CN100560038C

CN100560038C - Controlled artificial intervertebral disc implant

Info

Publication number: CN100560038C
Application number: CNB038242524A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大卫·格伯; 贾斯廷·K·科珀斯; 克里斯托弗·M·安吉卢奇; 大卫·保罗; 帕斯卡尔·斯蒂尔; 迈克尔·L·博耶二世
Original assignee: Synthes GmbH
Current assignee: Synthes GmbH; Synthes USA LLC
Priority date: 2002-08-15
Filing date: 2003-08-15
Publication date: 2009-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2023-08-15
Also published as: CN1722993A; KR20060056265A; AU2003262695A1; AU2003262695B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to be used for artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae.Artificial intervertebral disk is preferably designed as the curvature of the intervertebral disc of the height that recovers intervertebral disc and nature, allows the natural scope of motion, absorbs to impact and resistance to motion and axial compression is provided.And intervertebral disc can be used in the cervical region of spinal column, chest, or lumbar region.Artificial intervertebral disk can comprise individuality or coalition: inside comprises at least one spring members, and it preferably includes the arcuate surfaces parts, flexible nuclear, and the nuclear of this flexibility is preferably the nuclear of fluting, encircles spring, and the flat spring of the wing is arranged, or flat spring.This hinge member preferably is attached to one of soleplate by middle impact-absorbing element.

Description

Controlled artificial intervertebral disc implant

Technical field

The present invention relates to treat the apparatus and method of spinal injury and disease.More specifically, the present invention relates to disc replacement.

Background technology

Known various disease is such as spondylolysis, intervertebral disk hernia, and the spinal cord and nerve roots compressing, degenerative disc disease and damage cause serious discomfort, need medical treatment.Spinal fusion is to be used for one of method that alleviates these diseases at present, merges or arthrodesis such as between vertebra and the outside, back.In these methods, the vertebral body of two vicinities is merged.The intervertebral disc of catching an illness at first excises, and inserts implant subsequently, and the bone growth between two vertebral bodys of its adaptation is to build bridge on the gap that stays after intervertebral disc is removed effectively.Design has obtained different successes to many different implant materials that are used for merging with implant.Be widely used although merge in the intervertebral and the back outside, the shortcoming of its use comprises the physiological range that has reduced motion, and other degenerate such as adjacent discs and the functional spinal unit unstability fusion related complication.Therefore, wish to obtain having less complication, but be similar to the optional Therapeutic Method of syncretizing effect.The optional method of spinal fusion is arthroplasty and uses artificial or prosthetic intervertebral disc.

Arthroplasty is generally used for substituting of ill joint.Arthroplasty comprises methodology, and it relates to the motion of keeping the joint, thereby keeps the complete of joint and prevent that contiguous motion segment from worsening, because it tends to like this after fusion.The use of concrete arthroplasty relies on position and the situation that infects the joint.For example, insert reconstruction operations, it increases prosthetic intervertebral disc to joint reformation shape and between two skeletons that form the joint, and at elbow, shoulder generally uses on ankle and the articulations digitorum manus.Whole joint replacement, or whole arthroplasty are replaced whole ill joint with artificial prosthesis, have become the operation that most of knees and hipbone problem are selected in recent years.

Hipbone and knee substitute especially universal, and calendar year 2001, the U.S. carried out substituting with the knee of about as much alternative near 300,000 hipbones.About knee and the operation of hipbone joint replacement, several available implants or prosthese are arranged.For the hipbone prosthese, in typical design, two parts are arranged, one is the Metal Ball that is attached to the metallic rod of the femur of packing into, second is the plastics nest that is implanted to the coupling of pelvis.Metalwork is used rustless steel usually, cobalt-chromium alloy, titanium, and titanium alloy manufacturing; Working of plastics is usually with highdensity polyethylene manufacturing.For knee prostheses, in typical embodiment, metal and plastic components are used for the bone ends and the cartilage of replace damaged once more.Metalwork is used rustless steel usually, cobalt-chromium alloy, titanium, and titanium alloy manufacturing; Working of plastics is usually with highdensity polyethylene manufacturing.

Although the use of prosthese is similar to the situation in other joint of health in the progress of joint of vertebral column plasty and the spinal column, yet, proceed to the functional joint of replacement from merging the joint, the arrival of joint of vertebral column plasty is slower than the arthroplasty in intravital other the main joint of body.Some possible reasons that the joint of vertebral column plasty postpones are that the spinal column problem relevant with disc degeneration is difficult to diagnosis, and therefore conservative solution such as the fusion of spinal treatments process danger close is an acceptable, and anatomy of spine is complicated.

In past more than 40 year, the joint of vertebral column forming technique is developing always and nearest 10 years spinal column arthroplasties have obtained the attention of primary surgeon and implant manufacturer.The progress of joint of vertebral column plasty starts from the fifties in 19th century in fact, and one of notion of several appearance is the notion of spheric intervertebral disk prosthesis.Spherical notion is to place ball simply, after carrying out discectomy procedures, substantially circumferentially is placed in the cavity of vertebral pulp.Environmental protection is held in original position and the ball substituted device as vertebral pulp.Spherical notion has been tested multiple material.For example, early stage in the sixties in 19th century, the implant of use silicones Ball support is implanted to patient's neck area, but the result is uncertain.At 19th century the mid-1960s, rustless steel (Ball support) prosthese is implanted in the patient body.The result of method is likely at first, but along with past of time because stainless steel ball sinks to entering vertebral body, intervertebral disc space has lost height.At present, continue to use the notion of different material inspection balloon prosthesis, nearest is improved carbon fiber.

The notion of another appearance is mechanical conceptual design.The machinery conceptual design comes down to whole disc replacement product, and it is intended to recover the unitary range of movement of spinal motion segment.These devices generally include the metal soleplate that is fixed to contiguous vertebral body by stabilizing mechanism, and the nuclear of being made by polyethylene or other polymeric material.Alternatively, can use area supported to substitute nuclear, support surface material is pottery and pottery, metal and metal, or metal and polyethylene.The Machine Design notion based on the same principle of joint reconstruction product such as knee and hipbone substitute part, and many Machine Design prosthese notions have been advised and have been continued suggestion.

Another notion is the physiology notion.The physiology notion is used hydrogel, elastomer, or polyurethane-base nuclear, and it is intended to also keep normal impact absorption of intervertebral disc or pooling feature simultaneously by absorbing and sending the function that fluid recovers intervertebral disc between patient's endplate.It has been generally acknowledged that the physiology conceptual apparatus only is a part of solution, because they are designed to only nucleus replacement or part of intervertebral disc.

All methods of disc replacement are all at following some or all: alleviate intervertebral disc pain, recover range of movement, keep the normal impact absorption function of intervertebral disc, recover normal shape or disc height, and recover physiological movement.Briefly, the artificial intervertebral disk that has developed four kinds of typical types is to substitute the partly or entirely intervertebral disc of excision: elastomer/be full of fluidic intervertebral disc, ball and nest type intervertebral disc, mechanical spring intervertebral disc and mixing intervertebral disc.

The fluidic intervertebral disc of elastomer/be full of typically comprises the elastomer liner that is arranged between inflexible soleplate down and the last soleplate or the chamber of full of liquid.Function is brought into play in the liner of these implants and chamber easily, is similar to the disc tissue of removing on mechanical behavior.

Ball and nest intervertebral disc typically comprise two plate member, and it has the internal ball and the nest part of cooperation, and it allows the pivotal motion of parts during spinal motion.

The mechanical spring intervertebral disc typically comprises one or more springs that are arranged on the coiling between the metal soleplate.The spring of coiling defines cumulative spring constant, and it is designed to enough keep the escapement of adjacent vertebrae, and in spinal column bending in any direction with between extensin period, allows the proper motion of vertebra.

The 4th type artificial intervertebral disk mixes intervertebral disc and comprises two or more above-mentioned design principles.For example, the mixing intervertebral disc device known to comprises the ball-and-socket joint that is surrounded by elastomeric ring.

Although every kind of above-mentioned prosthese has solved in the problem that relates to disc replacement some, each implant presents great shortcoming.Therefore, need to adapt to the anatomy of the interbody space of managing to fill and end anatomy and the geometry of geometry and contiguous vertebral body, the intervertebral implant of the reliability and the simplicity of design is provided simultaneously.More specifically, need intervertebral disc implant to provide stability to be applied to high load on the vertebra, allows enough motilities to have near range of movement normally, axial compression is provided between adjacent vertebrae, and has the impact absorption ability to allow patient with support.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a kind of intervertebral disc, it is preferably designed for height and the lordosis that recovers intervertebral disc, allows normal range of movement, absorbs to impact and resistance to motion and axial compression is provided.And intervertebral disc also can be used in cervical region, chest or the lumbar region of spinal column.

Intervertebral disc comprises the main body that has on size and dimension preferably the substrate that conforms to at least a portion of the end of adjacent vertebrae.The shape of intervertebral disc includes, but not limited to circle, ellipse, oval shape, Kidney bean shape, annular, C shape, D shape etc.

In one embodiment, intervertebral disc comprises soleplate, following soleplate, and the intermediary elastic diaphragm between last soleplate and following soleplate.Alternatively, elastic diaphragm can surround and encapsulate soleplate.Define internal volume with last soleplate and the bonded elastic diaphragm of following soleplate.The internal volume of intervertebral disc comprises at least one spring element, and spring element is attached to soleplate and following soleplate.Preferably, spring element on being formed on following soleplate inner surface depression or groove in be attached to soleplate down, and the upper end of spring element is attached on the hemispherical member.Hemispherical member is designed to cooperate in the nest on the soleplate inner surface on being formed on and is hinged.

Alternatively, intervertebral disc can be equipped with a plurality of spring elements, and each spring element extends to down soleplate from last soleplate, and each spring element can have hemispherical member at two ends, the corresponding nest that forms on the inner surface of last soleplate and following soleplate with coupling.Intervertebral disc can be configured so that also intervertebral disc comprises first spring element that is surrounded by a plurality of second spring elements usually, and second spring element is at interval even around first spring element.First spring element preferably has than the big rigidity and/or the elastic constant of rigidity of spring element on every side.

And intervertebral disc can comprise a plurality of spring elements, and therefore only the part of spring element is attached on the hemispherical member, and remaining spring element is attached to soleplate and following soleplate, is preferably in the depression.In a typical embodiment, first spring element is attached on the hemispherical member, and direct-connected soleplate and the following soleplate of being attached to of second spring element on every side that centers on.

Intervertebral disc can also comprise and substitutes one or all the elastomer pillar or the ring of spring elements.And intervertebral disc can comprise case member.

Intervertebral disc can also comprise fluid that is arranged in the internal volume and the valve that allows fluid to insert and remove.

