Spring-type insertion device to prevent recurrence after discectomy

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spring-type insertion device for preventing recurrence after discectomy, and may comprise: a first insertion element that is connected to an upper or lower vertebral body and has a first base plate fixed on one surface of the vertebral body and an elastic member extending toward the other vertebral body facing away from the first base plate; and a second insertion element that is connected to the other vertebral body to which the first insertion element is not connected and has a second base plate fixed on one surface of the other vertebral body and a protrusion extending toward the vertebral body facing away from the second base plate.

Description

Spring-type insertion device to prevent recurrence after discectomy

[0001] This invention relates to a spring-type insertion device for preventing recurrence after discectomy.

[0002] Typically, the spine consists of seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, and five lumbar vertebrae, extending vertically along the human back. The vertebral bodies formed anteriorly and the posterior arches formed posteriorly, forming the spinal canal at the center of the spine, through which the spinal cord flows. Furthermore, the spine can be formed by intervertebral discs, which are located superiorly or inferiorly, or proximally and distally, between adjacent vertebral bodies. The spinal cord, which extends within the spinal canal, is approximately 41 to 45 cm long and contains motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves.

[0003] A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes against the harder outer layer and irritates a nearby nerve. When a disc between the vertebrae bulges and irritates a nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area, such as the back or neck.

[0004] Discectomy, or discectomy, is a procedure performed to treat a herniated disc. It involves removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on the spinal nerves or spinal cord to relieve pressure on the nerves and relieve symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. Discectomy can be performed using a variety of techniques, including minimally invasive surgery, but is most commonly performed using microsurgery or endoscopic techniques, which approach the spine from the back.

[0005] Referring to Figure 1, when a herniated disc occurs, the multiple layers of membrane surrounding the disc are torn, and when a discectomy is performed, a certain amount of the disc is removed. At this time, if a small amount of the disc is removed, as indicated by the solid arrow, there is an advantage in that it leaves a lot of normal disc. However, because the nucleus pulposus inside the disc is a soft substance, there is a problem that the herniated disc is likely to recur when the patient performs lower back exercises.

[0006] On the other hand, when a large amount of disc is removed as indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 1, there is an advantage of a low recurrence rate of herniated disc, but since a large amount of normal disc is removed, disc degeneration occurs quickly in the future, and there is a problem that the relevant segment becomes unstable as the patient ages.

[0007] To solve this problem, methods such as inserting reinforcement into adjacent vertebral bodies in the proximal-distal direction and suturing the removed disc area with medical thread to prevent leakage of the remaining disc have been devised, but these are ineffective in preventing recurrence of herniated disc and securing the range of motion of the patient's spine.

[0008] The technology underlying this application is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1169110.

[0009] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a spring-type insertion device for preventing recurrence after discectomy, which improves durability while preserving the mobility of the disc segment as before surgery by preventing the force due to movement of the lumbar segment after discectomy from being transmitted to the insertion device.

[0010] In addition, the purpose of this invention is to provide a spring-type insertion device for preventing recurrence after discectomy by preventing the insertion device inserted between the vertebral bodies from being dislodged due to force from lumbar movement.

[0011] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a spring-type insertion device for preventing recurrence after discectomy that can adapt to changes in disc height reduction due to degenerative changes in disc segments.

[0012] However, the technical tasks to be achieved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other technical tasks may exist.

[0013] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical task, a spring-type insertion device for preventing recurrence after disc removal surgery according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first base plate connected to an upper vertebral body or an inferior vertebral body and fixed on one surface of the vertebral body, and a first insertion element having an elastic member extending from the first base plate to the other vertebral body opposite to the first base plate.

[0014] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first insertion element may further include a second base plate connected to another vertebral body to which the first insertion element is not connected, and fixed on one surface of the other vertebral body, and a second insertion element having a protrusion extending from the second base plate toward the opposite vertebral body.

[0015] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the protrusion may be formed to be accommodated within the elastic member.

[0016] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member may be formed to be inclined so that the first end surface formed by the other vertebral body end faces toward the first base plate as it goes rearward.

[0017] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion may be formed to be inclined so that the second end surface formed by the end on the side of the vertebral body faces toward the second base plate as it goes rearward.

