US 2007/0191956 A1 · Radially extended support member for spinal nucleus implants and methods of use

Abstract

A spinal nucleus implant is provided which includes an implant body and an interiorly embedded support member which extends out from the implant body. In one embodiment, the support member is fabric selected from the group consisting of mesh, woven fabric and nonwoven fabric. In one embodiment, the support member includes at least one portion which is located outside of the body, said portion adapted to engage one or more guides for orienting the implant. In one embodiment, the implant is capable of expanding from a compact, substantially dehydrated configuration to an expanded hydrated configuration. A method of manufacturing a spinal nucleus implant is provided which includes coagulating a liquid polymer such that at least a portion of said support member extends beyond the perimeter of the polymer to form a spinal nucleus implant having an interiorly disposed support member which extends out of the polymer. A method of implanting such a spinal nucleus implant is provided.

Claims83

Dependent claims

A spinal nucleus implant comprising an implant body and an interiorly embedded support member which extends out from the implant body, said implant adapted and configured to fit within an intervertebral disc space.

A method of manufacturing a spinal nucleus implant comprising:

providing a liquid polymer;
providing a mold for containing the polymer;
providing a support member;
positioning the support member relative to said mold such that liquid polymer can at least partially cover the support member;
and
coagulating the liquid polymer such that at least a portion of said support member extends beyond the perimeter of the polymer to form a spinal nucleus implant having an interiorly disposed support member which extends out of the polymer.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

11/657,157Filed 24 Jan 2007

Priority

10 Feb 2006

Published

16 Aug 2007

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification19 codes

A61F 2/442
For the spine, e.g. vertebrae or spinal discs: intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient
A61L 27/52
Materials characterised by their function or physical properties , e.g. injectable or lubricating compositions, shape-memory materials, surface…:…
A61F 2/441
For the spine, e.g. vertebrae or spinal discs: made of inflatable pockets or chambers filled with fluid, e.g. with hydrogel
A61F 2/4611
For insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof: of spinal prostheses

Radially extended support member for spinal nucleus implants and methods of use

Life of this patent

Radially extended support member for spinal nucleus implants and methods of use

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims83