Apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc

US8449616B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AXIOMED SPINE CORP. · US

Inventors

• Kari Zimmers · Solon, US
• James E. Barber · Avon, US
• Keith Duke · Cleveland, US
• James Kuras · Macedonia, US
• Rebecca Blice · Akron, US
• Tawny Bragg · Chicago, US
• Edward C. Benzel · Gates Mills, US
• Isador H. Lieberman · Pepper Pike, US
• E. Raymond Ross · Manchester, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2011
• Grant date: May 28, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 8, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2310/00407
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a first retaining device having an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface. A second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface. A resilient core has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface engages the inner surface of the first retaining device. The second surface engages the inner surface of the second retaining device. The resilient core has a tapered radially outer surface extending from adjacent the first surface to adjacent the second surface. The first retaining device may have a flange extending toward the second retaining device. A concave surface may extend between the first surface and the radially outer surface. The concave surface of the core may engage the flange when the apparatus is free of a load.