Abstract:
Instruments and methods are provided for implanting nucleus replacement material in an intervertebral disc nucleus space employing an inserter having proximal and distal end regions and a passageway effective for passing the material therethrough. The distal end region of the inserter includes a conical-shaped outer surface, and the passageway exits through a side surface of the inserter in the distal end region at other than the apex of the conical-shaped outer surface. The nucleus replacement material passing through the inserter exits into an intervertebral disc nucleus space when the passageway exit in the side surface at the distal end region is disposed in the nucleus space. The instrument may also include a cover locking mechanism having pivotally connected first and second cover plates with a latching tab and landing sized and configured to mate and lock the cover plates automatically when the inserter assumes an implanting configuration.
Abstract:
Embodiments include a method for promoting selective tissue attachment to medical implants. By treating implant surfaces where tissue attachment is desired with tissue attachment promoting treatments, and treating implant surfaces where tissue attachment is not desired with tissue attachment inhibiting treatments, selective tissue attachment to medical implants may be achieved. Also, embodiments include an implant with at least one tissue contacting surface and at least one secondary surface where tissue attachment is not desired, and appropriate tissue attachment promoting or inhibiting treatments on the surfaces.
Abstract:
Embodiments include selectively expandable composite structures useful as spinal arthroplasty devices such as intervertebral disc prostheses. The structures may comprise an outer shell comprised of a non-hydrogel polymer material. The structures also may comprise at least one core positioned within the outer shell. The core may be comprised of a hydrophilic polymer. The core may expand upon hydration, thereby deforming the outer shell. The selectively expandable composite structures may be implanted in a dehydrated form and then expand during re-hydration following implantation.
Abstract:
ABSTRACT A prossthetic device according to which a time-dependent degree of resistance is provided to at least one predetermined type of relative directional motion between first and second components of the device.
Abstract:
Methods and devices are provided for the explantation of spinal implants. A cutting tool may be extended into the spinal implant. The spinal implant may be disintegrated into pieces and the pieces removed. For this purpose a device is inserted into an opening in the annulus fibrosis preferably less than 20mm across. In order to disintegrate the implant the device includes a cutting tool wich may comprise a heating element, or a mechnical cutting element such as a blade, hook or pointed probe. The cutting tool is preferably inside a retractable protective sleeve and is preferably battery-powered.
Abstract:
Nucleus pulposus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space are provided. They include a load bearing elastic body surrounded in the disc space by an anchoring, preferably resorbable, biocompatible material which may be in the form of an outer shell. The elastic body may be surrounded by a supporting band. Kits for forming such implants are also provided. The implants may have locking features. The implants have shape memory characteristics which allow short-term deformation without permanent deformation, cracks, tears, breakage or other damage.
Abstract:
An augmentation instrument for attaching a retaining device to a vertebral endplate comprises a drive housing having a distal end portion, a drive mechanism extending through the drive housing and including a flexible shaft portion, and an attachment mechanism at the distal end portion of the drive housing. The attachment mechanism is adapted for coupling to the retaining device.
Abstract:
A motion-preserving implant device (20) for insertion between two bones is disclosed. The motion-preserving implant includes a first plate (22) for engaging with a first bone and a second plate (24) for engaging with a second bone. An articulation member (26) is positioned between the two plates and a motion-controlling member (28) attached to one or both of the plates. In some embodiments, the motion-controlling member is configured to constrain, dampen, and/or bumper the relative motion between the two plates.
Abstract:
A vertebral implant device (20) for interposition between two vertebral endplates comprises an outer body (22) and an inner body (24). The outer body movably engages the inner body. A core (26) member positioned between the outer body and the inner body is at least partially compressed when a load is applied to the implant device.
Abstract:
Devices for the treatment of intervertebral discs are described. The devices, when implanted into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, provide for the controlled release of one or more active agents into the disc. The active agent can be a chemonucleolytic agent such as chymopapain. The device can also comprise one or more binders. The device can be an elongate solid body having a tapered or rounded insertion end. Alternatively, the device can include a plurality of particles. For devices containing multiple active agents, the configuration of the device be chosen to provide for the sequential or simultaneous release of each of the active agents. The elongate solid body can include a sheath comprising a first active agent and a core comprising a second active agent. Methods of making the devices and methods of treatment comprising implanting the devices into an intervertebral disc are also described.