Artificial disc prosthesis
AssigneeTheken Disc, LLC
InventorsRichard Navarro, Bharadwaj Ananthan, Randall Theken
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A visco-elastic motion-limiting artificial intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided that mimics the physiologic function of a normal spinal disc. The disc comprises upper and lower endplates having therewithin channels or openings for optionally receiving one or more motion-limiting members fitted on each end with an enlarged portion. One or more compression stops is provided between the upper and lower endplates. Additionally, an elastomeric cushion is disposed between the endplates and surrounds the motion-limiting members. Also, force transducers and microelectronics can be utilized to provide data to the surgeon or the patient regarding the load state of the disc.
Claims9
A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:
- a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae;
- and
- a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member,
- wherein said polymeric member interior space is hermetically isolated from an exterior of said prosthesis.
A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:
- a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae;
- and
- a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member,
- wherein said first and second endplates both have continuous boundary surfaces suitable to exclude fluids from said polymeric member interior space.
A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:
- a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae;
- and
- a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member,
- wherein said prosthesis further comprises at least one force-measuring sensor.
A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:
- a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae;
- and
- a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member,
- wherein said prosthesis further comprises a battery.
A spinal disc prosthesis, comprising:
- a first endplate and a second endplate each suitable to attach to respective vertebrae;
- and
- a polymeric member interposed between and adhered to said first and second endplates, said polymeric member defining polymeric member interior space not occupied by said polymeric member;
- wherein said prosthesis further comprises electronic components contained within said prosthesis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.