US20050021145A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Prosthetic disc for intervertebral insertion
Assignee: Simplify Medical Pty Ltd
•
Filing: 2004-05-26
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2024-05-26
Abstract
Abstract A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes a core having upper and lower curved surfaces, upper and lower plates, and peripheral restraining structure on at least one of the upper plate, the lower plate and the core. Each plate has an outer surface which engages a vertebra and an inner curved surface which slides over the curved surface of the core. The peripheral restraining structure serves to hold the core against a curved surface of at least one of the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Inventors
- 👤 Malan de Villiers
- 👤 Ulrich Hahnle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:18
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/442; A61F2/4425; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/30004; A61F2002/30052; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/3008; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30331; A61F2002/30405; A61F2002/30462; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30574; A61F2002/30621; A61F2002/30649; A61F2002/30662; A61F2002/30663; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30884; A61F2002/30899; A61F2002/30904; A61F2002/443; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/0033; A61F2220/0075; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0071; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0014; A61F2250/0043; A61F2250/0045; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0098; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00023; A61F2310/00029; A61F2310/00179; A61F2310/00389; A61F2310/00592; A61F2310/00598; A61F2310/00604; A61F2310/00856; A61F2310/0088
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 77
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
1 . A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthetic disc comprising: a core having upper and lower curved surfaces; upper and lower plates, each plate having an outer surface which engages a vertebra and an inner curved surface which slides over the curved surface of the core; and; peripheral restraining structure on at least one of the upper plate, the lower plate and the core to hold the core against a curved surface of at least one of the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
1 . A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthetic disc comprising: a core having upper and lower curved surfaces; upper and lower plates, each plate having an outer surface which engages a vertebra and an inner curved surface which slides over the curved surface of the core; and; peripheral restraining structure on at least one of the upper plate, the lower plate and the core to hold the core against a curved surface of at least one of the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
2 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the curved surfaces is spherical.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
3 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 2 , wherein both curved surfaces are spherical.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
4 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein movement of the core within the peripheral restraining structure is unconstrained.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
5 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein the peripheral restraining structure defines a stop structure to limit relative inclination of the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
6 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein the peripheral restraining structure will engage one side of the core to lift an opposite side of the core during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
7 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein the peripheral restraining structure comprises: an annular structure extending over at least a portion of the periphery of the core; and a ring structure on one of the upper and lower plates, which ring structure engages and retains the annular structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
8 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 7 , wherein the ring structure comprises a flange which defines an overhang, and wherein at least part of the annular structure on the core extends into the overhang to provide an interference fit of the core with the flange.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
9 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 8 , wherein the annular structure comprises a rim which extends continuously around a lateral circumference of the core, the rim having a greater width at at least some locations than a width of an inner edge of the flange to provide said interference fit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
10 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein the peripheral restraining structure comprises: a groove around a lateral edge of the core; and a ring structure on at least one of the upper and lower plates, said ring structure having a lip which engages the groove.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
11 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 10 , wherein the lip extends into the groove to form an interference fit between the ring structure and the core.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
12 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein the outer surfaces of the upper and lower plates have at least one surface feature for promoting attachment of the outer surfaces to the vertebrae.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
13 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 12 , wherein the at least one surface feature comprises a plurality of serrations disposed along the outer surfaces.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
14 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 13 , wherein the at least one surface feature further comprises a surface coating.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
15 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 14 , wherein the surface coating comprises plasma sprayed titanium.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
16 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 13 , wherein the at least one surface feature further comprises a plurality of concavities formed by aluminum oxide blasting.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
17 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 13 , wherein the at least one surface feature further comprises at least one fin disposed on each of the outer surfaces.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
18 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 17 , wherein each fin includes at least one hole for further promoting attachment to the vertebrae.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
19 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 17 , wherein each fin is oriented in a straight line in an anterior-posterior direction.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
20 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 17 , wherein each fin is rotated away from an anterior-posterior axis of the disc.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