[0018] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a first state in which the upper and lower vertebral bodies are not bent in the anterior and posterior directions, the other vertebral body-side end of the elastic member may be formed to be spaced apart from the second base plate, and the vertebral body-side end of the protrusion may be formed to be spaced apart from the first base plate.

[0019] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a second state in which the upper and lower vertebral bodies are bent posteriorly and the posterior separation distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies is reduced, the other vertebral body-side end of the elastic member is formed to contact and contract with the second base plate, and at least one of the extension length, outer diameter, and inclination of the end of the protrusion can be set in consideration of the range of motion of the spine in which the insertion device is provided.

[0020] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a third state in which the upper and lower vertebral bodies are bent forward and the posterior separation distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies increases, a portion of the other vertebral body-side end of the elastic member on the front side may be formed to contact the second base plate so that the elastic member contracts.

[0021] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first base plate and the second base plate may include an opposing surface formed on one surface of the vertebral body; a posterior surface formed to surround at least a portion of the posterior side of the vertebral body; and a fixing surface formed to be inclined between the opposing surface and the posterior surface and to receive a fixing member inserted into the vertebral body.

[0022] The above-described problem-solving methods are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, additional embodiments may be included in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

[0023] According to the aforementioned means for solving the problem of the present invention, the present invention has the effect of providing a spring-type insertion device for preventing recurrence after discectomy, which improves durability while preserving the mobility of the disc segment as before surgery by preventing the force due to movement of the lumbar segment after discectomy from being transmitted to the insertion device.

[0024] In addition, the present invention can provide a spring-type insertion device for preventing recurrence after discectomy by preventing the insertion device inserted between the vertebral bodies from being dislodged due to force from lumbar movement.

[0025] In addition, the present invention has the effect of providing a spring-type insertion device for preventing recurrence after discectomy that can adapt to changes in disc height reduction due to degenerative changes in disc segments.

[0026] However, the effects achieved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other effects may exist.

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a disc between the vertebral bodies.

[0028] Figure 2 is a drawing of an insertion device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from one side.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first insertion element (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a second insertion element (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a drawing schematically illustrating the arrangement of the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) in a first state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically illustrating the arrangement of the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) in a second state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a drawing schematically illustrating the arrangement of the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) in a third state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a first insertion element (10) and a second insertion element (40) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail to facilitate easy implementation by those skilled in the art. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity, and similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to indicate similar elements.

[0036] Throughout this specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only "directly connected" but also "indirectly connected" with another component in between or "electrically connected" with a component in between.

[0037] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a member is located “on,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “lower” or “lower” another member, this includes not only cases where the member is in contact with the other member, but also cases where another member exists between the two members.

[0038] Throughout this specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0039] In addition, terms related to direction or position (upper side, upper surface, lower side, etc.) in the description of the embodiment of the present invention are set based on the arrangement state of each component shown in the drawing.

[0040] Hereinafter, an insertion device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The insertion device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be understood as being interposed between the upper and lower vertebral bodies to prevent recurrence after discectomy. The insertion device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first insertion element (10) and a second insertion element (30).

[0041] The first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) can be connected to the upper or lower vertebral body. When the first insertion element (10) is connected to the upper vertebral body, it can be understood that the second insertion element (30) is connected to the opposite lower vertebral body, and when the first insertion element (10) is connected to the lower vertebral body, it can be understood that the second insertion element is connected to the opposite upper vertebral body. That is, when the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) are fixed to the vertebral body, it is sufficient for the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) to be mutually opposed, and to which vertebral body, the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30), are fixed can be determined by the surgeon's judgment.

[0042] The insertion device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be understood as being inserted after a portion of a disc between vertebral bodies has been resected. That is, the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) may be inserted into the portion where the disc has been partially removed to assist the movement of the disc segment (which may be understood as the disc and the vertebral bodies on both sides of the disc) while preventing the disc from prolapse. To this end, the first base plate (11) and the second base plate (31) may be understood as covering a portion of the proximal or distal surface of the vertebral body.

[0043] In addition, the force caused by the patient's lumbar movement, such as bending, straightening, and twisting the disc segment including the vertebral body where the insertion device (1) is interposed and the disc where the insertion device is installed, may be provided so that it is not transmitted to the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30). To this end, as described below, in a first state where the upper and lower vertebral bodies are not bent anteriorly and posteriorly, an end of the first insertion element (10) fixed to one vertebral body (V1) is spaced apart from the other vertebral body (V2) as the other vertebral body, and an end of the second insertion element (30) is spaced apart from the vertebral body (V1), so that the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) can form a free end between the vertebral bodies (V1, V2) that face each other.

