Artificial disc replacements with natural kinematics
AssigneeSpineCore, Inc.
InventorsBret A. Ferree, David Tompkins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.
Claims21
A method of implanting an artificial disc replacement (ADR) comprising:
- providing an ADR comprising:
- a superior component with a lower articulating surface and a vertebral-body contacting surface;
- and
- an inferior component with an upper articulating surface and a vertebral-body contacting surface, wherein the superior and inferior components are movable relative to each other about a first center of rotation (COR) located above the vertebral-body contacting surface of the superior component of the ADR, and a second separate COR located below the vertebral-body contacting surface of the inferior component of the ADR, the superior component being translatable relative to the inferior component;
- and
- inserting the ADR into an intervertebral space between the vertebral bodies so that the vertebral-body contacting surface of the superior component contacts a first of the vertebral bodies and the vertebral-body contacting surface of the inferior component contacts a second of the vertebral bodies adjacent the first vertebral body.
A method of implanting an artificial disc replacement (ADR) comprising:
- providing an ADR comprising:
- a superior component with a lower articulating surface and a vertebral-body contacting surface;
- and
- an inferior component with an upper articulating surface and a vertebral-body contacting surface, wherein the superior and inferior components are movable relative to each other about a first center of rotation (COR) located above the vertebral-body contacting surface of the superior component of the ADR, and a second separate COR located below the vertebral-body contacting surface of the inferior component of the ADR, the upper and lower articulating surfaces each including a concave surface;
- and
- inserting the ADR into an intervertebral space between the vertebral bodies so that the vertebral-body contacting surface of the superior component contacts a first of the vertebral bodies and the vertebral-body contacting surface of the inferior component contacts a second of the vertebral bodies adjacent the first vertebral body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.