Last soleplate and the most handy metallic of following soleplate are made, titanium for example, rustless steel, titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, or non-crystaline amorphous metal.Yet alternatively, last soleplate and following soleplate can be with ceramic, complex, polymer, for example polyether-ether-ketone (being PEEK) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (being UHMWPE), skeleton, comprise cortex, spongiosa, heteroplastic transplantation, autotransplantation, xenotransplantation goes mineral or part to remove the skeleton of mineral, or any other can be made as the material of load supporting.Be used for the selection of soleplate material, in conjunction with the fluid that needs, preferably be chosen as and reduce wear extent, and therefore increase the joint life-span.

The outer surface of last soleplate and following soleplate can be general planar, wedge shape etc.The outer surface of last soleplate and following soleplate also can be cheese, and its radius is limited in sagittal plane and the coronalplane, usually to mate the end surface of adjacent vertebrae.Last soleplate of domed shape permission and following soleplate meet the end of adjacent vertebrae better, with better assembling in position.

Intervertebral disc preferably also is included in the anti-moving structure that is provided with at least one or two soleplate outer surfaces, moves in the adjacent vertebrae end and to stop soleplate from the adjacent vertebrae end, and displacement, or discharge.The anti-structure that moves includes, but not limited to baffle plate, pin, tooth, fin, extensible pin, extensible tooth, flexible pin, flexible tooth, the tooth of optional shape, the fin that can insert or extend, screw, hook, serration, rib, and veined surface.

And last soleplate and following soleplate coat preferably also that bone growth is induced or Transmitter, inwardly grow with the promotion skeleton, so that intervertebral disc is fixed on the adjacent vertebrae muchly.Alternatively, last soleplate and following soleplate can have coarse surface; Porous surface; The soleplate layer of laser treatment; Whole bone conduction/osteoinductive bone frame; Maybe can be provided with or with whole bone conduction and/or bone induction material manufacturing, inwardly grow to promote skeleton.Soleplate also comprises barrier film and/or barrier, with the restriction ingrown amount of skeleton and/or the degree of depth.

Last soleplate and following soleplate also can have the implantation instrument attachment, guiding and maintenance structure.For example, soleplate can have and is used for hole that implant is implanted and/or diverged to adjacent vertebrae, groove, screw thread, or dovetail.For example, intervertebral disc can comprise the groove that is formed in soleplate and/or the following soleplate, and groove is configured as and holds implant insertion apparatus, diverges to device or holds the two.

Last soleplate and following soleplate also preferably include hinged surface, therefore provide greater flexibility for intervertebral disc.Be minimum wear, reduce the life-span of particulate generation and increase intervertebral disc, hinged surface preferably includes surface finish or similarly wearing and tearing minimizing polishing, polishes TiNi polishing etc. such as diamond.

In certain embodiments, the inside of intervertebral disc can comprise that a termination is attached on soleplate and/or the following soleplate, but the flat spring that the other end is not attached.Be arranged on the mid portion that flat spring between the end preferably includes the convex surface of expansion, its coupling, hinged and slip over the inner surface of one of soleplate.Preferably, the not attachment end of flat spring relies on to be coupling and is attached to roller, and axle allows roller freely to rotate, and therefore allows flat spring freely to move during spring bending.

In certain embodiments, the volume of intervertebral disc inside comprises the hinge member that is attached to soleplate or following soleplate.Hinge member preferably is attached to one of soleplate by middle impact absorbing layer.Impact absorbing layer is elastomer preferably, polymer fiber, polyurethane, silicones, or other suitable elastomeric material with shock absorbing capability.

In other embodiments, intervertebral disc generally includes soleplate, following soleplate, and be arranged on the nuclear of the flexibility between soleplate and the following soleplate, it is preferably in the depression that comprises match surface.The flexible nuclear nuclear of preferably slotting encircles spring, and the flat spring of the wing is arranged, or in the flat spring one.Flexible parts can form size and be configured to provide deflection/stretching, extension, lateral thrust, and axially rotation, and/or translation, this dependence is applied to the load condition on the intervertebral disc.

Intervertebral disc can be implanted with the mode of module, if possible, or the form implantation to assemble in advance.The front, leading flank, or lateral operation method can be used on the intervertebral disc.And the intervertebral disc that dependence will be implanted can use the operation method of minimally-invasive and/or diverges to synchronously and the implant surgery method.Also rely on the intervertebral disc that will implant, front ligament longitudinally can directly be attached to intervertebral disc or contiguous vertebral body.Front ligament longitudinally can be by autograft thing, allotransplant or the xenograft manufacturing of partly removing mineral or removing mineral.Alternatively, front ligament longitudinally can be by biocompatible material such as elastomer, or the manufacturing of braiding polymer.Be the implantation of auxiliary intervertebral disc, intervertebral disc can comprise alignment mark.

Description of drawings

Reach for purpose of the present invention is described in order to help to understand the present invention, disclosed typical preferably feature and the embodiment of reaching in the accompanying drawings, yet, should be appreciated that accurate device and the means shown in the invention is not restricted to, and by several views, wherein similarly fixed reference feature has been represented similar elements, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the see-through view according to first embodiment of artificial intervertebral disk of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the cross sectional view along the artificial intervertebral disk of the line A-A intercepting of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 a is the cross sectional view alternatively along the artificial intervertebral disk of the line A-A intercepting of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 b is the cross sectional view alternatively along the artificial intervertebral disk of the line A-A intercepting of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 c is the cross sectional view alternatively along the artificial intervertebral disk of the line A-A intercepting of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 d is the cross sectional view alternatively along the artificial intervertebral disk of the line A-A intercepting of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 a is the lateral plan according to extensible pin of the present invention;

Fig. 3 b is the lateral plan according to another extensible pin of the present invention;

Fig. 3 c is the lateral plan according to flexible pin of the present invention;

Fig. 3 d is the lateral plan according to optional formed tooth of the present invention;

Fig. 3 e is the lateral plan according to anchor of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is the cross sectional view according to second embodiment of artificial intervertebral disk of the present invention;

Fig. 4 A is the flat spring of artificial intervertebral disk of Fig. 4 and the lateral plan of roller;

Fig. 5 is the cross sectional view according to the 3rd embodiment of artificial intervertebral disk of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the see-through view according to the 4th embodiment of artificial intervertebral disk of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is the see-through view according to the 5th embodiment of artificial intervertebral disk of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is the see-through view according to the 6th embodiment of artificial intervertebral disk of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is the cross sectional view according to the 7th embodiment of artificial intervertebral disk of the present invention;

Fig. 9 a is the optional cross sectional view according to the 7th embodiment of artificial intervertebral disk of the present invention;

Fig. 9 b is the decomposition view of the 7th embodiment shown in Fig. 9 a;

Fig. 9 c is the decomposition view of the 7th embodiment shown in Fig. 9 a; And

Figure 10 is the sketch map according to the 8th embodiment of intervertebral disc of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

Any can preparation in the multiple different implant structure according to the teaching shown in the example of the illustrative intervertebral disc that discloses in this.Intervertebral disc of the present invention is preferably designed as and recovers normal rachiocamposis (or sagittal plane balance), and disc height allows normal range of movement, absorbs to impact and resistance to motion and axial compression is provided.

The best sizing of intervertebral disc also is applicable to the cervical region of spinal column, chest, and lumbar region.Intervertebral disc also can make the performance of intervertebral disc be suitable for independent patient for each independent patient customization.For example, artificial intervertebral disk can provide has a pair of soleplate and nuclear, and the endorsing comprising different assemblies of intervertebral disc, and different parts, and/or various types of material are thought the dynamic performance that each independent patient creates to be needed.

And intervertebral disc allows deflection, stretches lateral thrust, rotation, and translation.Deflection is two motions that part enters bending position that make joint or health; In spinal column, this is that spinal column begins straight and moves to prone motion.Stretching, extension is the motion that stretching two parts are separated from each other; In spinal column, this is that spinal column starts straight and moves to recurvate motion.Lateral thrust is towards lateral curvature movement; In spinal column, this motion generally includes bending (side direction) and bonded rotation.Rotation is to cause the part spinal column to reverse with respect to spine axis, rotation or the motion of rotating.Translation is the limited motion of crossing spine axis usually.

In addition, be similar to the intervertebral disc of nature, artificial intervertebral disk preferably allows the instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves.In each moment of health plane motion, there is the extended line of not mobile line or the supposition of this line in the health.Instantaneou axis of rotation line is this line.The instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves relates to instantaneou axis of rotation line owing to move the ability of (that is translation) under the different load condition; In other words, move with respect to intervertebral disc the position of instantaneou axis of rotation line.The preferred mean place of the instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves of spinal column lumbar region is preferably in half of intervertebral disc space rear portion, or the soleplate of approaching contiguous (top or following), best soleplate near following/afterbody, the preferred mean place of the instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves of spinal column chest region is preferably in the part below the intervertebral disc space, and near the vertebral body of afterbody, it extends back and enters in the canalis spinalis, and the preferred mean place of the instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves of spinal column neck area is preferably in half of tail cone rear portion.

Be similar to the intervertebral disc of nature equally, the reactivity worth of artificial intervertebral disk is preferably nonlinear.For example, in response to successive axial compression, artificial intervertebral disk preferably bears huge initial decrement, then is non-linear minimizing decrement.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, will describe artificial intervertebral disk preferred embodiment and feature in detail.Yet the description that should note these specific embodiments and feature only is illustrative.Estimate the one or more features of various embodiment or element can in conjunction with or use, and estimate change and other embodiment of various embodiment separately, be conspicuous to those skilled in the art.

At first, show the see-through view of typical first embodiment of artificial intervertebral disk 10 with reference to figure 1.Preferably, intervertebral disc 10 has common Kidney bean shape substrate, and it comprises the face 11 of front respectively, the face 13 of back, and first and second side 15,17.The face 11 of front and side 15,17 shapes are projection roughly, and face 13 shapes of back are roughly recessed.Yet intervertebral disc 10 can take other to meet the shape of contiguous vertebral body usually on geometry and anatomy, includes, but not limited to circle, ellipse, oval shape, annular, C shape, D shape or the like.

As shown in the figure, intervertebral disc 10 comprises soleplate 20, following soleplate 22, and middle elastic diaphragm 24, and elastic diaphragm 24 extends to down soleplate 24 from last soleplate 20 usually, preferably, near the outer periphery of intervertebral disc 10.Alternatively, elastic diaphragm 24 can surround and encapsulate soleplate and following soleplate 20,22.Define internal volume 26 with last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 bonded elastic diaphragms 24.

Elastic diaphragm 24 is preferably by such as polyurethane, and silicones weaves polymeric elastomer, or any other suitable elastic materials is made.Elastic diaphragm 24 can be permeable or partly permeable, flows into and flow out the inside (as described in more detail below) of intervertebral disc to allow fluid.Alternatively, barrier film can be non-infiltration.Preferably, elastic diaphragm 24 can be resisted the translational motion between soleplate and the following soleplate 12,14, and can also prevent soft tissue inwardly growth between soleplate 12,14, and is included in any wear particle that produces in the internal volume.Elastic diaphragm 24 can be attached to soleplate and following soleplate 12,14 by any fixing means known in the art, includes, but not limited to bonding agent, ultrasonic bonding, screw, nail, machinery wedging, and pin.

Alternatively, elastic diaphragm 24 can be the form of corrugated tube, and corrugated tube is taked " folding " or other flexible shape, and it can be expanded under different loading condictions and shrink.Corrugated tube can be attached to soleplate and following soleplate 12,14 rigidly by any method known in the art, includes, but are not limited to, be formed on the circular groove in each soleplate 12,14, bonding agent, ultrasonic bonding, screw, nail, machinery wedging, and pin.Preferably, corrugated tube is by the metal manufacturing, although other material such as elastomer or polymer can use.In embodiment alternatively, barrier film 16 can be by any suitable non-elastic material manufacturing known in the art.

With reference to figure 2, show the inside 26 of intervertebral disc 10.Preferably, the inside 26 of intervertebral disc 10 comprises at least one spring element 30, and spring element 30 has longitudinal axis.Spring can be so directed, makes its longitudinal axis be orientated and be approximately perpendicular to the plane that is formed by soleplate on each and following soleplate 20,22.Alternatively, spring can be so directed, makes its axis with respect to going up soleplate at least and one of following soleplate formation acute angle.Spring element can have contact in depression on being formed on the inner surface 40 of following soleplate 22 or the groove 32 under first end of soleplate 22.Such depression or groove can prevent that spring is with respect to the soleplate shifted laterally.The upper end of spring element 30 can engage has spring composition surface 33 and relative roughly spheric surperficial 35 hinge member 34.Spring element 30 can use any suitable fixing means known in the art to be fixed to depression 32 and/or hinge member 34, includes, but not limited to bonding agent, ultrasonic bonding, screw, nail, pressure assembling, and pin.Alternatively, spring element 30 and hinge member 34 can be shaped as integral body.

The spherical surface 35 of hinge member 34 can be configured on being formed on hinged in the correspondingly configured nest 36 on soleplate 20 inner surfacies 38.Interface between hinge member 34 and the nest 36 can connect near ball-and-socket type, and globular hinge parts 34 can be hinged in nest 36.The hinged type and the quantity that need can be specified curvature and the radian that is arranged on the spherical surface 35 on hinge member 34 and the nest 36.For example, if spherical surface 35 has the radius same with nest 36, then intervertebral disc 10 can provide bigger support but more restricted motion.Alternatively, if nest 36 has the radius bigger than spherical surface 35, intervertebral disc 10 can provide enhanced hinged and/or translation.

In embodiment alternatively, nest 36 can comprise flat part, and it allows hinge member 34 translation in nest, thereby provides soleplate 20 to move relative to the translation of time soleplate 22.By such translation is provided, intervertebral disc 10 can provide mobile instantaneou axis of rotation line.Hinge member 34 and nest 36 may have the profile that is not sphere, with the pivotal motion of needing realizing.The profile of like this other can comprise oval or avette, and many spheres shape, therein hinge member and nest each comprise at least two separately or the sphere shape parts of interosculating.And, although being illustrated as, hinge member 34 and nest 36 have the profile that its relevant surfaces is mated in common permission, any suitable shape can be taked in corresponding surface, with the hinged motility between last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 that needing to realize.

Have the hinge member 34 and the nest 36 that with last soleplate be connected relevant with following soleplate 22 although described intervertebral disc 10, element can be exchanged so that nest 36 substitutes separately with hinged member 35 is connected with last soleplate with following soleplate.And the nest parts can be set to its corresponding soleplate and become whole, such as the soleplate of the integral body that is provided with empty spheric inner surface.And nest parts and hinged member can comprise any suitable material known in the art, such as titanium, and rustless steel, the material of polymer such as the supra polymer weight polyurethane etc. and so on.And hinged surface can comprise surface finish or similarly such as the diamond polishing, the wearing and tearing of TiNi polishing etc. and so on reduce polishing, with minimum wear, reduces granule and produces, the increase intervertebral disc life-span.

Spring element 30 can comprise any suitable resilient parts known in the art, includes, but not limited to coil spring, disc spring, leaf spring or sheet spring etc.And spring element 30 can be made with any suitable material known in the art, comprise, for example, polymer, complex, or, titanium alloy, rustless steel, marmem, and the metal of non-crystaline amorphous metal and so on such as cobalt-chromium alloy.Equally, spring element 30 can comprise two or more series connection, parallel connection, or series connection and combination of elements in parallel the independent spring element that provides.

The selection of special spring element depends on the specific disease human needs, yet the spring of selection or groups of springs are answered the characteristic of the normal intervertebral disc of modal patient, or the needs of suitable particular procedure.Therefore, should be chosen in the spring that axial compression and transverse curvature have proper stiffness, so that following scope to be provided: deflection/stretching, extension: from the extremely about 8Nm/deg of about 0 N of every degree of rice (Nm/deg); Lateral thrust: from approximately-Nm/deg is to about 5Nm/deg; And the compression: from about 100 to about 5000N/mm.And the external diameter scope of selected spring is from about 5 millimeters (mm) extremely about 30mm; And the altitude range of spring is from the extremely about 12mm of about 7.5mm.Notice that above-mentioned situation only provides as typical sizes, used spring can have any size that is suitable for especial patient, shape, intensity and flexibility.

Can provide hinged between soleplate and the following

soleplate

20,22 with the use of the bonded spring element in hinged surface, translation, and the combination of compression/impact absorption, and so allowed mobile instantaneou axis of rotation line.Interaction by hinge member 35 and nest 36 and/or the bending by at least one spring element 30 provide hinged.Spring element 30 can provide compression and impact absorption, and spring element crooked or can provide translation by the nest of selecting to have flat part is so that hinge member 36 can translation in nest.

With reference to figure 2a, intervertebral disc 10 comprises illustrated a plurality of contained spring element 30, and each spring element 30 extends to down soleplate 22 from last soleplate 20, is approximately perpendicular to the plane that is formed by each

soleplate

20,22 so that the longitudinal axis of each spring element is orientated.Alternatively, one or more springs 30 can be orientated and make its longitudinal axis acutangulate with respect to the planar shaped of one or two soleplate.

A plurality of spring elements 30 can be arranged to and be fit to provide uniform impact absorption, load-carrying, and the configuration of tension force/compression resistance, or spring element 30 resistance that can be set to allow impact on the one side (being the front, the back) to intervertebral disc and/or compression to compare increase with other tactfully.Yet preferably, intervertebral disc comprises at least one central spring element 30, and the peripheral spring element 30 that separates of at least one and central spring element 30.In illustrative embodiment, one central spring element is surrounded by the spring element of a plurality of peripheries.Center and peripheral spring element 30 can have much the same rigidity, or its rigidity can be different.Preferably, central spring element 30 can have than the big rigidity of rigidity of spring element 30 on every side.The central spring that this arrangement makes intervertebral disc have provides main impact absorption and resistance in the initial period of axial compression between progressive stage, and peripheral spring element 30 provides accessory impact absorption and resistance at the later stage of axial compression.This provides the nonlinear response that compression load is needed, and it is near the response of having simulated the intervertebral disc of patient's nature.

Shown in Fig. 2 a, each spring element 30 has first and second ends of being correlated with corresponding upward soleplate and following soleplate 20,22.First and second ends of each spring can have relevant globular hinge parts 34, and it is configured to the corresponding spherical nest 36 that coupling forms as described before on the inner surface of last soleplate and following soleplate 20,22.Moving relative to each other with following

soleplate

20,22 of spring and hinge member in conjunction with allowing to go up soleplate.For example, hinge member 34 can be hinged in relevant nest 36, can be relative to each other hinged so that go up soleplate with following

soleplate

20,22, do not reverse and in spring element 30, do not produce opposing, and if the end of spring is rigidly connected to soleplate, opposing is reversed and will be occurred.Alternatively, each spring element 30 can only at one end be attached to spherical member 34, and the other end is attached to soleplate or following

soleplate

20,22 as described before.

With reference to figure 2b, intervertebral disc 10 can comprise a plurality of spring elements 30, only an end of first spring element 30 comprises globular hinge parts 34, the two ends of the opposite end of first spring element 30 and second spring element 30 are arranged on soleplate and following soleplate 20, corresponding depressions in 22, or in recessed (arrangement of the spring element that these are recessed and relevant be connected and front the same about the embodiment description of Fig. 2).Shown in Fig. 2 b, first spring element 30 is preferably attached on the hemispherical member 34, is arranged on soleplate or the following corresponding nest 36 in the soleplate 20,22 with coupling.A plurality of second spring elements 30 that surround first spring element 30 directly are attached to soleplate and following soleplate 20,22, as described before.In one embodiment, first spring may be attached to a hemispherical member 34, and a plurality of first spring members 30 may be attached to two hemispherical member 34.As embodiment by the front, the quantity of spring, rigidity and arrangement, and the selection of hinged member and nest 36 and be provided with can be being fit to provide the performance of as far as possible closely simulating normal disc, or provide any combination of the intervertebral disc of the performance that is fit to particular procedure to carry out.

With reference to figure 2c, intervertebral disc 10 can comprise the elastomer pillar 54 that is arranged on central spring element 30 peripheries.Pillar 54 can have the longitudinal axis and first and second ends, and each end and last soleplate or following soleplate 20,22 are associated.Elastomer pillar 54 is located at and is formed on relevant last soleplate or down in the groove 32 in the inner surface 38,40 of soleplate 20,22, and is mobile to resist.Elastomer pillar 54 can be exercised and the same substantially function of previously described peripheral spring element 30, that is, for intervertebral disc 10 provides the resistance and the impact absorption of compression stress, and resist and move.Elastomer pillar 54 can include, but not limited to polyurethane or silicones with any suitable material manufacture known in the art.Can provide any amount of single pillar 54, and single pillar can take different shape, think that soleplate provides suitable rigidity or opposing to support.Therefore, pillar 54 can be cylindrical, square, rectangle etc., and they can have any suitable cross section, and such as circle, triangle, ellipse etc.Pillar can also be equipped with continuous or discontinuous cross section, and it can be with such as the different material layer manufacturing with alternative elastomer and metal or polymer layer.Pillar 54 also can be a hollow, or is annular.Annular pillar 54 can be shaped as surround first spring element 30 to small part.In embodiment early, the end of pillar 54 can use that any suitable method is connected to soleplate in the present technique field, comprises press-fiting and joins bonding agent etc.One or more pillars also can be set to move in its relevant groove or a plurality of groove.The arrangement of pillar 54, quantity and configuration are not crucial, but alternatively can provide the performance of modal patient's normal disc, or special method are provided the combination of any needs of the intervertebral disc 10 of suitable performance.

The

inner surface

38,40 of

soleplate

20,22 can be porous, to allow elastomer pillar 50 such as the corresponding surface that is incorporated into soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 to elastomers mold during being the manufacturing of soleplate.Barrier film and/or barrier also can be included in the

soleplate

20,22, to limit the infiltration and the ingrown degree of depth of skeleton respectively.

