Vertebral implant for promoting arthrodesis of the spine

US7169183B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Inventors

• Mingyan Liu · Bourg-la-Reine, FR
• Hans-Joachim Fruh · Deggendorf, DE
• Harald Ebner · Deggendorf, DE
• Bradley T. Estes · Durham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 12, 2002
• Grant date: Jan 30, 2007
• Expiry date: Nov 22, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2250/0098
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This invention provides a vertebral implant for impaction in a disc space to restore and/or maintain desired disc space height and spinal orientation. The implant has an elongated basis body having a generally lens-shape provided by convex upper and lower surfaces. Bearing surfaces are provided on the cross-edge surfaces of the endwalls. Grooves are provided in the upper and lower surfaces positioned between the bearing surfaces. The implant can be prepared from a wide variety of materials including metallic materials, synthetic materials, polymeric materials, ceramic materials, and composite materials including reinforced materials i.e. glass, fiber, and/or carbon fiber reinforced materials (CFRP). These preferred materials for fabricating implants in the present invention reduce costs, increase service life and provide excellent physiological compatibility. The non-metallic material can be selected to be either a substantially permanent material, a biodegradable material or a bioerodable material. Further, the implant material can be provided to be radio opaque to facilitate monitoring of bone ingrowth both into the implant and between the opposing endplates of the adjacent verte…