US20060030857A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods and apparatus for intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion
Assignee: Simplify Medical Pty Ltd
•
Filing: 2004-08-06
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2024-08-06
Abstract
Abstract A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device.
Inventors
- 👤 Malan de Villiers
- 👤 Ulrich Hahnle
- 👤 David Hovda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:51
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/28; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/88; A61F2/44; A61F2/442; A61F2/4425; A61F2/4455; A61F2/4465; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30518; A61F2002/30621; A61F2002/30649; A61F2002/443; A61F2002/4615; A61F2002/4622; A61F2002/4625; A61F2002/4627; A61F2002/4628
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 64
Claim 1
Independent Claim
50 words
1 . A method of inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating; releasing the prosthesis from constraint; and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
50 words
1 . A method of inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating; releasing the prosthesis from constraint; and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
2 . A method as in claim 1 , wherein the endplates of the constrained prosthesis are prevented from articulating about a core of the prosthesis, and wherein the endplates of the unconstrained prosthesis are free to articulate about the core to help the prosthesis conform to the space between the two vertebrae.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
3 . A method as in claim 1 , wherein inserting the prosthesis partway under constraint comprises: grasping the endplates with an insertion tool such that they cannot move relative to one another; and pushing the prosthesis partway into the space using the insertion tool.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
4 . A method as in claim 3 , wherein releasing the prosthesis from constraint comprises loosening the insertion tool.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
5 . A method as in claim 4 , wherein inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space is performed using the loosened insertion tool.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
6 . A method as in claim 4 , wherein inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space is performed using a separate pusher tool.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
7 . A method as in claim 1 , wherein inserting the prosthesis partway comprises inserting the prosthesis less than halfway into the space prior to releasing constraint.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
8 . A method as in claim 1 , wherein the prosthesis is inserted in approximately an anterior-to-posterior direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
9 . A method as in claim 1 , wherein the prosthesis is inserted in approximately a lateral-to-lateral direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
10 . A method as in claim 1 , wherein the prosthesis is inserted in an anterolateral-to-posterior direction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
11 . A method as in claim 1 , wherein inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises pushing the prosthesis into the space.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
12 . A method as in claim 11 , wherein pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises individually pushing upper and lower endplates of the prosthesis.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
13 . A method as in claim 11 or 12 , wherein pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises simultaneously pushing upper and lower endplates of the prosthesis.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
42 words
14 . A method as in claim 11 , wherein pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises positioning a center of rotation of the prosthesis closer to posterior edges of the two vertebrae than to anterior edges of the vertebrae.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
15 . A method as in claim 1 , further comprising, before inserting the prosthesis partway under constraint: inserting a vertebral spacing device at least partway into the space; and manipulating the spacing device to increase a height of the space.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
16 . A method as in claim 15 , wherein inserting the constrained prosthesis partway into the space comprises sliding the prosthesis between two opposing jaws of the spacing device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
42 words
17 . A method as in claim 16 , wherein inserting the prosthesis partway into the space comprises sliding at least one fin on at least one outer surface of the endplate(s) through at least one corresponding slot in the opposing jaws.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
18 . A method as in claim 17 , wherein inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises sliding the at least one fin into at least one corresponding slot formed in one of the vertebrae.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
45 words
19 . A method as in claim 1 , further comprising, before inserting the prosthesis partway under constraint: locating a midpoint of at least one of the two vertebrae using a vertebral midpoint indicator device; and marking the midpoint on one of the two vertebrae.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
20 . A method as in claim 19 , wherein locating the midpoint comprises: inserting the vertebral midpoint indicator device into the space between the vertebrae; and imaging the midpoint indicator device using a radiographic imaging device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
81 words
21 . A method of inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: sliding the prosthesis partway into the space between the vertebrae between two opposing jaws of a spacing device, wherein endplates of the prosthesis are constrained from articulating when disposed between the jaws; removing the spacing device from the space to release the prosthesis from constraint; and pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space while allowing endplates of the prosthesis to articulate.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
81 words