The intervertebral disc 10 of present embodiment also can comprise barrier film 24 and valve (not showing), and valve provides the inlet of the inside 26 that enters intervertebral disc 10, so that fluid can inject the inside 26 of intervertebral disc 10, or removes from the inside 26 of intervertebral disc 10.Those skilled in the art are known, and valve is one-way valve preferably, so that in a single day fluid is injected into, can not leak from the inside 26 of intervertebral disc 10.Preferably, valve is provided with by elastic diaphragm 24, yet alternatively, valve can be by last soleplate and/or

soleplate

20,22 settings down.When valve is arranged on soleplate and/or the following

soleplate

20,22, preferably include passage, to interconnect the inside 26 of valve and intervertebral disc 10.

Fluid can be a gas, liquid, and gelinite, or their any combination, it enough provides impact absorption during intervertebral disc 10 axial compression, also allow to go up soleplate 20 and the limited hinged or motion relative to each other of following soleplate 22 simultaneously.Preferably, fluid is incompressible, for example, and saline or fossil water.In use, fluid injected the inside 26 of intervertebral disc 10 before intervertebral disc 10 inserts between the adjacent vertebrae.Alternatively, fluid can inject in the original place, with diverging to subsequently between the insertion that promotes intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebrae.The rigidity of intervertebral disc 10 and diverge to the function of ability for the amount of fluid of the inside 26 of injecting intervertebral disc 10.Usually, the fluid that provides in the inside 26 of intervertebral disc 10 is many more, and the rigidity of intervertebral disc 10 is big more, and it is also big more to diverge to ability.And the part of the hinged inside 26 that can be by only filling intervertebral disc 10 of pliability and increase realizes.Finally, the inside 26 of intervertebral disc 10 uses Versatile ground to fill the variation that needs that the whole height H that allows intervertebral disc 10 relies on single patient in case of necessity.

Rely on intervertebral disc and implant the position of spinal column, intervertebral disc 10 preferably recovers the height of scope between about 4 millimeters to about 26 millimeters.In addition, intervertebral disc 10 preferably recovers the lordosis of scope between about 0 ° to about 20 °.Intervertebral disc also preferably recovers when axial rotation about 1Nm/deg to the about rigidity between the 11Nm/deg, and about 0Nm/deg was to the rigidity of about 5Nm/deg when about 0Nm/deg was to the rigidity of about 7Nm/deg with in lateral thrust when deflection/stretching,s extension.In addition, intervertebral disc 10 preferably provides from the compression stiffness of the extremely about 5000N/mm of about 100N/mm and the tensioning rigidity from about 50N/mm to about 1000N/mm.And, relying on the position that intervertebral disc 10 is implanted spinal columns, intervertebral disc 10 preferably allows range of movement about 5 ° to 45 ° when deflection/stretching,s extension, about 3 ° to 33 ° range of movement when lateral thrust, about 1 ° to 60 ° range of movement when axially rotating.Intervertebral disc 10 preferably also allows the axial compression from about 0.2mm to about 2mm scope.

Preferably, last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 usefulness are such as titanium, rustless steel, titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, marmem, or the metal manufacturing of non-crystaline amorphous metal and so on.Yet alternatively, last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 can be with comprising the rigidity polymer, the polymer of PEEK or UHMWPE, pottery, complex comprises cortex, spongiosa, allotransplant, autograft, xenograft, go mineral or part to remove the skeleton of the skeleton of mineral, or any other is suitable for the material manufacture of load support.More preferably, the material of soleplate selection is chosen as minimum wear.

And preferably, any hinged watch face in the intervertebral disc of the present invention comprises surface finish or similarly such as the diamond polishing, the wearing and tearing of TiNi polishing etc. and so on reduce polishing, with minimum wear, reduce granule and produce, and the increase intervertebral disc life-span.

The outer surface of last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 can general planar, wedge shape etc.The outer surface of last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 also can be a cheese, and its radius is limited in sagittal plane and the coronalplane, with the shape of the end of basic coupling adjacent vertebrae, thereby provides better fit in the original place.

In addition, as shown in Figure 1, intervertebral disc 10 can comprise anti-moving-member, for example, and the pin shaped structure 18 on the outer surface of all as above soleplates and following soleplate 20,22.Anti-moving-member penetrates and/or the mechanical interlocked joint that can promote intervertebral disc 10 and adjacent vertebrae end of deformation result by providing as the adjacent vertebrae end.Initial mechanical stability by pin 18 provides for example, has minimized postoperative instability, moves the danger of displacement or evacuation of intervertebral disc 10.Other anti-moving-member can comprise, but not limit the baffle plate on last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22, tooth, extensible tooth, extensible pin, flexible pin, flexible tooth, fin, the fin that can insert or extend, anchor, screw, ridge, serration, or other similar texture structure.Shown in Fig. 3 a, provide extensible pin 41, and cam mechanism 43 is used for launching pin.Alternatively, shown in Fig. 3 b, extensible pin is configured to be launched by instrument (not showing).To shown in the 3e, show flexible pin 44, the tooth 45 of shaping and the example of anchor 46 as Fig. 3 c respectively.Alternatively or in addition, bonding agent also can be used for fixing intervertebral disc 10 to neighbours' vertebra.

And last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 can be coated the bone growth inductive substance, such as hydroxyapatite, inwardly grow to promote skeleton, muchly intervertebral disc 10 is fixed on the adjacent vertebrae.Alternatively, last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 can have coarse or porous surface, inwardly grow to promote skeleton.Alternatively, the soleplate layer that last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 can have laser treatment, with the generation loose structure, or integrated bone conduction/osteoinductive bone frame.Also available bone conduction of

soleplate

20,22 and/or bone induction material manufacturing are inwardly grown to promote

skeleton.Soleplate

20,22 also comprises barrier film and/or barrier, with the ingrown degree of depth of skeleton of restriction permission.

Last soleplate and following

soleplate

20,22 also can have the implantation instrument attachment, guiding and maintenance structure.For example,

soleplate

20,22 can have the hole that holds the instrument that is used for implanting and/or diverge to vertebra, groove, screw thread, or dovetail.For example, intervertebral disc can comprise and be formed on soleplate and/or the following groove in the

soleplate

20,22, and groove is configured as and holds implant and insert device, diverges to device or the two.

As the material that uses and the result of structure member, depend on the load that is applied on the intervertebral disc, intervertebral disc 10 allows deflection/stretching, extension, lateral thrust, axially rotation, and translation.In addition, coming under the various spinal load conditions of spinal motion, spring element 30 can compress, and tilts, and is hinged and/or bend in various degree.

With reference to figure 4 and 4a, show second typical embodiment of intervertebral disc 100.Be similar to previously described embodiment, intervertebral disc 100 profiles can be taked any shape that meets contiguous vertebral body usually on geometry and anatomy, include, but not limited to circle, ellipse, oval shape, annular, Kidney bean shape, C shape, D shape etc.As shown in the figure, intervertebral disc 100 comprises soleplate 102, and following soleplate 104, and intermediary elastic diaphragm 106 define internal volume 108 with last soleplate and following soleplate 102,104 bonded elastic diaphragms 106.Soleplate 102,104 and elastic diaphragm 106 are similar to those previously described those soleplates and elastic diaphragms about other embodiment.Intervertebral disc 100 also can comprise valve (not show), and valve provides the inlet of the inside 108 that enters intervertebral disc 100, allowing fluidic entering, or removes, as described previously about the situation of other embodiment.Intervertebral disc 100 also can comprise anti-moving-member, lasting fixture and implantation instrument attachment, guiding and maintenance structure are the same with previously described embodiment about Fig. 3 a-3e and front.

Intervertebral disc 100 also comprises the flat spring 110 with first end 112 and second end 114.First end 112 may be attached to soleplate 102, and second end 114 of flat spring 110 can comprise the roller 130 that can roll at the inner surface of last soleplate 102.Flat spring can have the core 116 that is arranged between first and second ends 112,114, and this core 116 can comprise concaveconvex shape.Convex surface can face down soleplate 24 and concave surface usually usually towards last soleplate 24.Following soleplate 104 can comprise the surface that is configured to hold mid portion 116, itself is configured to coupling, and is hinged, slides and pivots the ball in nest with respect to inner surface.Although flat spring 110 is described as being attached to soleplate herein, it is attached to down soleplate 104 alternatively, makes its concavo-convex mid portion 116 and the inner surface of last soleplate 102 interact.Be provided with though note the center that the hinged surface of flat spring 110 is illustrated as near flat spring, hinged surface can be arranged on any point along flat spring length and/or width, as is fit to provide the hinged of needs.

Second end of not being attached 114 of flat spring 110 can be equipped with roller 130 on axle 132, roller 130 is free to rotate about axle 132.Second end 114 of flat spring 110 can axially load or compression period between and during axially unloading or the tensioning along on the inner surface of soleplate 102 slide or roll.Therefore allow flat spring translation when it is crooked of present embodiment, constraint provides bigger flexible scope at two ends than flat spring.In optional embodiment, flat spring 110 can have the end of the rounding of alternative roller 130, directly slides with the inner surface along last soleplate 102.

Following soleplate 104 can comprise the depression 106 that is used for holding liner 120.Liner 120 can have the lower surface that is used for engaging down soleplate 104, and the upper face that comprises concave portions 122, and this concave portions is shaped and is sized to the middle convex part 116 of the expansion of coupling flat spring 110.Can adjust by the curvature that provides on mid portion 116 and the concave portions 122 is provided by hinged type and quantity that spring and liner provide.Have situation with concave portions 122 same radius at mid portion 116, intervertebral disc 100 can provide bigger support but more restricted motion.Alternatively, have the situation of the radius of curvature bigger than mid portion 116 in concave portions 122, intervertebral disc can provide the hinged of increase.

Intermediate member 116 and concave portions 122 also can be taked other profile, and be hinged with what needing to realize.The concave portions 122 of liner 120 can protruding mid portion 116 with the coupling spill.And, although concave portions 122 and intermediate member 116 are shown as and have common permission and mate its surperficial profile, also can provide the profile of non-coupling, hinged with what needing to realize.

And the compression of flat spring 110 and slip can rely on the regional change of load.For example, the load of intervertebral disc 100 1 ends causes intervertebral disc 100 to compare bigger compression with the opposite end of intervertebral disc 100.Alternatively, liner 120 and depression 106 are configured to allow liner translation in depression 106.The motion of the variation of flat spring 110, that is, compression and flat spring 110 allow mobile instantaneou axis of rotation line with respect to the translation of depression 106.

Flat spring 110 can for example, comprise polymer with any suitable material manufacture known in the art, pottery, complex and such as cobalt-chromium alloy, titanium alloy, rustless steel, the metal of marmem and non-crystaline amorphous metal and so on.Liner 120 can be made with materials similar equally.

