U.S. patent application number 10/642522 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-19 for artificial intervertebral disc having a circumferentially buried wire mesh endplate attachment device.
Invention is credited to Dudasik, Michael W., Errico, Joseph P., Zubok, Rafail.
Application Number | 20040034420 10/642522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41323618 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040034420 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Errico, Joseph P. ; et
al. |
February 19, 2004 |
Artificial intervertebral disc having a circumferentially buried
wire mesh endplate attachment device
Abstract
An artificial disc having a pair of opposing baseplates, for
seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by a
ball and socket joint. The preferred attachment device for securing
each plate member to a vertebral bone surface is a convex metal
mesh that is buried in a plasma spray at its perimeter to the
baseplate. The metal mesh deflects as necessary during insertion of
the artificial intervertebral disc between vertebral bodies, and,
once the artificial intervertebral disc is seated between the
vertebral bodies, deforms as necessary under anatomical loads to
reshape itself to the concave surface of the vertebral endplate.
The metal mesh therefore provides superior gripping and holding
strength upon initial implantation and an osteoconductive surface
through which the vertebral bone may ultimately grow.
Inventors: |
Errico, Joseph P.; (Green
Brook, NJ) ; Dudasik, Michael W.; (Nutley, NJ)
; Zubok, Rafail; (Midland Park, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SPINECORE, INC.
447 SPRINGFIELD AVENUE
SUITES W2-W3
SUMMIT
NJ
07901
US
|
Family ID: |
41323618 |
Appl. No.: |
10/642522 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10642522 |
Aug 15, 2003 |
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10256160 |
Sep 26, 2002 |
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10256160 |
Sep 26, 2002 |
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10175417 |
Jun 19, 2002 |
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10175417 |
Jun 19, 2002 |
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10151280 |
May 20, 2002 |
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10151280 |
May 20, 2002 |
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09970479 |
Oct 4, 2001 |
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6669730 |
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10151280 |
May 20, 2002 |
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10140153 |
May 7, 2002 |
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09970479 |
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09968046 |
Oct 1, 2001 |
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10140153 |
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09970479 |
Oct 4, 2001 |
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6669730 |
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10140153 |
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10128619 |
Apr 23, 2002 |
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10128619 |
Apr 23, 2002 |
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09906119 |
Jul 16, 2001 |
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6607559 |
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10128619 |
Apr 23, 2002 |
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09982148 |
Oct 18, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/17.11 ;
623/17.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/4425 20130101;
A61F 2002/30187 20130101; A61F 2002/30451 20130101; A61F 2002/30507
20130101; A61F 2002/30774 20130101; A61F 2002/30518 20130101; A61F
2002/30604 20130101; A61F 2/4684 20130101; A61F 2310/00023
20130101; A61F 2002/30565 20130101; A61F 2002/30772 20130101; A61F
2230/005 20130101; A61F 2310/00017 20130101; A61F 2002/30331
20130101; A61F 2002/30378 20130101; A61F 2002/30528 20130101; A61F
2220/0033 20130101; A61F 2002/30649 20130101; A61F 2002/30365
20130101; A61F 2/30767 20130101; A61F 2/4611 20130101; A61F
2002/30433 20130101; A61F 2310/00365 20130101; A61F 2002/30538
20130101; A61F 2/442 20130101; A61F 2002/30594 20130101; A61F
2220/0058 20130101; A61F 2002/30492 20130101; A61F 2002/30841
20130101; A61F 2002/30975 20130101; A61F 2220/0025 20130101; A61F
2002/3092 20130101; A61F 2/30742 20130101; A61F 2002/443 20130101;
A61F 2220/0041 20130101; A61F 2002/30171 20130101; A61F 2002/30563
20130101; A61F 2230/0034 20130101; A61F 2002/30662 20130101; A61F
2002/30909 20130101; A61F 2/446 20130101; A61F 2002/30571 20130101;
A61F 2230/0065 20130101; A61F 2002/302 20130101; A61F 2250/0006
20130101; A61F 2002/305 20130101; A61F 2002/30769 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/17.11 ;
623/17.14 |
International
Class: |
A61F 002/44 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An artificial intervertebral disc having an osteoconductive
securing element, the artificial intervertebral disc comprising:
first and second baseplates, each having an outwardly facing
surface, said first and second baseplates being movable relative to
one another and being disposed such that the outwardly facing
surfaces face away from one another, at least one of the outwardly
facing surfaces having disposed thereon a vertebral body contact
element for securably engaging a concave surface of an adjacent
vertebral body endplate, the vertebral body contact element being
deformably reshapeable under anatomical loads such that the
vertebral body contact element conformably deflects against the
concave surface to securably engage the vertebral body endplate,
the vertebral body contact element being secured to the outwardly
facing surface by being buried at its perimeter within a coating
applied to the outwardly facing surface.
2. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 1, wherein the
vertebral body contact element comprises a wire mesh having a
resting shape of a dome convexly extending from the outwardly
facing surface.
3. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 2, wherein the
vertebral body contact element has a convexity depth approximating
a concavity depth of the concave surface.
4. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 2, wherein the
vertebral body contact element has a footprint approximating a
footprint of the concave surface.
5. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 2, wherein the
coating is a plasma spray.
6. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 2, further
comprising an osteoconductive feature adjacent the wire mesh.
7. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 6, wherein the
coating has the osteoconductive feature.
8. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 1, wherein the
vertebral body contact element has a resting shape of a dome
convexly extending from the outwardly facing surface.
9. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 1, further
comprising an osteoconductive feature adjacent the vertebral body
contact element.
10. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 9, wherein the
coating has the osteoconductive feature.
11. An artificial intervertebral disc comprising: first and second
baseplates, each having an outwardly facing surface, said first and
second baseplates being movable relative to one another and being
disposed such that the outwardly facing surfaces face away from one
another, at least one of the outwardly facing surfaces having
disposed thereon a vertebral body contact element for securably
engaging an adjacent vertebral body endplate, the vertebral body
contact element being deformably reshapeable under anatomical loads
such that the vertebral body contact element conformably deflects
against the vertebral body endplate to securably engage the
vertebral body endplate, a perimetrical region of the vertebral
body contact element being buried in a coating disposed on the
outwardly facing surface.
12. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 11, wherein the
vertebral body contact element comprises a wire mesh having a
resting shape of a dome convexly extending from the outwardly
facing surface.
13. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 12, wherein the
vertebral body contact element has a convexity depth approximating
a concavity depth of the concave surface.
14. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 12, wherein the
vertebral body contact element has a footprint approximating a
footprint of the concave surface.
15. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 12, wherein the
coating is a plasma spray.
16. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 12, further
comprising an osteoconductive feature adjacent the wire mesh.
17. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 16, wherein the
coating has the osteoconductive feature.
18. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 11, wherein the
vertebral body contact element has a resting shape of a dome
convexly extending from the outwardly facing surface.
19. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 11, further
comprising an osteoconductive feature adjacent the vertebral body
contact element.
20. The artificial intervertebral disc of claim 19, wherein the
coating has the osteoconductive feature.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuing application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/256,160 (filed Sep. 26, 2002)
entitled "Artificial Intervertebral Disc Having Limited Rotation
Using a Captured Ball and Socket Joint With a Solid Ball and
Compression Locking Post", which is a continuing application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/175,417 (filed Jun. 19, 2002)
entitled "Artificial Intervertebral Disc Utilizing a Ball Joint
Coupling", which is a continuing application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/151,280 (filed May 20, 2002) entitled
"Tension Bearing Artificial Disc Providing a Centroid of Motion
Centrally Located Within an Intervertebral Space", which is a
continuing application of both U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/970,479 (filed Oct. 4, 2001) entitled "Intervertebral Spacer
Device Utilizing a Spirally Slotted Belleville Washer Having
Radially Extending Grooves" as well as U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/140,153 (filed May 7, 2002) entitled "Artificial
Intervertebral Disc Having a Flexible Wire Mesh Vertebral Body
Contact Element", the former being a continuing application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/968,046 (filed Oct. 1, 2001)
entitled "Intervertebral Spacer Device Utilizing a Belleville
Washer Having Radially Extending Grooves" and the latter being a
continuing application of both U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/970,479 (detailed above) as well as U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/128,619 (filed Apr. 23, 2002) entitled "Intervertebral
Spacer Having a Flexible Wire Mesh Vertebral Body Contact Element",
which is a continuing application of both U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/906,119 (filed Jul. 16, 2001) and entitled "Trial
Intervertebral Distraction Spacers" as well as U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/982,148 (filed Oct. 18, 2001) and entitled
"Intervertebral Spacer Device Having Arch Shaped Spring Elements".