[0044] When the first insertion element (10) fixed to one vertebral body (V1) and the second insertion element (30) fixed to the other vertebral body (V2) are connected through a predetermined configuration, shear force and moment are applied to the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) from the movement of the disc segment for performing movements such as bending and twisting of the waist. In this case, there is a problem that the first insertion element (10) or the second insertion element (30) is detached from the vertebral body, and there is a problem that the durability of the insertion device (1) is reduced. In this case, "connected through a predetermined configuration" can be understood as meaning that the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30) are connected through a configuration that transmits at least one force without forming a free end between the vertebral bodies (V1, V2) on both sides, and can be understood in the same way even if they are connected through an elastic body.

[0045] While conventional prosthetics that remove all intervertebral discs and insert prostheses between the vertebrae allow the prosthesis to replace the function of the discs, the insertion device (1) of the present invention allows the unremoved discs to be positioned anteriorly of the first insertion element (10) and the second insertion element (30). This allows the unremoved discs to maintain their function while preventing the posterior discs from herniating due to the patient's lumbar movement.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first insertion element (10) can be connected to one vertebral body and can include a first base plate (11) and an elastic member (13).

[0047] The first base plate (11) is connected to the upper or lower vertebral body and can be fixed on one side of the vertebral body. The first base plate (11) is fixed to one vertebral body (V1) through a fixing member, and can be formed of titanium, cobalt chromium alloy, etc. that have a certain rigidity and are biocompatible, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the material or substance of the second base plate (31) described below can be understood to be the same as that of the first base plate.

[0048] It is preferable that the first base plate (11) is provided so as not to be detached from the vertebral body (V1) due to friction, pressing force, etc. caused by movement of the elastic member (13) and the protrusion (33) of the second insertion element, which will be described later. Likewise, it can be understood that the second base plate (31) described later is also provided so as not to be detached from another vertebral body (V2) due to friction, pressing force, etc. caused by movement of the elastic member (13) and the protrusion (33). The first base plate (11) may include an opposing surface (111), a rear surface (113), and a fixed surface (115).

[0049] The opposing surface (111) is formed on one side of the vertebral body, and the elastic member (13) can extend from the opposing surface (111) toward the other vertebral body. For example, the opposing surface (111) can be formed on the lower surface of the upper vertebral body, and the elastic member (13) can extend toward the lower vertebral body. In addition, the opposing surface (111) can be formed on the upper surface of the lower vertebral body, and the elastic member (13) can extend toward the upper vertebral body.

[0050] Since the insertion device (1) of the present invention is inserted between adjacent vertebral bodies after removing a portion of the disc, the opposing surface (111) may be formed to cover a portion of the vertebral body (V1) rather than completely covering one side of the vertebral body. An unremoved disc may be placed on the front side of the opposing surface (111).

[0051] The posterior surface (113) may be formed to surround at least a portion of the posterior side of the vertebral body (V1). The posterior surface (113) may be bent and extended from one end of the posterior side of the opposing surface (111) to surround the posterior portion of the vertebral body. For example, the posterior surface (113) may have a smaller extension length than the opposing surface (111) in the superior-inferior direction or the proximal-distal direction (which may be understood as the 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock direction in FIG. 2), and may have the same width as the opposing surface (111) in the mediolateral direction (which may be understood as the 1 o'clock to 7 o'clock direction in FIG. 2).

[0052] The fixing surface (115) may be formed to be inclined between the opposing surface (111) and the posterior surface (113) and may be provided to accommodate a fixing member (15) inserted into the vertebral body. The fixing surface (115) may be formed to extend in the medial and lateral directions while having a predetermined incline between the opposing surface (111) and the posterior surface (113).

[0053] The fixing surface (115) may include a fixing hole (115a) into which a fixing member (15) is inserted. The fixing member may be inserted into the vertebral body through the fixing hole (115a) to fix the first base plate (11). That is, the fixing member (15) may be inserted into the vertebral body at an upward angle or a downward angle. When the first base plate (11) is fixed to the upper vertebral body, the fixing member (15) may be inserted at an upward angle along the normal direction of the fixing surface (115), and when the first base plate (11) is fixed to the lower vertebral body, the fixing member (15) may be inserted at an downward angle.