Rely on the position that intervertebral disc 100 is implanted spinal column, intervertebral disc 100 preferably recovers height, the spinal column curve (or sagittal plane balance) of nature, and rigidity provides compression stiffness, and allows to be similar to the range of movement of describing about among the embodiment of front.

With reference to figure 5, show the typical embodiment of the 3rd intervertebral disc 150.Be similar to previously described embodiment, intervertebral disc 150 can be taked any shape that meets contiguous vertebral body usually on geometry and anatomy, includes, but not limited to circle, ellipse, oval shape, annular, Kidney bean shape, D shape, C shape etc.As shown in the figure, intervertebral disc 150 comprises soleplate 152, and following soleplate 154, and middle elastic diaphragm 156 define internal volume 158 with last soleplate and following soleplate 152,154 bonded middle elastic diaphragms 156.Soleplate 152,154 and elastic diaphragm 156 be similar to about other embodiment previously described those.Intervertebral disc 150 can comprise valve (not show), and valve provides the inlet of the inside 158 that enters intervertebral disc 150, allowing fluidic entering, or removes, with previously described the same about other embodiment.Intervertebral disc 150 also can comprise anti-moving-member, lasting fixture and implantation instrument attachment, and guiding and maintenance structure are with front the same about the embodiment description of Fig. 3 a-3e and front.

Intervertebral disc 150 also comprises and is attached to soleplate or following one of soleplate 152,154, preferably descends the middle hinge member 160 of soleplate 152.Hinge member 160 can have convex lower surface 162, its shaping and be sized to hinged with respect to the concave surface on the inner surface that is formed on down one of soleplate 154 164.The curvature on respective hinge surface 162,164 can be controlled as required, so that the hinged and translation of requirement to be provided between soleplate 152,154, as describing about other embodiment.

Alternatively, hinge member 162 can comprise the spill lower surface, its shaping and be sized to coupling with respect to being formed on the surperficial hinged of protrusion on relative soleplate 152,154 inner surfacies.And concave surface 164 can integral body form on the inner surface of one of soleplate 152,154, or separately forms thereon and install.Concave surface 164 is installed allows to the inner surface of one of soleplate 152,154 concave surface 164 usefulness to be different from the material manufacture of relevant soleplate, for example, polyethylene or other polymer, or impact absorbing material is provided, as below describing in more detail.

Hinge member 160 can be attached to one of soleplate 152,154 by any fixing means known in the art, includes, but not limited to bonding agent, ultrasonic bonding, screw, nail, machinery wedging, and pin.Yet preferably, hinge member 160 can be attached to one of soleplate 150,152 by middle impact absorbing layer 170.Impact absorbing layer 170 can be an elastomer, and is molded or in conjunction with polymer fiber, polyurethane, silicones, or any other suitable elastomeric material with suitable shock absorbing capability.Hinge member 160 can be used metal, polymer, complex, pottery, or its any conjugate manufacturing.

Intervertebral disc 150 can also comprise additional elastic diaphragm 172, its be configured to restriction and/or the parts 160 of being fixedly hinged to one of soleplate 152,154, and/or encapsulation impact absorbing layer 170.Additional elastic diaphragm can be a corrugated tube, and it provides impact absorption, compression resistance, and the stability of the increase when being used for hinge member 160 shears.

Rely on the position that intervertebral disc 150 is implanted spinal column, intervertebral disc 150 preferably recovers height, the spinal column curve (or sagittal plane balance) of nature, and rigidity provides compression stiffness, and allows to be similar to the range of movement of describing about front embodiment.

As material therefor, the result of geometry and parts relies on the loading condiction that is applied on the intervertebral disc, and intervertebral disc 150 can allow deflection/stretching, extension, lateral thrust, axially rotation and translation.In addition, under various spinal load conditions, rely on respect to the compression of load area and/or the position of bending area, the impact absorbing layer that is arranged between one of hinge member 160 and soleplate 152,154 can compress and/or crooked different amount.And intervertebral disc 150 allows the different different amount of zone compression of intervertebral disc 150.

With reference to figure 6, show the 4th typical embodiment of intervertebral disc 200.Intervertebral disc 200 is a circular shape, and has soleplate 202, following soleplate 204, and have the nuclear 206 of the fluting on upper curved surface and lower flat surface.Intervertebral disc 200 can be taked any other shape that meets contiguous vertebral body usually on geometry and anatomy, includes, but not limited to Kidney bean shape, and is avette, annular, oval shape, C shape, D shape etc.Other parts that the front is described about other embodiment, such as anti-moving structure, lasting fixed part and/or implantation instrument attachment, guiding and maintenance structure also can be included on the soleplate 202,204.And the outer surface of last soleplate and following soleplate 202,204 can substantially flat, wedge shape, or the like.The outer surface of last soleplate and following soleplate 202,204 also can be cheese, and its radius is limited in sagittal plane and the coronalplane, with the end shape of basic coupling adjacent vertebrae, thereby provides better fit in the original place.Preferably, last soleplate and following soleplate 202,204 can be made with metal.Yet, any soleplate material manufacture that last soleplate and following soleplate 202,204 are selectively described about front embodiment with any front.

As shown in the figure, following soleplate 204 preferably includes the depression 208 on the surface that sets within it, and depression 208 is designed to hold the lower flat surface of the nuclear 206 of fluting.Alternatively, the nuclear 206 and the following soleplate 204 of fluting can be shaped as global facility.In the situation that nuclear forms as independent parts, it can comprise the material that is different from soleplate 204, and therefore, the metal soleplate can provide for example nuclear 206 of polymer matching characteristic.

Separate situation about being shaped at nuclear 206 and soleplate 204, intervertebral disc 200 also can comprise c shape ring (not showing) or similar structure, such as the antelabium or the ring that are arranged in the depression 208 or contiguous depressions 208 are provided with, to keep examining 206 in soleplate depression 208.Such ring can be configured to prevent nuclear phase for soleplate 204 translations, or it allows the translation of nuclear on one or more directions.Alternatively, nuclear 206 can press-fit and join by such as welding, staking out, or connect medicated cap (not showing) to remaining in the depression 208 on the soleplate 204 down, medicated cap covers the part of nuclear 206.

Have circle although depression 208 is depicted as, depression can be taked any other suitable shape, include, but not limited to avette, ellipse, Kidney bean shape, rectangle etc.Be configured as the situation of separate parts at nuclear and soleplate, depression 208 can be wideer or longer than the nuclear 206 of fluting, therefore allows to examine 206 in translation in depression 208 between on-stream period.Alternatively, depression 208 can be taked various necessary size structure, with allow nuclear 206 in depression only along special direction translation.Therefore, depression can have on all directions and the essentially identical width of nuclear, except (for example fore-and-aft direction) depression is wideer than nuclear in one direction.Therefore, allow nuclear during use in the fore-and-aft direction translation along the front and back axis depression wideer than nuclear.The corresponding change that the depression geometry is done allows translation on other direction such as centre-side direction.

The inner surface of last soleplate 202 can comprise the matching block 210 of spill, and it is configured to the upper curved surface 212 of the nuclear 206 accepting to slot.Preferably, upward soleplate 202 is hinged with respect to the nuclear of fluting in matching block 210 permissions.Matching block 210 can be integrated into soleplate 202, or it also can form independent parts, is installed on the soleplate.When matching block formed independent parts, it may comprise the material different with soleplate 202.Like this, the metal soleplate can provide to have, for example, and polymer matching block 210.

Describe about other embodiment as the front, can overturn in hinged surface, that is to say, matching block 210 can have the form of convex, and the endorsing to have the surface of spill of fluting.In addition, the curvature that the type of the hinged and/or translation that provides in the intervertebral disc of present embodiment and amount can be same passes through to adjust convex and concave surface is adjusted, with the front about other embodiment describe the same.By moving of the hinged and translation between the permission soleplate, allow mobile instantaneou axis of rotation line, the motion of the intervertebral disc of its approaching nature.

The nuclear 206 of fluting can be elastic, makes it in the axial load lower compression, thereby the impact absorption function is provided.Nuclear 206 can comprise at least one groove 216 of the periphery that is engraved in it like this.These grooves 216 can be straight or curved and can level, and are vertical or tilt to extend.Groove 216 can also have different length and width, and can be arranged on the different degree of depth by nuclear.These grooves 216 can improve the compressibility of the nuclear of fluting, so just provide other shock absorbing capability for intervertebral disc 200.The arrangement of the groove that provides in the nuclear 206 and configuration can be for being suitable for providing any combination of the degree of compressibility that needs.

Although be illustrated as a circular-base, the nuclear 206 of fluting can be any other shape, comprise avette, rectangle, ellipse and Kidney bean shape.Preferably, the form fit of the depression 208 that forms on the inner surface of the shape of the nuclear 206 of fluting and infra soleplate 204.The nuclear 206 of fluting can comprise for example pottery by following material manufacture, complex, and polymer, or such as cobalt-chromium alloy, the metal of rustless steel and titanium alloy and so on.Alternatively, the nuclear 206 of fluting can be made by the parts (not shown) of two kinds of different materials.And as previously mentioned, the nuclear 206 of fluting can be fabricated to whole with 204 one-tenth of following soleplates.

Intervertebral disc 200 can also comprise rigidity recovery parts, as elastic diaphragm, elastomeric ring, corrugated tube, spring or the fluid of front about other embodiment argumentation.Intervertebral disc 200 can also comprise the additional impact absorbing member of discussing about other embodiment as the front.

The soleplate of intervertebral disc 200 can comprise anti-moving structure, and it is arranged on the outer surface of at least one or two soleplates, stoping soleplate in the end of adjacent vertebrae or from the moving of the end of adjacent vertebrae, and displacement or discharge.Anti-moving structure includes but not limited to baffle plate, pin, and tooth, fin, extensible pin, extensible tooth, flexible pin, flexible tooth, the tooth of optional shape can insert or expandable fin, screw, hook, serration, rib, and veined surface.

And the last soleplate of intervertebral disc 200 and following soleplate can also coat that bone growth is induced or Transmitter, inwardly grow with the promotion skeleton, enduringly intervertebral disc is fixed on the adjacent vertebra.Alternatively, last soleplate and following soleplate can have rough surface, porous surface, laser treatment soleplate layer, whole bone conduction/osteoinductive bone frame; Maybe can provide or with whole bone conduction and/or bone induction material manufacturing, inwardly grow to promote skeleton.

Rely on the position of the spine of intervertebral disc 200 implantation, intervertebral disc 200 can recover height, lordosis, and rigidity provides compression stiffness, and allows to be intended to the range of movement of simulating nature intervertebral disc, or the needs of particular procedure.

In addition, preferably, such as among the embodiment of front argumentation, the hinged watch face of intervertebral disc 200 comprises surface finish or similarly such as the diamond polishing, the wearing and tearing of TiNi polishing etc. and so on reduce polishing, with minimum wear, reduce granule and produce, increase the intervertebral disc life-span.