All of the above mentioned applications are hereby incorporated by
reference herein in their respective entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a spinal implant
assembly for implantation into the intervertebral space between
adjacent vertebral bones to simultaneously provide stabilization
and continued flexibility and proper anatomical motion, and more
specifically to such a device that utilizes a flexible element as a
vertebral body contact surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The bones and connective tissue of an adult human spinal
column consists of more than twenty discrete bones coupled
sequentially to one another by a tri-joint complex that consists of
an anterior disc and the two posterior facet joints, the anterior
discs of adjacent bones being cushioned by cartilage spacers
referred to as intervertebral discs. These more than twenty bones
are anatomically categorized as being members of one of four
classifications: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral. The
cervical portion of the spine, which comprises the top of the
spine, up to the base of the skull, includes the first seven
vertebrae. The intermediate twelve bones are the thoracic
vertebrae, and connect to the lower spine comprising the five
lumbar vertebrae. The base of the spine is the sacral bones
(including the coccyx). The component bones of the cervical spine
are generally smaller than those of the thoracic spine, which are
in turn smaller than those of the lumbar region. The sacral region
connects laterally to the pelvis. While the sacral region is an
integral part of the spine, for the purposes of fusion surgeries
and for this disclosure, the word spine shall refer only to the
cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions.
[0004] The spinal column is highly complex in that it includes
these more than twenty bones coupled to one another, housing and
protecting critical elements of the nervous system having
innumerable peripheral nerves and circulatory bodies in dose
proximity. In spite of these complications, the spine is a highly
flexible structure, capable of a high degree of curvature and twist
in nearly every direction.
[0005] Genetic or developmental irregularities, trauma, chronic
stress, tumors, and degenerative wear are a few of the causes that
can result in spinal pathologies for which surgical intervention
may be necessary. A variety of systems have been disclosed in the
art that achieve immobilization and/or fusion of adjacent bones by
implanting artificial assemblies in or on the spinal column. The
region of the back that needs to be immobilized, as well as the
individual variations in anatomy, determine the appropriate
surgical protocol and implantation assembly. With respect to the
failure of the intervertebral disc, the interbody fusion cage has
generated substantial interest because it can be implanted
laparoscopically into the anterior of the spine, thus reducing
operating room time, patient recovery time, and scarification.
[0006] Referring now to FIGS. 13-14, in which a side perspective
view of an intervertebral body cage and an anterior perspective
view of a post implantation spinal column are shown, respectively,
a more complete description of these devices of the prior art is
herein provided. These cages 1 generally comprise tubular metal
body 2 having an external surface threading 3. They are inserted
transverse to the axis of the spine 4, into preformed cylindrical
holes at the junction of adjacent vertebral bodies (in FIG. 14 the
pair of cages 1 are inserted between the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5)
and the top of the sacrum (S1)). Two cages 1 are generally inserted
side by side with the external threading 4 tapping into the lower
surface of the vertebral bone above (L5), and the upper surface of
the vertebral bone (S1) below. The cages 1 include holes 5 through
which the adjacent bones are to grow. Additional materials, for
example autogenous bone graft materials, may be inserted into the
hollow interior 6 of the cage 1 to incite or accelerate the growth
of the bone into the cage. End caps (not shown) are often utilized
to hold the bone graft material within the cage 1.
[0007] These cages of the prior art have enjoyed medical success in
promoting fusion and grossly approximating proper disc height. It
is, however, important to note that the fusion of the adjacent
bones is an incomplete solution to the underlying pathology as it
does not cure the ailment, but rather simply masks the pathology
under a stabilizing bridge of bone. This bone fusion limits the
overall flexibility of the spinal column and artificially
constrains the normal motion of the patient. This constraint can
cause collateral injury to the patient's spine as additional
stresses of motion, normally borne by the now-fused joint, are
transferred onto the nearby facet joints and intervertebral discs.
