Devices and methods for disc replacement
AssigneeZimmer Spine, Inc.
InventorsRobert Hudgins, Bruce Robie
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims27
A method of implanting a prosthetic structure into an intervertebral space comprising:
- selecting a disc having a nucleus;
- removing a substantial portion of the nucleus of the disc to create a cavity;
- introducing a bag structure having a fixation component to the cavity wherein the fixation component is capable of fixation to a vertebral endplate when placed in the cavity;
- the bag structure comprising an opening for receiving an interior implant structure;
- deploying the bag structure in the cavity using a deployment device;
- placing the fixation component of the bag structure in close proximity to a vertebral endplate within the cavity;
- and
- introducing an implant structure to the cavity.
A method of implanting a prosthetic structure into an intervertebral space comprising:
- identifying a subject having a spinal disorder;
- selecting a disc having a nucleus of the subject with the spinal disorder;
- removing the nucleus of the disc to create a cavity;
- introducing a bag structure having a fixation component to the cavity wherein the fixation component is capable of fixation to a vertebral endplate when placed in the cavity;
- the bag structure comprising an opening for receiving an interior implant structure;
- deploying the bag structure in the cavity using a deployment device;
- placing the fixation component of the bag structure in close proximity to a vertebral endplate within the cavity;
- and
- introducing an implant structure to the bag.
A method of implanting a prosthetic structure into an intervertebral space comprising:
- selecting a disc having a nucleus;
- removing a substantial portion of the nucleus of the disc to create a cavity;
- introducing a bag structure having a flange to the cavity wherein the flange is capable of anchoring the bag structure;
- the bag structure comprising an opening for receiving an interior implant structure;
- introducing the bag structure having a flange to the cavity,
- deploying the bag structure in the cavity;
- anchoring the bag structure using the flange;
- introducing an interior implant structure to the bag;
- and
- sealing the opening of the bag structure.
A method comprising:
- selecting a disc having a substantially intact annulus;
- cutting a portion of the annulus;
- wherein cutting the annulus comprises cutting at least a portion of the annulus wherein the portion is capable of being in a first position forming an opening to allow access to the disc region;
- and
- at least a second position wherein the second position comprises resuming a substantially original position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.