As the material that uses, the result of geometry and parts relies on the loading condiction that is applied on the intervertebral disc, and intervertebral disc 200 allows deflection/stretching, extension, lateral thrust, axially rotation, and translation.In addition, under different spine load conditions, depend on the position and the type of spine load, the nuclear 206 of fluting can compress and allow the different different amount of zone compression of the nuclear 206 of fluting changeably, so just allow the different amount of zones of different compression of soleplate 202,204.The variable compressive of the nuclear 206 of this fluting also allows the instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves.

With reference to figure 7, show the 5th typical embodiment of intervertebral disc 250.Intervertebral disc 250 has common round-shaped, has last soleplate 252, following soleplate 254, medicated cap 256 and ring spring 258.Yet intervertebral disc 250 can take to be preferably in other shape that meets contiguous vertebral body on geometry and the anatomy, and is avette including, but not limited to Kidney bean shape, annular, ellipse, C shape, D shape etc.

As shown in the figure, following soleplate 254 preferably comprises the depression 260 on the surface that sets within it, and depression 260 is designed to accommodate conical outer surface, the ring spring 258 of cylindrical form interior surface.Preferably, depression 260 has cone-shaped inner surface, with the conical outer surface of coupling ring spring 258.Although be illustrated as depression 260 for circular or conical, depression 260 can be any other shape, including, but not limited to avette, and ellipse, Kidney bean shape or rectangle.

Depression 260 can be bigger than ring spring 258 dimensionally, to allow the translation in this depression 260 of ring spring 258.The same with the depression among the embodiment of front, depression 260 can be made as specific size, to allow the restricted translation in one direction of ring spring 258.By allowing translation to move, produce the instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves.The motion of simulating nature intervertebral disc more naturally of this mobile instantaneou axis of rotation line.

Intervertebral disc 250 can also comprise the structure of c shape ring (not having to show) or similar type, and antelabium or ring for example contiguous or that be provided with in depression 260 keep the ring spring 258 in the depression 260.Alternatively, ring spring 258 can be maintained in the depression in any mode that is known in the art, and these modes include but not limited to welding, press-fit and join, staking out or bonding.As previously mentioned, ring spring 258 remains in the depression 260 in a kind of mode that allows to encircle spring 258 translation in depression 260.In one embodiment, the lid of at least a portion that ring spring and medicated cap can be by engaging down soleplate 254 and cover ring spring 258 and/or medicated cap 256 is maintained in the depression 260.

Ring spring 258 is preferably the spring-like element, and it provides impact absorption in the axial load lower compression, deflection and incompressible function.Although be illustrated as common " C " shape that has circular-base, ring spring 258 can be any other shape, comprise avette, rectangle, oval and Kidney bean shape.Preferably, the shape of ring spring 258 and the shape that is formed on down the depression 260 on the inner surface of soleplate 254 are complementary.Ring spring 258 can be made with any suitable material known in the art, comprises, for example, and pottery, complex, polymer, or such as cobalt-chromium alloy, rustless steel, the metal of titanium alloy and so on.

As shown in the figure, ring spring 258 has top surface 264, lower surface 266, and outer surface 268 and inner surface 270, it defines the centre bore that is used to mate the handle 276 that is formed on the medicated cap 256.Preferably, the outer surface 268 of ring spring 258 is taper, with the inner surface of coupling and joint depression 260.In addition, ring spring 258 can comprise at least one formation and/or be engraved in its peripheral groove 262.Groove 262 can be straight, curved, all right level vertically or is obliquely extended.Groove 262 can have different length and width.Preferably, as shown in the figure, ring spring 258 comprises a vertical channel 262, and its top surface 264 from ring spring 258 extends to lower surface 266, and also the outer surface 268 from ring spring 258 extends to inner surface 270.Comprise the compressibility that groove 262 has improved ring spring 258, also therefore provide additional shock absorbing capability for intervertebral disc 250.

In an optional embodiment, ring spring 258 can comprise a plurality of groove 262 (not shown)s, and it is from the top and/or lower surface 264, the 266 thickness part of passing ring spring 258, with the compression performance that provides intervertebral disc to need.

Intervertebral disc 250 can also comprise the main part 274 with increasing and the medicated cap 256 of handle 276.Main part 274 that strengthens and the binding site between the handle 276 can form shoulder 278, handle 276 configurations and size are set to be contained in the centre bore 272 of ring spring 258, and this shoulder is configured to and the top surface 264 that encircles spring engages, so that medicated cap 256 can be positioned on the top of encircling spring 258 when both fit together.In one embodiment, centre bore 272 is bigger than handle 276, so just allows ring spring 258 to compress by the closing of slit that at least one groove 262 produces when pressure is applied to intervertebral disc 250.In addition, provide than handle 276 big centre bores 272 and can allow medicated cap 256 with respect to ring spring 258 translations.

As previously mentioned, the top surface 264 of the shoulder 278 contact ring springs 258 of medicated cap 256.Like this, the axial load that is applied to medicated cap 256 can directly be transferred to ring spring 258, and it is depressed in the depression 260.When ring spring 258 was depressed into depression 260, the taper outer surface 268 of ring spring 710 engaged with the conical surface of depression 260 in the compression process of at least one groove 262.The elastic compression of this ring spring 258 under axial load provides the impact absorption and the anti-compression properties that need.The quantity of the groove in the ring spring and the compression performance of the intervertebral disc that size can provide are as required selected.

Moving axially of ring spring 258 can reduce the width of groove 262 by the degree of depth that reduces depression 260, increases the thickness and/or the length of handle 276, or by appointing and the combination of or all these selections limits.Alternatively, can dispose disc spring or elastic layer (the two does not illustrate) in the depression 260, so that the deflection that makes progress with respect to ring spring 258 to be provided.

Intervertebral disc 250 as previously mentioned, also comprises soleplate 252.Preferably, the inner surface of last soleplate comprises match surface 280, and it forms size and is configured to top surface coupling with the increasing main body 274 of medicated cap 256.Preferably, the match surface 280 on the last soleplate 252 has concave surface, and its convex surface that is configured to and is formed on the top surface of medicated cap 256 is hinged.Alternatively, match surface 280 can comprise convex surface, and the top surface of medicated cap 256 can be a spill.As the description of front about other embodiment, the arbitrary or whole degree of crook in two surfaces can be regulated, so that the hinged and/or translation of the needs between soleplate and the medicated cap 256 to be provided.

In an optional embodiment, match surface 280 is the independent parts with respect to last soleplate 252.Match surface 280 in this case can comprise the material (for example, soleplate can be UHMWPE for the titanium match surface) that is different from soleplate 252.The hinged surface of intervertebral disc 250 can also comprise surface finish or similarly such as the diamond polishing, the wearing and tearing of TiNi polishing etc. and so on reduce polishing, with minimum wear, reduces granule and produces, the increase intervertebral disc life-span.

In an optional embodiment, independent medicated cap 256 can be removed, and ring spring 256 can comprise the upper face 264 of convex, and it is configured in the match surface 280 of last soleplate 252 hinged.

The intervertebral disc 250 of present embodiment can comprise the additional properties that the front is described about other embodiment, such as the anti-moving structure that is included on the soleplate 252,254, such as the lasting fixed part of porous surface or coating surface, and/or implantation instrument attachment, guiding and maintenance structure.And the outer surface of last soleplate and following soleplate 252,254 can be substantially flat, wedge shape etc.The outer surface of last soleplate and following soleplate 252,254 also can be cheese, and its radius is limited in sagittal plane and the coronalplane, usually mating the end shape of adjacent vertebrae, thus better fit in position.Outer surface can also comprise at least one groove, and groove or other are fit to allow intervertebral disc to be inserted into the parts that apparatus engages.Preferably, last soleplate and following soleplate 252,254 usefulness metals are made.Yet the material manufacture that last soleplate and following soleplate 252,254 can also be alternatively, described with other front.

Intervertebral disc 250 can also comprise rigidity recovery parts, such as the elastic diaphragm that the front is described about other embodiment, elastomeric ring, corrugated tube, spring, perhaps fluid.Intervertebral disc 250 can also comprise any impact absorbing member that the front is described about other embodiment.

Rely on the position that intervertebral disc 250 is implanted spinal column, intervertebral disc 250 preferably recovers height, lordosis, and rigidity provides compression rigidity, can also allow to be similar to the range of movement of describing about other embodiment.

As the material that uses, the result of geometry and parts relies on the situation of loading, and intervertebral disc 250 can allow deflection/stretching, extension, lateral thrust, axially rotation and translation.In addition, under different spinal load situations, ring spring 258 can have compression in various degree.The compression in various degree of this ring spring 258 allows mobile instantaneou axis of rotation line.In addition, the zones of different of ring spring 258 permission intervertebral disc 250 has compression in various degree.

With reference to figure 8, show the 6th typical embodiment of intervertebral disc 300.Intervertebral disc 300 is common circle, and it has last soleplate 302, following soleplate 304, and comprise the flat spring that the wing is arranged 306 of side 310.Yet intervertebral disc 300 can be taked any shape that meets contiguous vertebral body usually on geometry and anatomy, includes, but not limited to Kidney bean shape, and is avette, annular, oval shape, C shape, D shape etc.The parts that other front is described about other embodiment, for example anti-moving structure, lasting fixed part and/or implantation instrument attachment, guiding and maintenance structure can be included on the outer surface of soleplate 302,304.And the outer surface of soleplate 302,304 can general planar, wedge shape etc.The outer surface of last soleplate and following soleplate 302,304 also can be cheese, and its radius is limited in sagittal plane and the coronalplane, with the end shape of basic coupling adjacent vertebrae, thereby provides better fit in the original place.Preferably, last soleplate and following soleplate 302,304 are made of metal.Yet last soleplate and following soleplate 302,304 are made by the material that other had been described alternatively.

As shown in the figure, following soleplate 304 preferably within it the surface comprise otch 308 (depression just), otch 308 is configured to accommodate the core at least of the flat spring 306 of the wing.Following soleplate 304 can have the flat spring 306 of the wing along at least a portion support of its side 310, and the core 314 of flat spring 306 is positioned at otch 308 the insides, and is gapped between the lower surface of the lower surface of flat spring 306 and otch 308.Therefore, when flat spring bore axial compression load, its side 110 meeting deflections made the core 314 of flat spring compress into otch 308 downwards, contact the lower surface of otch 308 until the lower surface of core.The size of the primary clearance between flat spring and the otch can be selected together with the rigidity of side 310, to obtain compression rigidity and the maximum axial compression that intervertebral disc 300 needs.The rigidity of side can be roughly the same, also can be diverse.Similarly, the bottom of otch 308 can be a general planar, maybe can be angled, to allow core bigger deflection on the direction of needs of flat spring.Rigidity and gap can be chosen as and be suitable for the normal intervertebral disc performance of modal patient, or are suitable for special method.

