Abstract: A vertebral body prosthesis is disclosed which is easily implantable intermediate the endplates of upper and lower vertebrae to replace the removed vertebral body and restore stability and normal vertebrae spacing to the spinal column while facilitating the occurrence of bony integration to fuse the aforesaid vertebrae together. A first embodiment, which may be used in the cervical spine and installed from an anterior surgical approach, is a vertebral body T-cage, which is fixed in height, and is for installation intermediate the endplates of two vertebrae located immediately above and below a removed vertebra. A second embodiment, which may be installed using a posterior surgical approach, is a fixed height vertebral body prosthesis for installation intermediate the endplates of vertebrae located immediately above and below a removed vertebra, with the device being affixed using curved mounting plates located on either the left or the right lateral side of the vertebrae.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 7, 1997
Date of Patent:
June 29, 1999
Assignees:
Arthit Sitiso, Frank Bailly, John Wagner, Pibul Itiravivong, Somsak Kuptniratsaikul, Tawechai Tejapongvorachai, Prakit Tienboon
Abstract: An intervertebral disk prosthesis for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae is disclosed which is more easily implantable intermediate the adjacent vertebrae, particularly from a posterior surgical approach, due to the two-piece construction of the intervertebral disk prosthesis. The intervertebral disk prosthesis of the present invention consists of first and second intervertebral disk segments which, when connected together by a bolt, together form a substantially elliptical configuration of a size fitting between the endplates of two adjacent vertebrae to maintain them in a properly spaced-apart and stable configuration which will be resistive to normal compressive forces exerted on the spine. Large apertures extending through the first and second intervertebral segments may be packed with bone chips or marrow prior to being implanted to facilitate bone ingrowth therethrough to fuse the aforesaid vertebrae together.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 7, 1997
Date of Patent:
January 19, 1999
Assignees:
Arthit Sitiso, Frank Bailly, John Wagner, Pibul Itiravivong, Somsak Kuptniratsaikul, Tawechai Tejapongvorachai, Prakit Tienboon