Nucleus prostheses

US8632591B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LDR Medical · FR

Inventors

• Thierry Vila · Paris, FR
• Henry Dufour · Marseilles, FR
• Jerome Allain · Paris, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 17, 2007
• Grant date: Jan 21, 2014
• Expiry date: Dec 17, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2250/0018
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An nucleus prosthesis is disclosed having a plurality of linked segments configured to form, in a closed position, a disc shape. A method includes inserting a plurality of linked segments into an annulus fibrosus and closing the prosthesis so that a first segment inserted into the annulus fibrosus and a last segment inserted into the annulus fibrosus are substantially abutted. Another method includes inserting a plurality of linked segments into an intervertebral disc space and closing the prosthesis so that a first segment inserted into the intervertebral disc space and a last segment inserted into the intervertebral disc space are substantially abutted.