36 results about "Functional spinal unit" patented technology

An artificial functional spinal unit is provided comprising, generally, an expandable artificial intervertebral implant that can be placed via a posterior surgical approach and used in conjunction with one or more artificial facet joints to provide an anatomically correct range of motion. Expandable artificial intervertebral implants in both lordotic and non-lordotic designs are disclosed, as well as lordotic and non-lordotic expandable cages for both PLIF (posterior lumber interbody fusion) and TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) procedures. The expandable implants may have various shapes, such as round, square, rectangular, banana-shaped, kidney-shaped, or other similar shapes. By virtue of their posteriorly implanted approach, the disclosed artificial FSU's allow for posterior decompression of the neural elements, reconstruction of all or part of the natural functional spinal unit, restoration and maintenance of lordosis, maintenance of motion, and restoration and maintenance of disc space height.

An artificial functional spinal unit including an expandable intervertebral implant that can be inserted via a posterior surgical approach and used with one or more facet replacement devices to provide an anatomically correct range of motion is described. Lordotic and non-lordotic expandable, articulating implants and cages are described, along with embodiments of facet replacement devices and instruments for insertion. Methods of insertion are also described.

An artificial functional spinal unit including an expandable intervertral implant that can be inserted via a posterior surgical approach and used with one or more facet replacement devices to provide an anatomically correct range of motion is described. Lordotic and non-lordotic expandable, articulating implants and cages are described, along with embodiments of facet replacement devices and instruments for insertion. Methods of insertion are also described.

A stabilization system for a human spine is provided comprising at least one dynamic interbody device and at least one dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments the stabilization system comprises a pair of dynamic interbody devices and a pair of dynamic posterior stabilization systems. In some embodiments, a bridge may couple a dynamic interbody device to a dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments, an elongated member of the dynamic posterior stabilization system may be curved.

Systems and methods for controlling motion and physiologic load sharing across a functional spinal unit defined by a pair of adjacent vertebrae and an intervertebral disc therebetween are provided. The systems may comprise a first component for repairing or replacing a disc nucleus, without substantially disrupting the annulus. A second component may be provided for attachment to the adjacent vertebrae, the second component being configured to control movement of the vertebrae relative to one another. The first and second components may be configured to cooperate simultaneously to control motion and collectively distribute physiologic load sharing across the functional spinal unit.

The subject invention provides a modular six-degrees-of-freedom spatial mechanism for spinal disc prosthesis, with three rotational and three translational degrees-of-freedom within the entire workspace of a Functional Spinal Unit (FSU). The prosthetic disc mechanism attaches to upper and lower plates anchored between vertebrae of an FSU. Scaling, conjoined with motion limit stops, allows the device to realize almost any nominal spinal articulation, from the cervical to lumbar regions.

Spinal disc prosthetic devices are provided having up to six-degrees-of-freedom with three rotational and three translational degrees-of-freedom within the entire workspace of a Functional Spinal Unit (FSU). Certain embodiments of the prosthetic disc mechanisms attach to upper and lower plates anchored between vertebrae of an FSU allowing modularity of the devices. Scaling, conjoined mechanical programmability allow the devices to realize almost any nominal required spinal articulation, from the cervical to lumbar regions.

A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include two dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may be inserted into a disc space using a posterior approach. A first portion of a dynamic interbody device may contact a lower vertebra. A second portion of the dynamic interbody device may contact an upper vertebra. The first portion may be wider than the second portion to facilitate a large contact area against the lower vertebra and to facilitate insertion of the dynamic interbody device in the available space. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.

Insertion methods for placing dynamic interbody devices between a first vertebra and a second vertebra using a posterior approach are provided. In an embodiment, the insertion method may be based on the first vertebra. A bridge assembly may be attached to tap shafts positioned in the first vertebra. The bridge assembly may establish an insertion angle of implants into a disc space between the vertebrae. In an embodiment, the insertion method may be based on the position of expandable trials positioned between the vertebrae. The trials may be positioned and a bridge assembly may be coupled to the expandable trials and taps positioned in the first vertebra. One or more posterior stabilization systems may be coupled to the vertebrae after insertion of the dynamic interbody devices between the vertebrae.

The subject invention provides a modular six-degrees-of-freedom spatial mechanism for spinal disc prosthesis, with up to three rotational and up to three translational degrees-of-freedom within the entire workspace of a Functional Spinal Unit (FSU). The prosthetic disc mechanism consists of up to three independent cylindrical joints, each joint providing one linear and one rotational degree of freedom. The superior and inferior vertebral plates of the device anchor to the superior and inferior vertebrae of an FSU and the device maintains an inseparable mechanical linkage between those vertebrae for all normal motions and positions of the FSU. The device utilizes resilient spring elements, components that self-adjust in position and orientation, in conjunction with a fiber reinforced boot and toroidal belt, as well as a unique hydraulic damping system to accommodate dynamic and static forces and sudden shocks on the FSU. The device can adjust to maintain the appropriate, but changing, intervertebral spacing during normal FSU motion. Scaling, conjoined with cushioned, joint-limit stops, allows the device to realize almost any nominal spinal articulation, from the cervical to lumbar regions.

A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.

A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include two dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may be inserted into a disc space using a posterior approach. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.

Devices for implantation within a Functional Spinal Unit (FSU) that can provide up to six independent degrees of freedom from a neutral position are provided. Such devices can comprise two endplates, a nucleus, a sled, and an optional, elastic boot attached to the endplates and enclosing the contents of the device, namely, the nucleus. The sled on one end of the nucleus can be moveably attached to one of the endplates and a spherical cap affixed to the opposite end of the nucleus can be operably engaged with the other endplate. The endplates can provide outer surface features that allow fusion of the plates to the superior and inferior vertebrae of a FSU and can prevent expulsion of the device immediately after implanting. The nucleus can have compliant elements or can be rigid. It can comprise a tripartite construction of three elements of possibly different materials that can be fitted together, or it can be a single unified element or can be a material with graded mechanical moduli axially and radially. The endplates and nucleus can maintain connection through the sled and the extension of the central core. Additionally, one or more specialized rotational joint stops can be utilized to provide profile-closure of the spherical joint between the top endplate and the spherical cap.