21 . A method of inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: sliding the prosthesis partway into the space between the vertebrae between two opposing jaws of a spacing device, wherein endplates of the prosthesis are constrained from articulating when disposed between the jaws; removing the spacing device from the space to release the prosthesis from constraint; and pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space while allowing endplates of the prosthesis to articulate.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
53 words
22 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein the endplates of the constrained prosthesis are prevented from articulating about a core of the prosthesis, and wherein the endplates of the unconstrained prosthesis are free to articulate about the core to help the prosthesis conform to the space between the two vertebrae.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
23 . A method as in claim 21 , further comprising: inserting the spacing device at least partway into the space; and manipulating the spacing device to increase a height of the space.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
42 words
24 . A method as in claim 23 , wherein sliding the prosthesis partway into the space comprises sliding at least one fin on at least one outer surface of the prosthesis through at least one corresponding slot in the opposing jaws.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
39 words
25 . A method as in claim 24 , wherein pushing the prosthesis farther into the space comprises sliding the at least one fin into at least one corresponding slot formed in at least one of the two vertebrae.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
26 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein sliding the prosthesis partway into the space comprises inserting the prosthesis less than halfway into the space before removing the spacing device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
45 words
27 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein sliding the prosthesis partway into the space comprises: grasping the endplates with an insertion tool such that they cannot move relative to the core; and pushing the prosthesis between the jaws using the insertion tool.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
28 . A method as in claim 27 , further comprising releasing the prosthesis from the insertion tool before removing the spacing device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
29 . A method as in claim 28 , wherein pushing the prosthesis farther into the space is performed using the insertion tool.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
30 . A method as in claim 28 , wherein pushing the prosthesis farther into the space is performed using a separate pusher tool.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
31 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein the prosthesis is inserted in approximately an anterior-to-posterior direction.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
32 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein the prosthesis is inserted in approximately a lateral-to-lateral direction.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
33 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein the prosthesis is inserted in an anterolateral-to-posterior direction.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
42 words
34 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises positioning a center of rotation of the prosthesis closer to posterior edges of the two vertebrae than to anterior edges of the vertebrae.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
35 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises individually pushing upper and lower endplates of the prosthesis.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
30 words
36 . A method as in claim 21 or 35 , wherein pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises simultaneously pushing upper and lower endplates of the prosthesis.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
46 words
37 . A method as in claim 21 , further comprising, before sliding the prosthesis partway into the space: locating a midpoint of at least one of the two vertebrae using a vertebral midpoint indicator device; and marking the midpoint on one of the two vertebrae.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
38 . A method as in claim 37 , wherein locating the midpoint comprises: inserting the vertebral midpoint indicator device into the space between the vertebrae; and imaging the midpoint indicator device using a radiographic imaging device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
131 words
39 . A device for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the device comprising: an elongate rigid shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; an adjustable grasping member coupled with the distal end for releasably grasping endplates of the intervertebral prosthesis such that the endplates are constrained from articulating and such that an outer diameter of the grasping member does not extend beyond a largest diameter of the endplates; and an actuator disposed near the proximal end of the shaft and coupled with the grasping member for adjusting the grasping member to grasp and release the prosthesis, wherein the grasping member is adapted for pushing the prosthesis into the space between the two vertebrae either while grasping the prosthesis or after releasing the prosthesis.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
131 words
39 . A device for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the device comprising: an elongate rigid shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; an adjustable grasping member coupled with the distal end for releasably grasping endplates of the intervertebral prosthesis such that the endplates are constrained from articulating and such that an outer diameter of the grasping member does not extend beyond a largest diameter of the endplates; and an actuator disposed near the proximal end of the shaft and coupled with the grasping member for adjusting the grasping member to grasp and release the prosthesis, wherein the grasping member is adapted for pushing the prosthesis into the space between the two vertebrae either while grasping the prosthesis or after releasing the prosthesis.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
32 words
40 . A device as in claim 39 , wherein the grasping member is adapted to grasp the endplates such that they are prevented from articulating about a core of the prosthesis.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