And, the degree of depth of otch 308 preferably can be enough dark, with the deflection of the flat spring 306 that allows the wing, yet, more preferably, the degree of depth of otch 308 is not so dark, with the flexed portion fault of the flat spring 306 that prevents the wing, because there is the deflection of the flat spring 306 of the wing that impact absorption and incompressible function are provided, these function preferred design are in intervertebral disc 300, with the incompressible and shock absorbing capability of simulating nature intervertebral disc, or provide the anti-compression properties that is suitable for particular procedure.

Although otch 308 is a rectangle among the figure, otch 308 can include but not limited to circle for any other shape, and is avette, ellipse, Kidney bean shape or rectangle.Otch 308 can be dimensionally greater than the central body part 314 of the flat spring 306 that the wing is arranged, with the translational motion of flat spring 306 in otch that allows the wing.By allowing translational motion, produce the instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves, the motion of simulating nature intervertebral disc so more naturally.

Intervertebral disc 300 can comprise soleplate 302, and interior surface thereof comprises match surface 316, and this match surface forms size and is configured to and has hinged surperficial 312 couplings of centrosome 314 of the flat spring 306 of the wing.Preferably, match surface 316 is spills.Yet alternatively, match surface can be taked the convex profile, what the match surface 316 of last soleplate 302 can be for convex, the hinged surface of centrosome 314 can be a spill.As the argumentation of front about other embodiment, the degree of crook of concave/convex surfaces can be selected, so that the hinged amount that needs to be provided, with the characteristic of simulation normal disc or the needs of particular procedure.

In an optional embodiment, there is the side 310 of the flat spring 306 of the wing constant thickness can be arranged, length and width.Alternatively, side 310 can have variable thickness, length and/or width.314 transformation can be progressive from side 310 to centrosome, and the periphery from side 310 increases gradually to hinged surperficial 312 thickness like this, or also can suddenly change very much.In addition, there is the flat spring 306 of the wing to comprise one or more grooves or groove, with the flexibility of further raising spring at arbitrary side (not shown).

Although be illustrated as rectangle, have the flat spring 306 of the wing can be any other shape, comprise avette, circle, ellipse, Kidney bean shape etc.Preferably, there is the shape of the otch 308 that forms on the inner surface of the shape of flat spring 306 of the wing and following soleplate 304 to be complementary.The flat spring 306 that the wing arranged is preferably with comprising for example pottery, synthetic, polymer or such as cobalt-chromium alloy, the metal manufacturing of rustless steel and titanium alloy and so on.

Alternatively, intervertebral disc 300 can comprise lid or ring component (not shown), and it is configured to maintain the flat spring 306 of the wing in otch 308, to prevent flat spring 306 displacements.In this case, lid or ring component can be attached to soleplate 304 down after the flat spring 306 that the wing is arranged is inserted otch 308.Lid or ring component can be attached to down soleplate 304 by any fixing means known in the art, include, but not limited to pin, screw, and welding, bonding press-fits and joins etc.

Intervertebral disc 300 can also comprise rigidity recovery parts, such as elastic diaphragm, elastomeric ring, corrugated tube, spring or the fluid of front about other various embodiment descriptions.Intervertebral disc 300 can also comprise the additional impact absorbing member that the front is described about other various embodiment, for example, adopts elastomeric material etc. during the some parts of manufacturing intervertebral disc.

In addition, the hinged surface of intervertebral disc 300 can comprise surface finish or similarly such as the diamond polishing, the wearing and tearing of TiNi polishing etc. and so on reduce polishing, with minimum wear, reduces granule and produces, the increase intervertebral disc life-span.

Rely on the position of the spinal column of intervertebral disc 300 implantation, intervertebral disc can recover height, natural rachiocamposis (or sagittal plane balance), and rigidity provides compression stiffness, and allows to be similar to the range of movement of describing about among the embodiment of front.

As the material that uses, the result of geometry and parts depends on the load condition that is applied on the intervertebral disc, and intervertebral disc 300 can allow deflection/stretching, extension, lateral bending, axially rotation and translation.

With reference to figure 9, show the 7th typical embodiment of intervertebral disc 350.Intervertebral disc 350 is common circle, and it has last soleplate 352, following soleplate 354, flat spring 356 and hinged medicated cap 358.Yet intervertebral disc 350 can be taked any shape that meets contiguous vertebral body usually on geometry and anatomy, includes, but not limited to Kidney bean shape, and is avette, annular, oval shape, D shape, C shape etc.Other parts that the front is described about other embodiment, for example anti-moving structure, lasting fixed part and/or implantation instrument attachment, guiding and maintenance structure all can be included on the soleplate 352,354.And the outer surface of last soleplate and following soleplate 352,354 can general planar, or wedge shape etc.The outer surface of last soleplate and following soleplate 352,354 can be cheese, and its radius is limited in sagittal plane and the coronalplane, usually to mate the end shape of adjacent vertebrae.With better fit in position.Preferably, last soleplate and following soleplate 352,354 usefulness metals are made.Yet last soleplate and following soleplate 352,354 are alternatively with other material manufacture of having described.

As shown in the figure, following soleplate 354 can comprise by a pair of first shoulder parts 364 limit first recessed 362.These shoulder parts 364 are set near the lower surface support chip spring 356 its neighboring along flat spring, produce the end play between the flat spring 356 and recessed 362.Like this, when axial load is applied to the top surface of flat spring, it will and enter recessed towards recessed deflection.This can form integral body with following soleplate 354 to the first shoulder parts 364, or they can comprise independent parts.

Following soleplate 354 can also have a pair of second shoulder parts 365, and it is arranged on the axial top and the radially outer of the first shoulder parts 364.The second shoulder parts 365 are configured to the peripheral edge of joint fastener spring 356, (being translation ground) retention tab spring with laterally, to guarantee that flat spring mediates with respect to the first shoulder parts 364 and recessed 362, so just guaranteed suitable flat spring deflection.The second shoulder parts 365 can be configured to the margining tablet spring, move to prevent its any translation.Yet alternatively, the second shoulder parts 365 can so just allow the translation of flat spring at least one direction from the flat spring laterally offset at least one direction.By allowing this translation to move, produced the instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves, the so just motion of simulating nature intervertebral disc more naturally.

Can provide cover plate 360 to come the emulsion sheet spring, prevent that flat spring from axially shifting out the joint of the first and second shoulder parts 364.In the present embodiment, cover plate 360 may be attached on this top surface to the second shoulder parts 365.Cover plate 360 can be attached on the second shoulder parts 365 by any fixing means known in the art, includes, but are not limited to press-fit and joins, welding, pin, screw, bonding etc.Cover plate 360 has formulation to be of a size of the approaching periphery of the periphery of soleplate 354 down, and formulation is of a size of the inside opening of accepting hinged member (below will discuss in more detail).Cover plate 360 inside openings can comprise upwardly extending internal edge 367, its can with the respective surfaces combination of last soleplate 352, with the restriction intervertebral disc 350 hinged.Cover plate can also be configured to accept the intervertebral disc implantation instrument.The embodiment of Fig. 9 has illustrated the flat spring 356 of conduct with following soleplate 354 isolating elements, yet in the optional embodiment shown in Fig. 9 a, flat spring 356 can form whole with following soleplate 354.

Flat spring 356 can be spring shape element, its under axial load deflection to provide impact absorption, deflection and incompressible function.Flat spring 356 can have homogeneous thickness, or its variable thickness.In the embodiment show in figure 9, the thickness at flat spring middle part is greater than its end portion thickness, and in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 a, flat spring is thicker at middle part and end, and be the part that approaches between end and middle part, is waveform from this flat spring of cross-section.Flat spring can have any thickness to be suitable for providing impact absorption, deflection and the anti-compression properties that needs.

Flat spring 356 can be made with any suitable material known in the art, comprises, for example, and pottery, complex, polymer, or such as cobalt-chromium alloy, rustless steel, the metal material of titanium alloy and so on.

Hinged medicated cap 358 can dispose the upper articulation surface 368 of convex and the flat spring of bottom engages outstanding 370.Hinged surperficial 368 can be configured to mate and the hinged inner surface that is formed on soleplate 352 on match surface 371.Match surface 371 can comprise the concave surface corresponding to the convex surface of hinged medicated cap 358.Alternatively, what last soleplate match surface 371 can be for convex, and the top surface of hinged medicated cap 358 can be for spill.Hinged surperficial 368 and match surface 371 degree of crook separately can select, so that suitable hinged and/or translation type and quantity to be provided, with modal patient's natural lamina motion, or for the needs of particular procedure.

The match surface 371 of last soleplate 352 can be an integral body with this soleplate, or is configured as independent parts and uses any suitable fixing means known in the art to be attached to soleplate shown in Fig. 9 a, as the description of other embodiment of front.When being configured as independent parts, match surface 371 can comprise the material that is different from soleplate, as the multiple material of describing about other embodiment that is suitable for hinged surface.Match surface 371 can be recessed into the jut 372 of soleplate 352, so just allows soleplate 352 thinner relatively, and is not restricted to the radius of curvature that spill match surface 371 provides and/or required shallow match surface.

The jut 372 of last soleplate 352 can comprise the protrusion surface 374 with protrusion surface height " h ".What protrusion surface 374 can be configured to joint fastener spring bumper cover 360 extends upward internal edge 367, hinged with restriction intervertebral disc 350 at least one direction.Alternatively, protrusion surface 374 and upwardly extending internal edge 367 can be configured to limit intervertebral disc hinged in all directions.In one embodiment, protrusion surface 374 and internal edge 367 can be configured to limit only in one plane hinged (for example, middle plane to sidepiece) of intervertebral disc.Protrusion surface 374 and internal edge 367 can comprise and be suitable for providing any combination that need hinged configuration scope in of intervertebral disc 350 in each plane.Like this, protrusion surface 374 height " h " around intervertebral disc differently can be with difference, for example, highly " h " may be less on intervertebral disc 350 front and backs, and bigger on the side of intervertebral disc, so just controlled the hinged degree on the front-rear direction.Alternatively, protrusion surface 374 and internal edge 367 can comprise match surface, such as the plane, and the face of respective curved, angled, stepped etc., with the hinged degree of control intervertebral disc on the direction of needs.

The lower surface of hinged medicated cap 358 can also comprise gives prominence to 370, and it is formulated size and also is configured to mate the groove 366 that is formed on flat spring 356 upper surfaces.Like this, medicated cap 358 constrains in the groove 366 at least in part.In one embodiment, the size of groove 366 can be same as or be slightly larger than the size of projection 370, thereby causes medicated cap laterally to be tied.In an optional embodiment, groove may be than projection big (for example, along anterior-posterior axis) at least one direction, so just allows that medicated cap 358 is on-stream laterally to move (translation just) on this direction.By allowing translation, provide the instantaneou axis of rotation line that moves.The motion of simulating nature intervertebral disc more naturally of this mobile instantaneou axis of rotation line.

Alternatively, projection 370 can be rigidly fixed in the groove 366, does not therefore allow translational motion.