[0054] Accordingly, the first insertion device (10) can be inserted from the back side where the surgery is performed into the space where the disc was removed, and a screw can be driven into the vertebral body to penetrate the first insertion device (10) and fix it.

[0055] The elastic member (13) can extend from the first base plate (11) to the opposite side of the other vertebral body. The elastic member (13) can extend to the side of the other vertebral body (V2) opposite to the one vertebral body (V1) to which the first base plate (11) is fixed.

[0056] In one embodiment, the elastic member (13) may have a hollow portion (13a) that accommodates a protrusion (33) of a second insertion element (30) described later. At this time, the inner diameter of the hollow portion (13a) may be larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion (33) or the maximum width or depth of the protrusion (33), and thus, a portion of the protrusion (33) may be accommodated within the elastic member (13). For example, the elastic member (13) may be provided as a spring having a hollow portion (13a).

[0057] The elastic member (13) is made of an elastic material and can be contracted by the second base plate (31) when the disc segment moves. More specifically, when the state is changed from a first state in which the upper and lower vertebral bodies are not bent anteriorly and posteriorly, to a second state in which the upper and lower vertebral bodies are bent posteriorly and the posterior separation distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies is reduced, or to a third state in which the upper and lower vertebral bodies are bent anteriorly and the posterior separation distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies is increased, the other vertebral body-side end of the elastic member (13) can be brought into contact with the second base plate (31) to contract the elastic member (13).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the elastic member (13) may include a connecting portion (131) extending from the first base plate (11), and a winding portion (133) extending spirally to form a hollow (13a) while extending toward the other vertebral body (V2).

[0059] The connecting portion (131) can be understood as a portion that connects the first base plate (11) and the elastic member (13) as one body, and it is preferable that it be formed so that the first insertion element is not deformed or bent by pressure. For example, the connecting portion (131) can be provided so that the area of ​​the surface connecting the first base plate (11) and the elastic member (13) is maximized. That is, even if the elastic member (13) is provided in a spring shape, the connecting area between the first base plate (11) and the elastic member (13) can be increased by connecting them by the connecting portion (131) instead of connecting them with the circular cross-section of the spring.

[0060] The winding portion (133) may extend in a spiral from the first base plate (11), and the other vertebral body-side end may form a first end surface (13b). The first end surface (13b) formed by the other vertebral body-side end may be formed to be inclined so as to face the first base plate side as it goes rearward. The inclined shape of the first end surface (13b) may prevent the movement of the disc segments from being hindered when bending the waist.

[0061] When bending the waist toward the back, the upper and lower vertebral bodies may bend posteriorly, and the posterior separation distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies may decrease. At this time, the first end surface (13b) is formed to be inclined toward the first base plate (11) as it goes posteriorly, thereby preventing the range of motion of the disc segment from being reduced due to interference by the elastic member (13).

[0062] In an embodiment not shown, the elastic member (13) may be provided in an elastic cylindrical shape rather than a spring shape. A hollow space may be formed inside the cylindrical elastic member (13), and the other vertebral body-side end (13b) may be formed to be inclined so as to face toward the first base plate (11) as it goes backward.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the second insertion element (30) can be connected to the other vertebral body (V2) to which the first insertion element (10) is not connected, and can include a second base plate (31) and a protrusion (33).

[0064] The second base plate (31) can be understood to have substantially the same configuration as the first base plate (31) described above, and the detailed configuration can be understood with reference to the first base plate. Accordingly, the second base plate (31) includes an opposing surface (311), a rear surface (313), and a fixing surface (315), and a fixing hole (315a) for inserting a fixing member (15) can be formed on the fixing surface (315).

[0065] The protrusion (33) can extend from the second base plate (31) toward the opposite vertebral body. The protrusion (33) can extend toward one vertebral body (V1) that is opposite the other vertebral body (V2) to which the second base plate (31) is fixed.

[0066] The protrusion (33) may be formed so that at least a portion of the protrusion is accommodated inside the elastic member (13). To this end, the outer diameter of the protrusion may be formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow formed in the elastic member. In the case where the cross-section of the protrusion (33) is not circular, it may be understood that the maximum width or width of the protrusion (33) is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow (13a) so that the protrusion (33) can be inserted into the hollow (13a) of the elastic member (13).

