Spinal nucleus replacement implant
US9011539B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00029
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intervertebral prosthesis implantable within a disc space and disposed between upper and lower vertebral endplates is provided. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of prosthesis modules insertable into the disc space, wherein the modules have at least one set of complementarily-shaped and sized surfaces, and wherein at least one of the modules is expandable. The modules have surfaces configured to engage within the disc space in a manner such that the modules form an assembled prosthesis of a size substantially preventing it from being outwardly expelled from the disc space, and the modules have bearing surfaces slidably engageable with the endplates to permit articulation between upper and lower vertebral endplates. In one embodiment, the at least one expandable module of the intervertebral prosthesis expands by inflation. In another embodiment, the at least one expandable module expands by unfolding into its intended form.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.