Be illustrated as and have roughly corresponding rectangle although notice groove and projection, projection 370 and groove 366 can be taked any any other shape known in the art, include, but are not limited to circle, and be avette, and ellipse etc. are to provide required translation freedoms.

In a preferred embodiment, be illustrated in Fig. 9 a to 9c, flat spring 356 can comprise bar 380, and medicated cap 358 can comprise groove 382 to hold bar 380.Groove 366 and bar 380 are formulated size and are configured to allow medicated cap 358 with respect to the translation of soleplate 354 at least one direction down.When groove 366 and bar 380 were configured to allow medicated cap 358 translations, cover plate 360 must be configured so that also the medicated cap 360 of translation can not hinder cover plate central opening 369.Therefore, in this case, central opening can elongate on translation direction or be rectangle.

Last soleplate 352 can comprise and be used for holding the recessed 384 of hinged insert 386, and insert has concave surface 385, and it is configured to the convex hinged surperficial 368 of hinged medicated cap 358.As preceding description, provide the hinged insert 384 of spill selecting suitable material not influence the material of soleplate 352, or the design or the installation aspect that influence intervertebral disc 350 other parts in addition provide greater flexibility for the surgeon to comprise hinged surface.Therefore insert 384 can include but not limited to any suitable material manufacture known in the art, comprises such as the polymeric polymer of the rigidity of PEEK or UNMWPE pottery, complex or any its combination.

When hinged insert 386 was provided, recessed 384 in the last soleplate 352 can comprise the surface that is configured to keep insert 386.Recessedly can comprise radial ridges, it is configured to be installed in the corresponding radial groove of insert, so that insert is can snap-in recessed.Alternatively, insert can be joined by press-fiting, or uses binding agent, or its any winding is attached to recessed.

In embodiment alternatively, intervertebral disc 350 also can comprise such as the elastic diaphragm of discussing previously about other embodiment, the elasticity ring, and corrugated tube, spring, or the rigidity of fluid and so on is recovered parts.Intervertebral disc 350 also can comprise the other impact absorbing member of discussing previously about other embodiment.

In addition, as the argumentation of front embodiment, the hinge member of intervertebral disc 350 can comprise surface finish or similarly such as the diamond polishing, the wearing and tearing of TiNi polishing etc. and so on reduce polishing, with minimum wear, reduces granule and produces, the increase intervertebral disc life-span.

Intervertebral disc 350 soleplates can have the anti-moving structure on the outer surface that is configured at least one or two soleplates, move in the adjacent vertebrae end or from the adjacent vertebrae end to stop soleplate, shift out, or discharge.Anti-moving structure includes, but not limited to baffle plate, pin, and tooth, fin, extensible pin, extensible tooth, flexible pin, flexible tooth, the tooth of optional shape can insert or expandable fin, screw, hook, serration, rib, and veined surface.

And the last soleplate of intervertebral disc 350 and following soleplate can coat also that bone growth is induced or Transmitter, inwardly grow with the promotion skeleton, so that intervertebral disc is fixed on the adjacent vertebrae muchly.Alternatively, last soleplate and following soleplate can have coarse surface; Porous surface; The soleplate layer of laser treatment; Whole bone conduction/osteoinductive bone frame; Or provide or with whole bone conduction and/or bone induction material manufacturing, inwardly grow to promote skeleton.

Rely on the position that intervertebral disc 350 is implanted spinal column, intervertebral disc 350 can recover height, lordosis, and rigidity provides compression stiffness, and allows to be intended to the range of movement of simulating nature intervertebral disc, or the needs of particular procedure.

As the material that uses, the result of geometry and parts relies on the loading condiction that is applied on the intervertebral disc, and intervertebral disc 350 allows deflection/stretching, extension, lateral thrust, axially rotation, and translation.

With reference to Figure 10, typical installation steps have been described.Usually said intervertebral disc 400 comprises soleplate 402, following soleplate 404 and nuclear mechanism 406, and nuclear mechanism is any spring, the nuclear of fluting, ring spring, flat spring, helical spring, elastomer, the fluid of filling or previously described hinged intervertebral disc.Intervertebral disc 400 can be implanted in the mode of module, and for example, the soleplate 402,404 of intervertebral disc 400 can use such as the apparatus that diverges to device and/or keeper and insert the intervertebral disc cavity.Intervertebral disc space uses the spinal column of the standard that engages soleplate 402,404 to diverge to device subsequently and is diverged to.The test bay spacing body is used for definite kernel mechanism 406 suitable dimensions, the intervertebral disc space that obtains with insertion.In typical embodiment, nuclear mechanism 406 passes through to use dovetail, groove, or similar the connection insert and be attached to soleplate 402,404.This module is inserted technology can avoid excessively diverging to intervertebral space, tissue and/or blood vessel around it may damage.

Alternatively, intervertebral disc 400 can use special insertion instrument to insert with pre-assembled form.For example, can use the soleplate retaining clip, it allows when soleplate 402,404 inserts intervertebral space, and soleplate 402,404 keeps and locking with parallel and relation at interval.In case implanted, clip unclamps and removes from soleplate 402,404.Clip is removed from intervertebral space subsequently.In addition, intervertebral disc 400 can be implanted with the state of compression, excessively diverges to avoiding.The introducing of the intervertebral disc 400 of compressive state can be inserted apparatus or realizes by the internal mechanisms that are arranged in the intervertebral disc 400 by surgery.

The front, lateral, the surgical method of anterolateral surface can be used for intervertebral disc 400.And the intervertebral disc 400 that dependence will be implanted can use the surgical method of minimally-invasive or diverge to and implant surgical method synchronously.For example, can during implanting, guide implant downwards along diverging to device, can realize diverging to synchronously and implanting by the groove that use is formed on soleplate 402,404 outer surfaces.And, the intervertebral disc that dependence will be implanted, preceding vertical ligament of artificial preceding vertically ligament or nature can directly be attached to intervertebral disc or contiguous vertebral body.The preceding vertically attachment of ligament can be assisted and be prevented moving of implant, shifts out or discharges.Be the implantation of auxiliary intervertebral disc, intervertebral disc can comprise alignment mark.

Although described various kind of the present invention above, should understand various parts can separately or be used in combination.Therefore, the invention is not restricted to the concrete preferred embodiment described in this.

And the technical staff that should understand in the affiliated technical field of the present invention recognizes variation and the change that spirit and scope of the invention is interior.For example, some implants part that discloses in this can be with such as going mineral or part to go the allotransplant of mineral, autograft, the skeleton manufacturing of xenograft and so on.In addition, some implants within it on portion or the soleplate/comprise bone material or other bone growth induced material in the soleplate.Allow inner this material and structural interaction on every side, for example by being formed on passage or other hole in the graft wall.Equally, the postoperative alignment mark of operation neutralization can be used for assisting the implantation of intervertebral disc.And intervertebral disc can be fabricated to inflexible in the position that must merge.Intervertebral disc can insert distance piece by for example allow fusion between soleplate between soleplate, or the method for injection solidified liquid is fabricated to inflexible between soleplate.Therefore, easy all the favourable changes that obtain of the from then on middle content of setting forth that discloses in spirit and scope of the invention of those skilled in the art have been comprised as additional embodiments of the present invention.Therefore scope of the present invention is defined as and sets forth in the appended claim book.

Claims

1. intervertebral disc that is used to be placed between first and second vertebras, it comprises:

Have the last soleplate of first inner surface and first outer surface, first outer surface is configured to contact first vertebra;

Have the following soleplate of second inner surface and second outer surface, second outer surface is configured to contact second vertebra;

The barrier film that between last soleplate and following soleplate, extends; And

At least one elastomeric element that between last soleplate and following soleplate, is provided with; This elastomeric element has first end and second end, in first end and second end at least one is connected with arcuate surfaces parts, these arcuate surfaces parts comprise roughly spheric surface, and roughly spheric surface configuration is for hinged at least one nest in being formed on soleplate at least one.

2. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein second end of elastomeric element be arranged on be formed on one of soleplate inner surface in recessed in.

3. intervertebral disc according to claim 2, wherein second end of elastomeric element be fixed on described recessed in.

4. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein second end of elastomeric element is connected to the second arcuate surfaces parts, and the second arcuate surfaces parts comprise roughly spheric surface hinged at least one nest that is configured in being formed on the another one of soleplate.

5. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein said at least one nest comprises a flat part, to allow the translational motion between last soleplate and following soleplate.

6. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein said at least one elastomeric element comprise at least one first elastomeric element and a plurality of second elastomeric element.

7. intervertebral disc according to claim 6, wherein said at least one first elastomeric element has first spring constant, and described at least one second elastomeric element has second spring constant, and first and second spring constants are unequal substantially.

8. intervertebral disc according to claim 7, wherein first spring constant is roughly big than second spring constant.

9. intervertebral disc according to claim 6 also comprises the 3rd elastomeric element, the second and the 3rd elastomeric element than first elastomeric element more near the peripheral edge setting of intervertebral disc.

10. intervertebral disc according to claim 6, wherein first elastomeric element and described a plurality of second elastomeric element each be attached at least one hinged arcuate surfaces parts separately in the corresponding nest separately that is configured on being formed on the inner surface of one of soleplate.

11. intervertebral disc according to claim 1 also comprises the elastomer pillar that at least one is provided with between last soleplate and following soleplate.

12. intervertebral disc according to claim 1 also comprises the case member that contiguous described at least one elastomeric element is provided with, case member has hinged surface, and this hinged surface is configured to engage the arcuate surfaces parts relevant with elastomeric element.

13. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein said elastomeric element and described arcuate surfaces parts form integral body.

14. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, soleplate and following soleplate are gone up in its septation encapsulation.

15. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, its septation is made with elastomeric material.

16. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, its septation comprises corrugated tube.

17. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein soleplate and barrier film define internal volume, the partially filled at least fluid of this volume.

18. intervertebral disc according to claim 17 also comprises the valve that is communicated with described volume, with the partially filled at least described volume of fluid.

19. intervertebral disc according to claim 18, wherein fluid is compressible.

20. intervertebral disc according to claim 18, wherein fluid is incompressible.

21. intervertebral disc according to claim 17, its septation are semi permeable at least.

22. intervertebral disc according to claim 17, its septation is impermeable.

23. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein soleplate is by from comprising metal, polymer, the material manufacture of selecting in pottery and the complex.

24. intervertebral disc according to claim 1, wherein soleplate is by from comprising cortex, spongiosa, heteroplastic transplantation, autotransplantation, xenotransplantation goes mineral or part to go the bone material manufacturing of selecting in the group of skeleton of mineral.

25. intervertebral disc according to claim 1 also comprises the anti-moving structure at least one that is arranged in first and second outer surfaces.

26. intervertebral disc according to claim 1 also comprises the lasting fixture at least one that is arranged in first and second outer surfaces.

27. intervertebral disc according to claim 1 also comprises the implantation instrument attachment at least one that is arranged in soleplate or the following soleplate, guiding or maintenance structure.