[0067] At least one of the extension length, outer diameter, and inclination of the end of the protrusion (33) can be set in consideration of the range of motion of the spine equipped with the insertion device. More specifically, in order to ensure smooth movement of the disc segment in a second state in which the upper and lower vertebral bodies are bent posteriorly and the posterior separation distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies is reduced, the shape and size of the protrusion (33) can be determined to allow the same range of motion as the range of motion of the disc segment before surgery.

[0068] Accordingly, when the protrusion (33) is inserted into the hollow interior of the elastic member (13), friction between the devices can be prevented from occurring due to movement of the waist, and the protrusion and the elastic member can be prevented from wearing out or the insertion device (1) being fixed to the vertebral body and then coming off.

[0069] Additionally, the protrusion (33) may be formed so that its cross-section gradually decreases as it goes toward the end of the opposing vertebral body (V1). That is, it can be understood that the protrusion (33) tapers as it extends toward the first base plate (11).

[0070] The protrusion (33) may be formed of an inelastic material. However, it is not limited thereto, and at least a portion thereof may be formed of an elastic material so that a portion of the protrusion (33) is contracted by the first base plate (11) according to the movement of the disc segment.

[0071] A second end surface (33a) may be formed at the end of the protrusion (33). The second end surface (33a) formed by the end on the side of the vertebral body may be formed to be inclined so as to face the second base plate as it goes backward. Since the inclination of the second end surface (33a) may be required differently depending on the patient, a plurality of second insertion elements (30) having second end surfaces (33a) of various angles may be manufactured and provided.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5, in a first state where the upper and lower vertebral bodies are not bent anteriorly and posteriorly, the elastic member (13) and the protrusion (33) may be provided in an interlocked state, and the first base plate (11) may be fixed to one vertebral body (V1), and the second base plate (31) may be fixed to the other vertebral body (V2). At this time, the other vertebral body-side end of the elastic member (13) may be formed to be spaced apart from the second base plate (31) by a predetermined distance, and the vertebral body-side end of the protrusion (31) may be formed to be spaced apart from the first base plate (11). In other words, it may be understood that the sum of the thicknesses of the first base plate (11), the elastic member (13), and the second base plate (31) is smaller than the first separation distance (d1) between one vertebral body (V1) and the other vertebral body (V2). Similarly, the sum of the thicknesses of the first base plate (11), the protrusion (31), and the second base plate (31) can be understood to be smaller than the first separation distance (d1), which is the posterior separation distance between one vertebral body (V1) and the other vertebral body (V2).

[0073] Accordingly, the other vertebral body-side end of the elastic member (13) and the vertebral body-side end of the protrusion (31) can have free ends. By forming free ends with the elastic member (13) and the protrusion (31), the stress applied to the first base plate and the second base plate connected to each vertebral body during movement of the disc segment can be minimized.

[0074] As time passes or the patient ages, the height of the disc decreases. In the case of the insertion device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the other vertebral body-side end of the elastic member (13) is spaced apart from the second base plate (31), and the vertebral body-side end of the protrusion (13) is spaced apart from the first base plate (11), so that the change in the disc height decrease can be accommodated without causing stress to each insertion element (10, 30).

[0075] Referring to Fig. 6, in a second state where the upper and lower vertebral bodies are bent posteriorly and the posterior separation distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies is reduced, the other vertebral body-side end of the elastic member (13) can be formed to contact and contract with the second base plate (31). The upper and lower vertebral bodies can have a second separation distance (d2) that is smaller than the first separation distance.

[0076] As the first end face (13b) formed by the other vertebral end of the elastic member (13) is formed to be inclined toward the first base plate (11) as it goes backward, the first end face (13b) can be in contact with the second base plate (31) as a whole in the second state. In addition, as the second end face (33a) of the protrusion (31) is formed to be inclined toward the second base plate (31) as it goes backward, the second end face (33a) can be in contact with the first base plate (11) as a whole, and natural lumbar movement after surgery can be permitted.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 7, in a third state in which the upper and lower vertebral bodies are bent anteriorly and the posterior separation distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies increases, a portion of the anterior side of the other vertebral body end of the elastic member (13) may be formed to contact the second base plate (31) so that the elastic member (13) contracts. As the first end surface (13b) of the elastic member (13) is formed to be inclined toward the first base plate (11) as it goes posteriorly, a portion of the anterior side of the first end surface (13b) may contact the second base plate (31) in the third state. At this time, the upper and lower vertebral bodies may have a third separation distance (d3) that is greater than the first separation distance.

