US 9,427,327 B2 · Intervertebral disc spacer

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for improving the stability, flexibility, and/or proper anatomical motion of a spinal column and more particularly, spinal implant devices are provided for use between adjacent vertebral bones. Intervertebral disc spacer devices may comprise two joined surfaces formed of compressible materials. The surfaces may be convex or any variety of shapes. Certain embodiments of intervertebral disc spacer devices include apertures through which nutrients may pass. Additionally, certain embodiments include a partial enclosure or open region between the two surfaces so as to provide an environment conducive to regrowth or stimulation of natural intervertebral disc material. In certain embodiments, the two surfaces may be attached by one or more springs. Alternatively, intervertebral disc spacer embodiments may be comprised of a coiled wire. Methods of introducing intervertebral disc spacer devices into patients are also provided.

Claims10

Dependent claims

An intervertabral disc spacer for use in connection with a partially degenerated natural disc, the intervertabral disc spacer comprising a flexible material adapted for insertion into a voided natural disc space for promoting compression and expansion of the partially degenerated natural disc during normal spine compression and expansion in order to support delivery of nutrients from surrounding tissue and to expel waste material from the partially degenerated natural disc in order to promote regeneration of the partially degenerated natural disc, the intervertabral disc spacer comprising a coiled spring that has a memory for a preferred geometry which is retained once the coiled spring is inserted into the voided natural disc space.

A method for promoting regeneration of a disc between two adjacent spaced vertebrae of the spinal column normally separated by a disc, the space between the two adjacent vertebrae including a natural disc which is at least partially degenerated, the method comprising:

a. Introducing an artificial, flexible intervertebral spacer comprising a material for defining a randomly coiled wire defining a compression spring, wherein the randomly coiled wire is of a length in the range of thirty centimeters to four meters, and a diameter of not greater than 0.1 mm, and is of a length sufficient to define a compression spring of sufficient force to simulate the compressive force of a healthy disc, the randomly coiled wire positioned in the space between the two adjacent vertebrae in noninterfering relationship with the at least partially degenerative disc and without disturbing the at least partially degenerated disc, the flexible intervertebral spacer permitting a natural like expansion and compression of the space between the two adjacent spaced vertebrae;
b. Promoting a proximate normal compression and expansion of the spacer and the at least partially degenerated disc during normal movement of the two adjacent spaced vertebrae;
c. Stimulating regeneration of the at least partially degenerated disc during normal expansion and compression of the space between the two adjacent spaced vertebrae during normal movement of the two adjacent spaced vertebrae, wherein the functional expansion compression range is between 3 MPa and 7.5 MPa.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Intervertebral disc spacer

Life of this patent

Intervertebral disc spacer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10