Artificial disc replacements with natural kinematics
AssigneeSpineCore, Inc.
InventorsBret A. Ferree, David Tompkins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.
Claims20
An artificial disc replacement (ADR), comprising:
- a superior component having an upper contacting portion having a first bone contacting surface for contacting an endplate of a superior vertebra and a lower articulating portion having a first concave surface and a first planar surface intersecting a perimeter of the first concave surface;
- and
- an inferior component having a lower bone contacting portion having a second bone contacting surface for contacting an endplate of an inferior vertebra and an upper articulating portion having a second concave surface and a second planar surface intersecting a perimeter of the second concave surface,
- wherein the superior and inferior components are articulable about first and second centers of rotation (CORs), the first COR being disposed above the first bone contacting surface, and the second COR being disposed below the second bone contacting surface.
An artificial disc replacement (ADR), comprising:
- a superior component having an upper contacting portion having a first bone contacting surface for contacting an endplate of a superior vertebra and a lower articulating portion having a first concave surface and a first planar surface interfacing a perimeter of the first concave surface;
- and
- an inferior component having a lower bone contacting portion having a second bone contacting surface for contacting an endplate of an inferior vertebra and an upper articulating portion having a second concave surface and a second planar surface interfacing a perimeter of the second concave surface,
- wherein the superior and inferior components are rotatable relative to each other about first and second centers of rotation (CORs), the first COR being disposed above the first planar surface, and the second COR being disposed below the second planar surface.
An artificial disc replacement (ADR), comprising:
- a superior component having an upper contacting portion having a first bone contacting surface for contacting an endplate of a superior vertebra and a lower articulating portion having a first concave surface extending into a lowermost surface of the superior component;
- and
- an inferior component having a lower bone contacting portion having a second bone contacting surface for contacting an endplate of an inferior vertebra and an upper articulating portion having a second concave surface extending into an uppermost surface of the inferior component,
- wherein the superior and inferior components are articulable about first and second centers of rotation (CORs), the first COR being disposed above the first bone contacting surface, and the second COR being disposed below the second bone contacting surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.