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

US5545229A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ · 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
• Monica Hawkins · Denville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 28, 1993
• Grant date: Aug 13, 1996
• Expiry date: Jul 28, 2013

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 akin 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.