[0078] A portion of the anterior side of the other vertebral body end of the elastic member (13) may come into contact with the second base plate (31) and contract, so the range of motion by the insertion device (1) may not be large. However, since there is more residual disc on the anterior side of the insertion device (1), the motion of the disc segment as before the surgery may be permitted by the residual disc.

[0079] In the third stage, after a portion has been removed, the remaining residual disc may protrude posteriorly, potentially posing a risk of recurrence of herniated disc. The mechanism of recurrence is understood to be the protrusion of the residual disc into the defective portion of the posterior annulus fibrosus. In this case, since the anterior portion of the protrusion (33) extends longer than the posterior portion, the protrusion (33) can prevent the disc from protruding into the space between the elastic members (13).

[0080] Referring to Fig. 8, the insertion device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be formed as a spring having a hollow portion (43a) similar to the elastic member (13) described above, in which the protrusion (43) has an outer diameter that can be accommodated within the hollow portion of the elastic member, and may form a second end surface (43b) that is inclined toward the second base plate as it goes rearward.

[0081] In the case where the protrusion (43) is formed as a spring, it is preferable that the space between the blades of the winding portion (133) forming the spring of the elastic member (13) and the winding portion forming the spring of the protrusion (43) be excessively wide so that the winding portions do not get caught or interlocked with each other.

[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, which is not shown, when the gap between the upper and lower vertebral bodies is narrow, only the first insertion element (10) can be inserted without inserting the second insertion element (30) between the two vertebral bodies. That is, in another embodiment of the present invention, the insertion device (1) can be composed only of the first insertion element (10) which is connected to the upper or lower vertebral body and has a first base plate fixed on one surface of the vertebral body and an elastic member extending from the first base plate to the other vertebral body opposite.

[0083] In this embodiment, since the second insertion element (30) is not fixed on one side of the other vertebral body, it can be understood that the elastic member (13) is not contracted by the second base plate but is elastically contracted by contacting one side of the other vertebral body when the disc segment moves.

[0084] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0085] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the insertion device interposed between the upper and lower vertebral bodies to prevent recurrence after disc removal surgery, An insertion device comprising a first base plate connected to an upper or lower vertebral body and fixed on one side of the vertebral body, and a first insertion element having an elastic member extending from the first base plate toward the other opposite vertebral body.

2. In paragraph 1, An insertion device, wherein the first insertion element is connected to another vertebral body to which the first insertion element is not connected, and further includes a second base plate fixed on one surface of the other vertebral body, and a second insertion element having a protrusion extending from the second base plate toward the opposite vertebral body.

3. In paragraph 2, An insertion mechanism in which at least a portion of the protrusion is formed to be accommodated inside the elastic member.

4. In paragraph 3, An insertion device in which the elastic member is formed such that the first end surface formed by the other vertebral body end is inclined toward the first base plate as it goes rearward.

5. In paragraph 4, An insertion device in which the protrusion is formed so that the second end surface formed by the end portion on the side of the vertebral body is inclined so that it faces toward the second base plate as it goes rearward.

6. In paragraph 5, In the first state where the upper and lower vertebral bodies are not bent anteriorly and posteriorly, The other vertebral body side end of the elastic member is spaced apart from the second base plate, An insertion device in which the vertebral body side end of the above protrusion is formed to be spaced apart from the first base plate.

7. In paragraph 6, In the second state where the upper and lower vertebral bodies are bent posteriorly and the posterior separation distance between the upper and lower vertebral bodies is reduced, The other end of the elastic member on the vertebral body side is formed to contract by contacting the second base plate, An insertion device, wherein at least one of the extension length, outer diameter, and inclination of the end of the protrusion is set in consideration of the range of motion of the spine equipped with the insertion device.

8. In paragraph 2, The above first and second base plates, Opposite surface formed on one side of the vertebral body; a posterior surface formed to surround at least a portion of the posterior surface of the vertebral body; and An insertion device comprising a fixing surface formed to be inclined between the opposing surface and the rear surface and configured to receive a fixing member inserted into the vertebral body.

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