Artificial spinal disc

US8231677B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SYNERGY DISC REPLACEMENT, INC. · CA

Inventors

• Neil Duggal · London, CA
• Daniel R. Baker · Seattle, US
• Robert Conta · Mercer Island, US
• Carly A. Thaler · Seattle, US
• David Stinson · Woodinville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 15, 2010
• Grant date: Jul 31, 2012
• Expiry date: Nov 15, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2310/00796
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An artificial disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis enables spinal segment alignment by having a variable height across its surface. The variable height is achieved by an asymmetric artificial nucleus or by at least one variable height end plate. The prosthesis may have a central keel on one end plate and an offset pair of keels on a second end plate. The nucleus may engage a slot or trough in an inner surface of an end plate. The trough can be open on the posterior or anterior end to allow the nucleus to slide into the trough without undue distraction of adjacent vertebrae. The nucleus can be prevented from moving out of the trough by inserting a stop in the trough.