It would therefore, be a considerable advance in the art to provide
an implant assembly which does not promote fusion, but, rather,
which mimics the biomechanical action of the natural disc
cartilage, thereby permitting continued normal motion and stress
distribution.
[0008] It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an
intervertebral spacer that stabilizes the spine without promoting a
bone fusion across the intervertebral space.
[0009] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
implant device that stabilizes the spine while still permitting
normal motion.
[0010] It is further an object of the invention to provide a device
for implantation into the intervertebral space that does not
promote the abnormal distribution of biomechanical stresses on the
patient's spine.
[0011] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc that provides free rotation of the baseplates
relative to one another.
[0012] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc that provides limited rotation of the baseplates
relative to one another.
[0013] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc that supports compression loads.
[0014] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc that permits the baseplates to axially compress
toward one another under a compressive load.
[0015] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc that permits the baseplates to axially compress
toward one another under a compressive load and restore to their
original uncompressed relative positions when the compressive load
is relieved.
[0016] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc that supports tension loads.
[0017] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc that prevents lateral translation of the baseplates
relative to one another.
[0018] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc that provides a centroid of motion centrally
located within the intervertebral space.
[0019] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc baseplate attachment device (for attaching the
baseplates of the artificial disc to the vertebral bones between
which the disc is implanted) with superior gripping and holding
strength upon initial implantation and thereafter.
[0020] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc baseplate attachment device that deflects during
insertion of the artificial disc between vertebral bodies.
[0021] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc baseplate attachment device that conforms to the
concave surface of a vertebral body.
[0022] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
artificial disc baseplate attachment device that does not restrict
the angle at which the artificial disc can be implanted.
[0023] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
implant attachment device (for attaching the implant to bone) with
superior gripping and holding strength upon initial implantation
and thereafter.
[0024] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
implant attachment device that is deflectable.
[0025] It is further an object of the invention to provide an
implant attachment device that conforms to a concave bone
surface.
[0026] Other objects of the invention not explicitly stated will be
set forth and will be more dearly understood in conjunction with
the descriptions of the preferred embodiments disclosed
hereafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The preceding objects are achieved by the invention, which
is an artificial intervertebral disc or intervertebral spacer
device comprising a pair of support members (e.g., spaced apart
baseplates), each with an outwardly facing surface. Because the
artificial disc is to be positioned between the facing endplates of
adjacent vertebral bodies, the baseplates are arranged in a
substantially parallel planar alignment (or slightly offset
relative to one another in accordance with proper lordotic
angulation) with the outwardly facing surfaces facing away from one
another. The baseplates are to mate with the vertebral bodies so as
to not rotate relative thereto, but rather to permit the spinal
segments to bend (and in some embodiments, axially compress)
relative to one another in manners that mimic the natural motion of
the spinal segment. This natural motion is permitted by the
performance of a ball and socket joint (and in some embodiments, a
spring member) disposed between the secured baseplates, and the
securing of the baseplates to the vertebral bone is achieved
through the use of a vertebral body contact element attached to the
outwardly facing surface of each baseplate.
[0028] Preferable vertebral body contact elements include, but are
not limited to, one or more of the following: a convex mesh, a
convex solid dome, and one or more spikes. The convex mesh is
preferably secured at its perimeter to the outwardly facing surface
of the respective baseplate. This can be accomplished in any
effective manner, however, laser welding and plasma coating burying
are two preferred methods when the mesh is comprised of metal.
While domed in its initial undeflected conformation, the mesh
deflects as necessary during insertion of the artificial disc
between vertebral bodies, and, once the artificial disc is seated
between the vertebral bodies, the mesh deforms as necessary under
anatomical loads to reshape itself to the concave surface of the
vertebral endplate. Thus, the mesh is deformably reshapeable under
anatomical loads such that it conformably deflects against the
concave surface to securably engage the vertebral body endplate.
