Functional and biocompatible intervertebral disc spacer containing elastomeric material of varying hardness

US5171281A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey · US
• Rutgers University · US

Inventors

• John R. Parsons · Montclair, US
• Casey K. Lee · Florham Park, US
• Noshir Langrana · Lawrence, US
• Alastair J. T. Clemow · Princeton, US
• Elizabeth H. Chen · Denver, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 9, 1991
• Grant date: Dec 15, 1992
• Expiry date: Oct 9, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2310/00952
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The construction and manufacturing technique for a functional biocompatible intervertebral disc spacer is described. This device is useful for a replacement for a degenerated disc in certain treatments of back pain and spinal disease. The disc spacer possesses mechanical properties skin to those of the normal disc and will preserve normal functions of the spinal motion segment. The device achieves the desired properties by varying the hardness of the elastomeric material in its nucleus and annulus.