21 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein the plates comprise at least one metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt chrome molybdenum and titanium.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
22 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein each plate comprises an MRI compatible material coupled with a hardened material forming the inner surface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
23 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 22 , wherein the MRI-compatible material comprises titanium and the hardened material comprises cobalt chrome molybdenum.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
24 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 22 , wherein the MRI-compatible material comprises titanium and the hardened material titanium nitride.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
25 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 22 , wherein the MRI-compatible material and the hardened material are coupled together using a process selected from the group consisting of lamination, slip fitting, interference fitting and adhesion.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
26 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 1 , wherein the core comprises two oppositely facing convex low-friction surfaces which slidably engage the inner curved surfaces of the upper and lower plates.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
27 . A prosthetic device as in claim 26 , wherein the core comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polymers and ceramics.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
104 words
28 . A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthetic disc comprising: upper and lower plates having outer surfaces locatable against the respective vertebrae and inner, curved surfaces, wherein at least one of the upper and lower plates includes a peripheral restraining structure extending about a periphery of the inner surface(s); and a mobile core disposed between the curved surfaces to allow the plates to slide over the core, wherein the core includes at least one peripheral protrusion for engaging with the peripheral restraining structure(s) to hold the core captive between the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
104 words
28 . A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthetic disc comprising: upper and lower plates having outer surfaces locatable against the respective vertebrae and inner, curved surfaces, wherein at least one of the upper and lower plates includes a peripheral restraining structure extending about a periphery of the inner surface(s); and a mobile core disposed between the curved surfaces to allow the plates to slide over the core, wherein the core includes at least one peripheral protrusion for engaging with the peripheral restraining structure(s) to hold the core captive between the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
29 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 28 , wherein the peripheral restraining structure comprises a flange, and wherein at least part of the protrusion on the core extends into the flange to provide an interference fit of the core with the flange.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
39 words
30 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 29 , wherein the protrusion comprises a rim around a lateral circumference of the core, the rim having a greater diameter than a diameter of an inner edge of the flange.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
31 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 28 , wherein the inner surfaces of the plates are concave and the core comprises two convex surfaces for slidably contacting the concave inner surfaces.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
32 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 31 , wherein the concave and convex curved surfaces are spherical.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
33 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 28 , wherein the core comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polymers and ceramics.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
34 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 28 , further including at least one fin extending from each of the outer surfaces of the plates.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
35 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 34 , wherein each fin includes at least one hole for promoting attachment of the fin to vertebral bone.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
36 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 34 , wherein each fin is oriented in a straight line in an anterior-posterior direction.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
37 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 34 , wherein each fin is rotated away from an anterior-posterior axis of the disc.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
38 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 28 , wherein the outer surfaces of the plates are textured to enhance attachment of the plates to the vertebrae.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
39 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 38 , wherein the textured surfaces comprise serrated surfaces.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
40 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 39 , wherein the serrated surfaces further include a plurality of concavities formed by aluminum oxide blasting.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
41 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 38 , wherein the outer surfaces further comprise a surface coating.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
42 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 41 , wherein the surface coating comprises plasma sprayed titanium.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
43 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 38 , wherein the outer surfaces of the plates are flat.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
44 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 28 , wherein each plate comprises an MRI compatible material coupled with a hardened material forming the inner surface.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
45 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 44 , wherein the MRI-compatible material comprises titanium and the hardened material comprises cobalt chrome molybdenum.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
46 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 44 , wherein the MRI-compatible material comprises titanium and the hardened material titanium nitride.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
37 words
47 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 44 , wherein the MRI-compatible material and the hardened material are coupled together using a process selected from the group consisting of lamination, slip fitting, interference fitting and adhesion.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
41 words
48 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 28 , wherein the flange of one of the upper and lower plates is adapted to contact the other plate adjacent its inner surface during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
102 words
