Method and apparatus for intervertebral implant anchorage

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for intervertebral implant anchorage. An implantable device for insertion into an intradiscal section between adjacent vertebrae is provided. The implantable device includes at least one anchor plate which comprises a plate member sized to be positioned within an intradiscal section between adjacent vertebrae and a plurality of anchoring elements extending from a surface of the plate member, each anchoring element including a distal—portion capable of being introduced into the vertebra through the vertebral end plate; and an intradiscal component coupled to the anchor plate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for treating intervertebral disc diseases and more particularly to intervertebral prostheses for positioning in an intervertebral space to treat intervertebral disorders. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Back pain remains a major public health problem, especially among aged people. Persistent and severe back pain often causes debility and disability, and such a pain is closely associated with intervertebral disc abnormalities of the spine. [0003] The human spine is a flexible structure comprised of thirty-three vertebrae. Intervertebral discs separate and cushion adjacent vertebrae, and act as shock absorbers and allow bending between the vertebrae. An intervertebral disc comprises two major components: the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosis. The nucleus pulposus is centrally located in the disc and occupies 25-40% of the disc's total cross-sectional area. The annulus fibrosis surrounds the n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] An anchoring plate is provided for anchoring an intradiscal device to an end plate of a vertebra. The anchoring plate includes a plate member sized to be positioned within an intradiscal section between adjacent vertebrae and a plurality of anchoring elements extending from a surface of the plate member, each anchoring element including a distal portion capable of being introduced into the vertebra through the vertebral end plate. In one embodiment, at least one of the anchoring elements includes a lumen. The lumen allows ingrowth of the bone graft material through the lumen to the end-plate of the vertebra. The lumen preferably has a diameter between about 0.5 mm-9 mm.

[0021] The anchoring elements can have a plurality of shapes including cone, cylinder, triangle, square, rectangle and other irregular shapes so long as the anchoring elements are capable of being introduced into an end plate of a vertebra. The anchoring elements can extend from the plate member substantially vertically, angularly or curved. The anchoring elements are preferably shaped so as to minimize the risk of splintering the vertebra by introducing the anchoring elements into the vertebra.

Problems solved by technology

Back pain remains a major public health problem, especially among aged people.

Persistent and severe back pain often causes debility and disability, and such a pain is closely associated with intervertebral disc abnormalities of the spine.

Because of exertion, injury, illness, accident or abuse, one or more of the vertebrae and / or one or more discs may become damaged and malfunctioning.

However, it is often necessary to remove at least a portion of the damaged and / or malfunctioning back component.

One of the disadvantages of these interlocked implants is that, the implants may not be stable enough to withstand rotation and may lead to implant loosening and failure of the prosthesis.

A disadvantage of this device is a tendency for the anchoring screws to become dislodged.

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