-locked hole plugs |
US6042380A (en) * | 1997-11-25 | 2000-03-28 | Discotech Medical Technologies, Ltd. | Inflatable dental implant for receipt and support of a dental prosthesis |
US6019792A (en) * | 1998-04-23 | 2000-02-01 | Cauthen Research Group, Inc. | Articulating spinal implant |
US6179874B1 (en) * | 1998-04-23 | 2001-01-30 | Cauthen Research Group, Inc. | Articulating spinal implant |
US6383519B1 (en) * | 1999-01-26 | 2002-05-07 | Vita Special Purpose Corporation | Inorganic shaped bodies and methods for their production and use |
US6245108B1 (en) * | 1999-02-25 | 2001-06-12 | Spineco | Spinal fusion implant |
US6113638A (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-09-05 | Williams; Lytton A. | Method and apparatus for intervertebral implant anchorage |
US6214050B1 (en) * | 1999-05-11 | 2001-04-10 | Donald R. Huene | Expandable implant for inter-bone stabilization and adapted to extrude osteogenic material, and a method of stabilizing bones while extruding osteogenic material |
US20010032020A1 (en) * | 1999-07-02 | 2001-10-18 | Petrus Besselink | Reinforced expandable cage |
US6080158A (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2000-06-27 | Lin; Chih-I | Intervertebral fusion device |
US6264695B1 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2001-07-24 | Replication Medical, Inc. | Spinal nucleus implant |
US6533818B1 (en) * | 2000-04-26 | 2003-03-18 | Pearl Technology Holdings, Llc | Artificial spinal disc |
US6478822B1 (en) * | 2001-03-20 | 2002-11-12 | Spineco, Inc. | Spherical spinal implant |
Cited By (44)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040199256A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2004-10-07 | Chao-Jan Wang | Support device for supporting between spinal vertebrae |
US10918498B2 (en) | 2004-11-24 | 2021-02-16 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement |
US11096799B2 (en) | 2004-11-24 | 2021-08-24 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement |
US8071574B2 (en) | 2005-02-22 | 2011-12-06 | John Dennis Bobyn | Implant improving local bone formation |
US8309536B2 (en) | 2005-02-22 | 2012-11-13 | John Dennis Bobyn | Implant improving local bone formation |
US20110014265A1 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2011-01-20 | John Dennis Bobyn | Implant Improving Local Bone Formation |
US20060188542A1 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2006-08-24 | Bobyn John D | Implant improving local bone formation |
US8083798B2 (en) | 2005-04-04 | 2011-12-27 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Non-circular stabilization sphere and method |
US20060224240A1 (en) * | 2005-04-04 | 2006-10-05 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Non-circular stabilization sphere and method |
US20070123923A1 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2007-05-31 | Lindstrom Curtis C | Implantable medical device minimizing rotation and dislocation |
US20080114453A1 (en) * | 2006-11-13 | 2008-05-15 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Intervertebral prosthetic devices and surgical methods |
US20080161833A1 (en) * | 2007-01-02 | 2008-07-03 | Ray Charles D | Joint prosthesis |
US20090171394A1 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2009-07-02 | Abdou M S | Devices And Methods For The Treatment Of Facet Joint Disease |
US20100185288A1 (en) * | 2009-01-21 | 2010-07-22 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc | Spinal nucleus replacement implant |
US9011539B2 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2015-04-21 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Spinal nucleus replacement implant |
US9011538B2 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2015-04-21 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Methods of spinal nucleus replacemennt |
US9066816B2 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2015-06-30 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Spinal nucleus replacement implants |
US20100228350A1 (en) * | 2009-03-04 | 2010-09-09 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Spinal nucleus replacement implants |
US8292962B2 (en) | 2009-03-04 | 2012-10-23 | Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. | Spinal nucleus replacement implants |
US10610380B2 (en) | 2009-12-07 | 2020-04-07 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for minimally invasive spinal stabilization and instrumentation |
US10857004B2 (en) | 2009-12-07 | 2020-12-08 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for minimally invasive spinal stabilization and instrumentation |