Stated alternatively, because the mesh is convexly shaped and is
secured at its perimeter to the baseplate, the mesh is biased away
from the baseplate but moveable toward the plate (under a load
overcoming the bias; such a load is present, for example, as an
anatomical load in the intervertebral space) so that it will
securably engage the vertebral body endplate when disposed in the
intervertebral space. This affords the baseplate having the mesh
substantially superior gripping and holding strength upon initial
implantation, as compared with other artificial disc products. The
convex mesh further provides an osteoconductive surface through
which the bone may ultimately grow. The mesh preferably is
comprised of titanium, but can also be formed from other metals
and/or non-metals. Inasmuch as the mesh is domed, it does not
restrict the angle at which the artificial disc can be implanted.
It should be understood that while the flexible dome is described
herein preferably as a wire mesh, other meshed or solid flexible
elements can also be used, including flexible elements comprised of
non-metals and/or other metals. Further, the flexibility,
deflectability and/or deformability need not be provided by a
flexible material, but can additionally or alternatively be
provided mechanically or by other means.
[0029] It should be understood that the convex mesh attachment
devices and methods described herein can be used not only with the
artificial discs and artificial disc baseplates described or
referred to herein, but also with other artificial discs and
artificial disc baseplates, including, but not limited to, those
currently known in the art. Therefore, the description of the mesh
attachment devices and methods being used with the artificial discs
and artificial disc baseplates described or referred to herein
should not be construed as limiting the application and/or
usefulness of the mesh attachment device.
[0030] To enhance the securing of the baseplates to the vertebral
bones, each baseplate further comprises a porous area, which at
least extends in a ring around the lateral rim of each outwardly
facing surface. The porous area may be, for example, a sprayed
deposition layer, or an adhesive applied beaded metal layer, or
another suitable porous coating known in the art. The porous ring
permits the long-term ingrowth of vertebral bone into the
baseplate, thus permanently securing the prosthesis within the
intervertebral space. The porous layer may extend beneath the domed
mesh as well, but is more importantly applied to the lateral rim of
the outwardly facing surface of the baseplate that seats directly
against the vertebral body.
[0031] Some of the embodiments described herein uses two baseplates
each having the above described convex mesh on its outwardly facing
surface, while other embodiments use two baseplates each having a
convex solid dome in combination with a plurality of spikes on the
lateral rim of the outwardly facing surface of the baseplates. It
should be understood, however, that the various attachments devices
or methods described herein (as well as any other attachment
devices or methods, such as, for example, keels) can be used
individually or in combination in any permutation, without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0032] The ball and socket joint disposed between the baseplates
permits rotation and angulation of the two baseplates relative to
one another about a centroid of motion centrally located between
the baseplates. A wide variety of embodiments are contemplated,
some in which the ball and socket joint permits free relative
rotation of the baseplates, and others in which the ball and socket
joint limits relative rotation of the baseplates to a certain
range. Further in some embodiments, the ball and socket joint is
used in conjunction with a spring member to additionally permit the
two baseplates to axially compress relative to one another. Further
in each of the embodiments, the assembly will not separate under
tension loading, and prevents lateral translation of the baseplates
during rotation and angulation.
[0033] More particularly, four embodiment families are described
herein as examples of the present invention, with a preferred
embodiment for the first embodiment family, a preferred embodiment
for the second embodiment family, five preferred embodiments for
the third embodiment family, and five embodiments for the fourth
embodiment family, each being described in detail. However, it
should be understood that the described embodiments and embodiment
families are merely examples that illustrate aspects and features
of the present invention, and that other embodiments and embodiment
families are possible without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0034] Each of the embodiments in the four embodiment families
discussed herein share the same basic elements, some of which
retain identical functionality and configuration across the
embodiments, and some of which gain or lose functionality and/or
configuration across the embodiments to accommodate mechanical
and/or manufacturing necessities. More specifically, each of the
embodiments includes two baseplates joined to one another by a ball
and socket joint that is established centrally between the
baseplates. Each ball and socket joint is established by a socket
being formed at the peak (or in the peak) of a convex structure
extending from the second baseplate, and by a ball being secured to
the first baseplate and being captured in the socket so that when
the joint is placed under a tension or compression force, the ball
remains rotatably and angulatably secure in the socket. However,
the convex structure is configured differently in each of the
embodiment families, and the manner in which the ball is captured
in the socket is different in each of the embodiment families. Each
of these two variations (the configuration of the convex structure
and the manner of capturing the ball in the socket) among the
embodiments families is summarized immediately below, and will be
understood further in light of the additional descriptions of the
embodiments herein. It should be noted that although each of the
embodiment families uses a preferred shape for the convex structure
(e.g., in the first and second embodiment families, the preferred
shape is frusto-conical, and in the third and fourth embodiment
families, the preferred shape is a shape having a curved taper),
the convex structure in each of the embodiment families is not
limited to a particular shape. For example, shapes including, but
not limited to, frusto-conical, hemispherical or semispherical
shapes, shapes having sloped tapers or curved tapers, or shapes
having non-uniform, irregular or dimensionally varying tapers or
contours, would also be suitable in any of the embodiment
families.
