Abstract: A modular nucleus pulposus prosthesis having at least two hingedly connected tear drop shaped disc bodies which combined to form a discoid endoprosthetic disc. The complimentary segments are substantially identical including outer circumferential walls roughly equal to a semi-circle aligned along concave-convex inner wall inner walls forming a common āsā shaped border and are positioned to form a generally symmetrical discoid congruent structure which can be placed within the annulus of a spinal disc section. Disc segments may define structures to support, position and secure the segments to one another intradiscally.
Abstract: A method of stabilizing a portion of a spine includes pivoting first and second members of an expandable spinal implant relative to one another to a closed configuration in which the spinal implant has a compact profile, inserting the spinal implant in the closed configuration into the spine between first and second vertebral bodies, and pivoting and locking the first and second members crosswise to an expanded configuration while the spinal implant is within the spine. The first and second members are separate from and coupled to one another.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 28, 2013
Date of Patent:
March 24, 2015
Assignee:
ResSpond Spinal Systems
Inventors:
Marc I. Malberg, Gretchen Dougherty Shah, Rul J Ferreira
Abstract: At least two substantially identical generally mirror image complimentary disc segments combined to form a generally discoid endoprosthetic disc and associated tools and methods for replacing the intervertebral disc. Complimentary disc segments include outer circumferential walls roughly equal to a semi-circle aligned along concave-convex inner wall inner walls forming an āsā- shaped common border to provide a generally symmetrical discoid congruent structure which is positioned within the annulus of a spinal disc section. Disc segments may include structures to support, position and secure the segments to one another intradiscally. Surgical tools include structures for inserting and aligning disc members together. Also disclosed is a system and method for replacing the nucleus pulposus using the surgical tools adapted for placement and alignment of the disc.