Functional and biocompatible intervertebral disc spacer
AssigneesUniversity of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ, Rutgers University, Johnson & Johnson
InventorsCasey K. Lee, Noshir A. Langrana, Harold Alexander, Alastair J. Clemow, Elizabeth H. Chen, John R. Parsons
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The construction and manufacturing technique for a functional biocompatible intervertebral disc spacer is described. This device is useful for a replacement for a degenerated disc in certain treatments of back pain and spinal disease. The disc spacer possesses mechanical properties akin to those of the normal disc and will preserve normal functions of the spinal motion segment. The device achieves the desired properties by providing reinforcing fibers of appropriate orientation and number within an elastomeric matrix.
Claims29
A biocompatible intervertebral spacer comprising:
- a central core having upper, lower and side surfaces and formed of a biocompatible elastomer shaped so as to approximate the nucleus pulposus of a natural intervertebral disc.
- A layered structure wrapped around the side surfaces, wherein said layered structure comprises between 3-24 separated laminae.
- and each of said lamina comprised of strips of biocompatible elastomer having unidirectional reinforcing fiber embedded therein;
- said fiber of each lamina having specific orientation;
- said laminae being bound together by biocompatible elastomer;
- and wrapped to sufficient thicknesses so as to approximate the shape of a natural intervertebral disc;
- and endplates comprised of a suitably stiff biocompatible material and affixed, one to each end, to the laminae/central core.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.