Prosthesis (i.e. – artificial body members) – parts thereof – or ai – Implantable prosthesis – Bone
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-07
2001-12-25
Hirsch, Paul J. (Department: 3732)
Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or ai
Implantable prosthesis
Bone
C623S023580
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332894
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to orthopaedic implants, and, more particularly, to spinal fusion devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Spinal fusion typically involves fusion between two adjacent vertebrae by removing a disc between two adjacent vertebrae and placing a cage between the vertebrae. The patient may be cut both on the anterior and posterior sides (stomach and back) and the disc removed from between the two adjacent vertebrae. The disc includes an annulus which surrounds a nucleus. The annulus is torn, cut or otherwise removed from between the vertebrae and the softer nucleus also removed. A cage is placed between the vertebrae where the disc is removed and a bone graft including bone particles is packed within the cage and extends between the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. Rods may also be placed on the posterior side of the spine, with screws attached to a respective rod and extending into a respective vertebrae.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an orthopaedic implant including a bag which is placed within a cavity surrounded by an annulus of a disc and which includes a central cavity. The bag is filled with a polymer, and the central cavity defined by the bag is filled with a bone particle and polymer matrix.
The invention comprises, in one form thereof, an orthopaedic implant for implanting between adjacent vertebrae in a spine, including a generally annular bag; and a hardened polymer within the bag.
The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a method of fusing adjacent vertebrae in a spine, including the steps of forming an access hole in an annulus of a disc between the adjacent vertebrae; removing the nucleus within the disc to form a cavity surrounded by the annulus; placing a generally annular bag within the cavity; filling the bag with a polymer; injecting bone particles into the cavity surrounded by the annular bag and hardening the polymer.
An advantage of the present invention is that an orthopaedic implant may be implanted between adjacent vertebrae in a spine in a minimal evasive surgery technique.
Another advantage is that the ligaments and tendons surrounding the spine may be properly tensioned.
Yet another advantage is that the patient may begin loading the implant soon after surgery.
A still further advantage is that the implant may be implanted from a single posterior incision location, or may be implanted from a posterior and/or anterior incision location.
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Lozier Antony J.
Stalcup Gregory C
Dawson Todd A.
Hirsch Paul J.
Zimmer Inc.
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