Artificial intervertebral disc replacements with endplates

Abstract

An artificial disc replacement (ADR) includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components; and a filler material contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. In a preferred embodiment, the ADR may further include one or more opposing, spaced-apart projections configured to impinge if the endplate components are subjected to an excessive force. Such projections may allow for unrestricted motion between the endplates until impingement, or may restrict translation between the endplates until a greater excessive force is reached. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to the respective vertebral endplates.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.