Articulating spinal implant
AssigneeSDGI Holdings, Inc.
InventorJoseph C. Cauthen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spinal implant for intervertebral disc replacement. The implant is formed from two hemicylindrical elements, each engaging one of an adjacent pair of vertebrae. An articulating ball-and-socket joint and/or rocker and channel between the two elements resists compression and lateral movement between the vertebra, but allows pivotal movement, thereby preserving mobility. Fusion chambers are provided for allowing bone ingrowth to fuse the elements to the vertebrae. Biocompatible, bioreabsorbable struts, shims, fillers and/or end caps are provided for temporary stabilization of the first and second hemicylindrical elements. Bone chips removed from the vertebrae during implantation or bone growth stimulators can be inserted into the fusion chamber or otherwise applied to the implant to enhance bone ingrowth.
Claims47
A spinal implant, comprising:
- a first element comprising a first articulating surface and a first threaded outer surface;
- a second element comprising a second articulating surface and a second threaded outer surface, said first and second threaded outer surfaces cooperating to form a substantially continuous threaded outer surface to facilitate threading advancement of the implant between adjacent vertebrae;
- and
- wherein said first and second articulating surfaces cooperate to allow relative movement between said first element and said second element.
A method of maintaining an intervertebral space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, comprising:
- removing a section of the first vertebra to form a cavity therein having a concave surface extending along and facing the invertervertebral space;
- providing a first element of a spinal implant comprising a first articulation surface and a first convex outer surface;
- providing a second element of the spinal implant comprising a second articulation surface and a second convex outer surface;
- engaging the first convex outer surface of the first element against the concave surface of the cavity formed in the first vertebra;
- engaging the second convex outer surface of the second element against a portion of the second vertebra;
- adjoining the first and second articulation surfaces to form a joint allowing relative pivotal movement between the first and second elements;
- and
- temporarily rigidly coupling the first element to the second element with at least one bioreabsorbable stabilizing means prior to engaging the first convex outer surface of the first element within the cavity in the first vertebra.
A spinal implant, comprising:
- a first element comprising a first articulation surface and a first threaded outer surface defining a first convex lateral curvature adapted to engage a first vertebra;
- a second element comprising a second articulation surface and a second threaded outer surface defining a second convex lateral curvature adapted to engage a second vertebra, said first and second threaded outer surfaces cooperating to form a substantially continuous threaded outer surface to facilitate threading advancement of the implant between adjacent vertebrae;
- and
- wherein said first and second articulation surfaces cooperate to allow relative movement between said first and second elements;
- and
- wherein said first and second convex lateral curvatures cooperate to form a generally cylindrical implant body.
A spinal implant, comprising:
- a first element comprising a first articulation surface and a first outer surface defining a first convex lateral curvature adapted to engage a first vertebra;
- a second element comprising a second articulation surface and a second outer surface defining a second convex lateral curvature adapted to engage a second vertebra;
- and
- wherein one of said first and second articulation surfaces defines a rocker and the other of said first and second articulation surfaces defines a channel having an hour-glass shape, at least a portion of said rocker being engaged within said channel to allow relative movement between said first and said second elements;
- and
- wherein said first and second convex lateral curvatures cooperate to form a generally cylindrical implant body.
A spinal implant, comprising:
- a first element comprising a first articulation surface and a first outer surface defining a first convex lateral curvature adapted to engage a first vertebra;
- a second element comprising a second articulation surface and a second outer surface defining a second convex lateral curvature adapted to engage a second vertebra;
- and
- wherein one of said first and second articulation surfaces defines a rocker and the other of said first and second articulation surfaces defines a channel having a diamond shape, at least a portion of said rocker being engaged within said channel to allow relative movement between said first and said second elements;
- and
- wherein said first and second convex lateral curvatures cooperate to form a generally cylindrical implant body.
A spinal implant, comprising:
- a first element including a first convex outer surface defining a first series of threads;
- a second element including a second convex outer surface defining a second series of threads, said first and second series of threads cooperating to form a substantially continuous thread to facilitate threading advancement of the implant between two adjacent vertebrae;
- and
- articulation means for allowing relative movement between said first and said second elements.
A method of maintaining an intervertebral space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, comprising:
- providing a spinal implant having a first element and a second element, the first element having a first articulation surface and a first threaded outer surface, the second element having a second articulation surface and a second threaded outer surface;
- adjoining the first and second articulation surfaces to permit relative movement between the first and second elements, said first and second threaded outer surfaces cooperating to form a substantially continuous threaded outer surface;
- and
- threadingly advancing the spinal implant between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.