Articulating spinal disc implants with amorphous metal elements
OwnerNaim Istephanous, Joe Lessar +3inventors
InventorsNaim Istephanous, Joe Lessar, Darrel Untereker, Lukas Eisermann, Greg Marik
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Abstract
Described are artificial disc implants for insertion between first and second adjacent vertebrae in a patient. The implants have a first member and a second member in articulating relationship. At least one member of the implant includes an amorphous metal element. Also described are related methods of making and using artificial disc implants.
Claims45
An artificial disc implant for insertion between a first and second adjacent vertebrae, comprising:
- a first member having an engagement surface configured to engage the first vertebra;
- a second member having an engagement surface configured to engage the second vertebra;
- said first member in articulating relationship with said second member;
- and
- said first member comprising a near-net-shape cast amorphous metal element presenting a first articulation surface.
An artificial disc implant for insertion between upper and lower vertebral bodies, comprising:
- a first member having a first main body for receipt between the upper and lower vertebral bodies, the first main body having an upper surface configured to engage an endplate of the upper vertebral body, said first main body having a lower surface presenting a convex articulation surface, said first member further comprising an upwardly-extending portion connected to and extending upwardly from said main body, said upwardly-extending portion configured for attachment to the upper vertebral body;
- a second member having a second main body for receipt between the upper and lower vertebral bodies, the second main body having a lower surface configured to engage an endplate of the lower vertebral body, said second main body having an upper surface presenting a concave articulation surface for movably contacting said convex articulation surface, said second member further comprising a downwardly-extending member connected to and extending downwardly from said second main body, said downwardly-extending member of said second member configured for attachment to the lower vertebral body;
- and
- at least one of said convex articulation surface and said concave articulation surface comprised of an amorphous metal material.
An artificial disc implant for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, comprising:
- a first member made of amorphous metal and having a surface configured to engage a vertebra;
- a second member made of amorphous metal having a surface configured to engage a vertebra;
- and
- said first member in articulating relationship with said second member.
A method for making a component for an artificial disc implant, comprising:
- forming a near-net-shape amorphous metal element dimensioned for receipt between upper and lower vertebral bodies, said near-net-shape amorphous metal element including a first surface configured to engage a vertebral endplate of the upper or lower vertebral body and a second surface presenting an articulation surface.
A kit for treating the spine of a patient, comprising:
- a first member having a surface configured to engage a first vertebra of the spine and including a first engagement portion adapted to engage a connector extending into the first vertebra, said first member including a near-net-shape cast amorphous metal element presenting a first articulation surface;
- a second member having a surface configured to engage a second vertebra of the spine and having a second engagement portion adapted to engage a connector extending into the second vertebra, said second member presenting a second articulation surface for cooperation with said first articulation surface;
- and
- at least one connector adapted to engage said first engagement portion;
- and
- at least one connector adapted to engage said second engagement portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.