49 . A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthetic disc comprising: upper and lower plates having outer surfaces locatable against the respective vertebrae and inner, curved surfaces, wherein at least one of the upper and lower plates includes a peripheral restraining structure extending about a periphery of the inner surface(s); and a mobile core disposed between the curved surfaces to allow the plates to slide over the core, wherein the core includes a lateral groove for engaging with the peripheral restraining structure(s) to hold the core captive between the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
102 words
49 . A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthetic disc comprising: upper and lower plates having outer surfaces locatable against the respective vertebrae and inner, curved surfaces, wherein at least one of the upper and lower plates includes a peripheral restraining structure extending about a periphery of the inner surface(s); and a mobile core disposed between the curved surfaces to allow the plates to slide over the core, wherein the core includes a lateral groove for engaging with the peripheral restraining structure(s) to hold the core captive between the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
38 words
50 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 48 , wherein the peripheral restraining structure comprises a flange adapted to extend into the groove on the core to provide an interference fit of the core with the flange.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
51 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 50 , wherein a portion of the core immediately adjacent the groove has a greater diameter than a diameter of an inner edge of the flange.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
32 words
52 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 48 , wherein the inner surfaces of the plates are concave and the core comprises two convex surfaces for slidably contacting the inner surfaces.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
53 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 52 , wherein the concave and convex curved surfaces are spherical.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
25 words
54 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 48 , wherein the core comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polymers and ceramics.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
55 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 48 , further including at least one fin extending from each of the outer surfaces of the plates.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
27 words
56 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 55 , wherein each fin includes at least one hole for promoting attachment of the fin to vertebral bone.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
57 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 48 , wherein the outer surfaces of the plates are textured to enhance attachment of the plates to the vertebrae.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
17 words
58 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 57 , wherein the textured surfaces comprise serrated surfaces.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
19 words
59 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 57 , wherein the outer surfaces further comprise a surface coating.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
60 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 59 , wherein the surface coating comprises plasma sprayed titanium.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
61 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 57 , wherein the outer surfaces of the plates are flat.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
41 words
62 . A prosthetic disc as in claim 48 , wherein the flange of one of the upper and lower plates is adapted to contact the other plate adjacent its inner surface during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
79 words
63 . A method for restraining spacing between adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: implanting an upper plate against a lower surface of an upper vertebral body; implanting a lower plate against an upper surface of a lower vertebral body; and disposing a core between the upper and lower plates, wherein the core floats between spherical cavities in each of the upper and lower plates, the plates restraining peripheral movement of the core using at least one peripheral restraining member.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
79 words
63 . A method for restraining spacing between adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: implanting an upper plate against a lower surface of an upper vertebral body; implanting a lower plate against an upper surface of a lower vertebral body; and disposing a core between the upper and lower plates, wherein the core floats between spherical cavities in each of the upper and lower plates, the plates restraining peripheral movement of the core using at least one peripheral restraining member.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
32 words
64 . A method as in claim 63 , wherein implanting each of the plates comprises sliding a fin on each plate into a corresponding groove formed in its respective vertebral body.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
22 words
65 . A method as in claim 64 , wherein sliding the fin is performed in a direction from posterior to anterior.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
66 . A method as in claim 64 , wherein sliding the fin is performed in a lateral direction.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
22 words
67 . A method as in claim 64 , wherein sliding the fin is performed in angled direction between posterior-anterior and lateral.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
33 words
68 . A method as in claim 64 , wherein implanting further comprises contacting textured outer surfaces of the upper and lower plates with the upper and lower surfaces of the vertebral bodies.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
45 words
69 . A method for assembling a prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: movably coupling a core with a first endplate to form an interference fit between the core and the first endplate; and contacting the core with a second endplate.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
45 words
69 . A method for assembling a prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: movably coupling a core with a first endplate to form an interference fit between the core and the first endplate; and contacting the core with a second endplate.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
25 words
70 . A method as in claim 69 , wherein coupling the core with the first endplate comprises snap fitting the core into the endplate.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
71 . A method as in claim 69 , wherein coupling the core with the first endplate comprises forming the endplate around the core.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
34 words
72 . A method as in claim 69 , wherein coupling the core with the first endplate comprises engaging a peripheral protrusion of the core with a peripheral restraining structure of the first endplate.
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