41 . A device as in claim 39 , wherein the grasping member comprises movable opposing jaws adapted to simultaneously grasp inner rims of the endplates.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
42 . A device as in claim 39 , wherein the grasping member is coupled with the actuator via at least one rod extending through the shaft.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
41 words
43 . A device as in claim 42 , wherein the grasping member comprises: a first half coupled with a first movable rod extending from the actuator; and a second half coupled with a second movable rod extending from the actuator.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
37 words
44 . A device as in claim 43 , wherein the actuator comprises a thumb screw adapted to move the first and second rods closer together and farther apart by turning the thumb screw in opposite directions.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
45 . A device as in claim 39 , wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a thumb screw, a trigger, tongs and a movable handle.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
46 . A device as in claim 39 , wherein the device is shaped to pass between two opposable jaws of a vertebral spacing device disposed between the two adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
47 . A device as in claim 39 , wherein the grasping member is adapted to push the endplates either simultaneously or individually into the space.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
167 words
48 . A system for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the system comprising: a prosthesis grasping device for grasping the prosthesis and pushing the prosthesis at least partway into the space, the grasping device comprising: an elongate rigid shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; an adjustable grasping member coupled with the distal end for releasably grasping endplates of the intervertebral prosthesis such that the endplates are constrained from articulating and such that an outer diameter of the grasping member does not extend beyond a largest diameter of the endplates; and an actuator disposed near the proximal end of the shaft and coupled with the grasping member for adjusting the grasping member to grasp and release the prosthesis, wherein the grasping member is adapted for pushing the prosthesis into the space between the two vertebrae while grasping the prosthesis and after releasing the prosthesis; and at least one prosthesis pusher device for pushing the prosthesis farther into the space.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
167 words
48 . A system for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the system comprising: a prosthesis grasping device for grasping the prosthesis and pushing the prosthesis at least partway into the space, the grasping device comprising: an elongate rigid shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; an adjustable grasping member coupled with the distal end for releasably grasping endplates of the intervertebral prosthesis such that the endplates are constrained from articulating and such that an outer diameter of the grasping member does not extend beyond a largest diameter of the endplates; and an actuator disposed near the proximal end of the shaft and coupled with the grasping member for adjusting the grasping member to grasp and release the prosthesis, wherein the grasping member is adapted for pushing the prosthesis into the space between the two vertebrae while grasping the prosthesis and after releasing the prosthesis; and at least one prosthesis pusher device for pushing the prosthesis farther into the space.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
57 words
49 . A system as in claim 48 , wherein the pusher device comprises: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a concave pusher portion disposed at the distal end, the pusher portion adapted to push the endplates either simultaneously or individually into the space; and a handle disposed at the proximal end.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
50 . A system as in claim 48 , wherein the grasping member is adapted to grasp the endplates such that they are prevented from articulating about a core of the prosthesis.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
51 . A system as in claim 48 , wherein the grasping member comprises movable opposing jaws adapted to simultaneously grasp inner rims of the endplates.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
27 words
52 . A system as in claim 48 , wherein the grasping member is coupled with the actuator via at least one rod extending through the shaft.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
41 words
53 . A system as in claim 52 , wherein the grasping member comprises: a first half coupled with a first movable rod extending from the actuator; and a second half coupled with a second movable rod extending from the actuator.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
54 . A system as in claim 53 , wherein the actuator comprises a thumb screw adapted to move the first and second rods closer together and farther apart by turning the thumb screw in opposite directions.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
55 . A system as in claim 48 , wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a thumb screw, a trigger, tongs and a movable handle.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
31 words
56 . A system as in claim 48 , wherein the device is shaped to pass between two opposable jaws of a vertebral spacing device disposed between the two adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
57 . A system as in claim 48 , wherein the grasping member is adapted to push the endplates either simultaneously or individually into the space
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
45 words
58 . A system as in claim 48 , further comprising a vertebral spacing device for increasing a height of the space between the two vertebrae, wherein the grasping member is adapted to slide through the vertebral spacing device disposed between the two adjacent vertebrae.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
59 . A system as in claim 58 , wherein the pusher device is adapted to slide through the spacing device.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
60 . A system as in claim 48 , further comprising a vertebral body midline indicator device for locating a midline on a vertebral body of at least one of the two vertebrae.
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