Customizing an intervertebral implant

US8394142B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Synthes USA, LLC · US

Inventors

• Rudolph Bertagnoli · Wien, AT
• Thierry Marnay · Montpellier, FR
• Christophe Geisert · Donaueschingen, DE
• Eduard Kufeld · Tuttlingen, DE
• Barbara Schweizer · Wurmlingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 13, 2005
• Grant date: Mar 12, 2013
• Expiry date: Apr 1, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2220/0025
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for customizing an intervertebral implant includes the initial step of obtaining a 3D anatomy of a series of vertebrae including an abnormal vertebra in a computer. The 3D anatomy of the series is then repositioned in the computer to eliminate the deformity caused by the abnormal vertebra. It is next determined whether a superior or inferior surface of the abnormal vertebra is an abnormal surface which causes the deformity, whereby an approximate gap between the abnormal surface and a desired normal surface is determined. Using that gap determination, a custom implant is constructed to engage the abnormal surface and fill the determined gap. Thus, when the implant is implanted between the abnormal surface and an adjacent surface of an adjacent vertebrae, the deformity is substantially compensated for. The implant may have articulation between the endplates to allow relative movement therebetween.