US11918486B2 (en) | 2009-12-07 | 2024-03-05 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for minimally invasive spinal stabilization and instrumentation |
US10543107B2 (en) | 2009-12-07 | 2020-01-28 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for minimally invasive spinal stabilization and instrumentation |
US10945861B2 (en) | 2009-12-07 | 2021-03-16 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for minimally invasive spinal stabilization and instrumentation |
US11517449B2 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2022-12-06 | Samy Abdou | Spinal fixation devices and methods of use |
US11324608B2 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2022-05-10 | Samy Abdou | Spinal fixation devices and methods of use |
US10575961B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2020-03-03 | Samy Abdou | Spinal fixation devices and methods of use |
US11839413B2 (en) | 2012-02-22 | 2023-12-12 | Samy Abdou | Spinous process fixation devices and methods of use |
US11006982B2 (en) | 2012-02-22 | 2021-05-18 | Samy Abdou | Spinous process fixation devices and methods of use |
US10695105B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2020-06-30 | Samy Abdou | Spinal fixation devices and methods of use |
US11559336B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2023-01-24 | Samy Abdou | Spinal fixation devices and methods of use |
US11173040B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2021-11-16 | Cogent Spine, LLC | Devices and methods for spinal stabilization and instrumentation |
US11918483B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2024-03-05 | Cogent Spine Llc | Devices and methods for spinal stabilization and instrumentation |
WO2016054682A1 (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2016-04-14 | Pedoulias Panagiotis | Bone scaffold improvements |
US10420652B2 (en) | 2014-10-09 | 2019-09-24 | Dr. Panagiotis Pedoulias | Bone scaffold improvements |
US10857003B1 (en) | 2015-10-14 | 2020-12-08 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral stabilization |
US11246718B2 (en) | 2015-10-14 | 2022-02-15 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral stabilization |
US11259935B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2022-03-01 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral bone realignment |
US11058548B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2021-07-13 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral bone realignment |
US10548740B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2020-02-04 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral bone realignment |
US10973648B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2021-04-13 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral bone realignment |
US11752008B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2023-09-12 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral bone realignment |
US10744000B1 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2020-08-18 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for vertebral bone realignment |
US11179248B2 (en) | 2018-10-02 | 2021-11-23 | Samy Abdou | Devices and methods for spinal implantation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1541081A (en) | 2004-10-27 |
US6478822B1 (en) | 2002-11-12 |
CA2441384C (en) | 2008-12-09 |
CA2441384A1 (en) | 2002-11-07 |
ATE506035T1 (en) | 2011-05-15 |
EP1377238A4 (en) | 2008-03-26 |
CN1270674C (en) | 2006-08-23 |
JP4173009B2 (en) | 2008-10-29 |
DE60239794D1 (en) | 2011-06-01 |
AU2002338511B9 (en) | 2006-08-03 |
EP1377238B1 (en) | 2011-04-20 |
WO2002087480A1 (en) | 2002-11-07 |
AU2002338511B2 (en) | 2006-03-09 |
EP1377238A1 (en) | 2004-01-07 |
JP2004527317A (en) | 2004-09-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6478822B1 (en) | Spherical spinal implant | |
AU2002338511A1 (en) | Spherical spinal implant | |
US6245108B1 (en) | Spinal fusion implant | |
US6800092B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for intervertebral implant anchorage | |
Szpalski et al. | Spine arthroplasty: a historical review | |
KR100391864B1 (en) | Intra-body spinal fusion | |
US6458159B1 (en) | Disc prosthesis | |
EP1610733B1 (en) | Expandable spherical spinal implant | |
US20060212119A1 (en) | Intervertebral spacer | |
US20110112643A1 (en) | Hybrid Intervertebral Spinal Fusion Implant | |
US20070233247A1 (en) | Hybrid intervertebral spinal fusion implant | |
CA2385489A1 (en) | Improved disc prosthesis |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SPINECO, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LEROUX, CLAYTON G.;BISCUP, ROBERT S.;REEL/FRAME:016993/0756 Effective date: 20010524 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |