Abstract:
Spinal disc and other implants (10) include at least one flexible keel (15) that extends substantially outwardly, typically upwardly or downwardly, beyond the primary body of the implant. The primary body is typically formed from a molded polymer. The keel is formed by an outwardly extending fold (15f) formed in a mesh material layer. Methods of fabricating elastomeric implants using a mold are also described.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for generating custom implants by programmatically analyzing a patient's image data to electronically obtain shapes and dimensions of relevant anatomical features of a target region of the patient; and fabricating a patient-specific replacement implant for the patient using the analyzed patient image data. Related patient-specific spinal implants are also described.
Abstract:
Orthopaedic bone cement mixtures include a primary material that has a flowable state and a solid mass state and a low weight percent amount of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material. The PVA material is distributed in the primary material.
Abstract:
A medical device (10) and its use are described. The device is useful for replacement or treatment of a diseased or damaged intervertebral spinal disc. The device has volume to occupy space between vertebral bodies (16, 17), has mechanical elasticity to provide motion between vertebral bodies, and sufficient strength to withstand the forces and loads on the vertebra. The device may have modifications to allow for attachment to the bones of the vertebrae. The device may also contain modifications for ease of placement in the anatomic space between vertebral bodies. The device may be constructed to expand to restore the normal height of the intervertebral space.