Vertebral body replacement
US6375681B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00407
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A spinal prosthesis (1) comprises hollow strut (2) terminated by a pair of end caps (10, 12) which are adapted to engage respective vertebrae. Each end cap (10, 12) may have a flange (20, 22) which is closely received within and supports a respective end (6, 8) of the strut (2). Alternatively, or in addition, each end cap (10, 12) may be substantially kidney shaped and may be provided with a kidney shaped recess (16, 18) which provides access to the interior of the strut (2). Preferably, the end caps (10, 12) are provided with respective shoulders (28, 30) which are adapted to cover the ends of the strut (2) to prevent the strut damaging soft tissue during implantation. A porous titanium plasma coating may be applied to the end caps (10, 12) to enhance bone fixation and to resist anterior translation and rotation of the prosthesis (1).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.