Devices and methods for disc replacement
AssigneeZimmer Spine, Inc.
InventorsRobert Hudgins, Bruce Robie
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure concerns implants to at least partially replace the nucleus of a spinal disc. In one embodiment, a prosthetic structure is provided which includes a bag having a fixation component, the bag operable to contain at least one internal implant within the bag. In another embodiment, a bag structure is provided with a flange adaptable to anchor the structure to a vertebral body and a sinusoidal-shaped structure made of a flexible material is provided with various unique configurations. In one embodiment, for delivery, a bag structure with a flange may be attached to a vertebral body. In another embodiment, a sinusoidal-shaped implant structure is alternately woven from one end to the other with a second sinusoidal-shaped structure.
Claims34
An intervertebral prosthetic structure for replacement of at least a portion of an intervertebral disc nucleus, comprising:
- a bag structure made from a semi-permeable flexible material having a cavity therein;
- an opening in communication with the cavity, wherein the opening is adapted to allow an interior implant structure to be placed into the cavity;
- and
- an interfacing layer of material positioned between the flexible material of the bag and a fixation layer;
- wherein the interfacing layer is adapted to reduce contact between the flexible bag material and the fixation layer.
An intervertebral prosthetic structure for replacement of at least a portion of an intervertebral disc, comprising:
- a bag structure made from a semi-permeable flexible material having a cavity therein;
- an opening in communication with the cavity, wherein the opening is adapted to allow an interior implant structure to be placed into the cavity;
- and
- at least one fixation member,
- wherein the fixation member is positioned to be in contact with the bag and protrude exteriorly from the bag.
An intervertebral prosthetic structure for replacement of at least a portion of an intervertebral disc nucleus, comprising:
- a bag structure made of a semi-permeable flexible material having a cavity therein;
- an opening in communication with the cavity, wherein the opening is adapted to allow an interior implant structure to be introduced into the cavity;
- the bag structure having a flange attached to the bag in proximity to the opening of the bag wherein the flange is capable of anchoring the bag structure;
- and
- capable of anchoring an interior implant structure introduced to the bag.
A method of implanting a prosthetic structure into an intervertebral space comprising:
- resectioning at least a portion of the annulus;
- removing at least a portion of a disc nucleus to create a cavity;
- introducing to the cavity a bag structure having a flange;
- the bag structure comprising an opening capable of receiving an interior implant structure;
- deploying the bag structure in the cavity using a deployment device;
- and
- anchoring the bag structure using the flange.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.