[0035] With regard to the first embodiment family, the convex
structure is configured as a flexible element and functions as a
spring element that provides axial cushioning to the device. The
convex structure has the socket of the ball and socket joint at its
peak. In order to permit the flexible convex structure to flex
under compressive loads applied to the device, it is separated from
the second baseplate. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible
convex structure is a belleville washer that has a frusto-conical
shape. Other flexible convex structures are also contemplated as
being suitable, such as, for example, convex structures that flex
because of the resilience of the material from which they are made,
because of the shape into which they are formed, and/or or because
of the mechanical interaction between sub-elements of an assembly
forming the convex structure. Although the convex structure is a
separate element from the second baseplate in this embodiment
family (because it must be allowed to flex), it is preferably
maintained near the second baseplate so that the device does not
separate in tension. Therefore, an extension of the second
baseplate is provided (in the form of a shield element) to cover
enough of the convex structure to so maintain it. Stated
alternatively, the shield is a separate element from the second
baseplate to ease manufacturing (during assembly, the flexible
convex structure is first placed against the second baseplate, and
then the shield is placed over the convex structure and secured to
the second baseplate so that the convex structure is maintained
between the second baseplate and the shield), but once the device
is assembled, the second baseplate and the shield are effectively
one element. That is, the second baseplate and shield can be
considered to be a single integral housing within which the
separate flexible convex structure flexes, because but for the sake
of achieving desirable manufacturing efficiencies, the second
baseplate and shield would be one piece.
[0036] Also with regard to the first embodiment family, the manner
of capturing the ball in the socket is effected by the ball being
selectively radially compressible. That is, the ball is radially
compressible to fit into the socket and thereafter receives a
deflection preventing element to prevent subsequent radial
compression, so that the ball remains captured in the socket. A
more detailed description of the preferred manner in which this is
accomplished is described below. Because the socket is formed at
the peak of the flexible convex structure discussed immediately
above, the capturing of the ball in the socket in this manner
allows the ball to remain securely held for rotation and angulation
even though the socket moves upward and downward with the flexing
of the convex structure. The second baseplate preferably includes
an access hole that facilitates the capture of the ball in the
socket; in this embodiment family, it facilitates the capture by
accommodating placement of the deflection preventing element, so
that the same can be applied to the ball after the ball is fitted
into the socket. Accordingly, the ball is maintained in the
socket.
[0037] With regard to the second embodiment family, the convex
structure is configured as a non-flexible element that is integral
with the second baseplate, and has the socket of the ball and
socket joint at its peak. More dearly stated, the devices of this
second embodiment family do not feature a flexible convex
structure, and therefore (and also because of the manner in which
the ball is captured in this second embodiment family, discussed
immediately below) there is no need for the convex structure to be
a separate element from the second baseplate. (By contrast, in the
first embodiment family, as discussed above, because the convex
structure is flexible, it is a separate element than the second
baseplate so that it is able to flex.) In the preferred embodiment,
the convex structure has a frusto-conical shape. The manner of
capturing the ball in the socket in this second embodiment family
is identical to that of the first embodiment family.
[0038] With regard to the third embodiment family, the convex
structure is configured as a non-flexible element that is integral
with the second baseplate, and has the socket of the ball and
socket joint in its peak, similar to the configuration of the
convex structure in the second embodiment family. In the preferred
embodiment, the convex structure is shaped to have a curved taper.
The manner of capturing the ball in the socket of this third
embodiment family is effected through the use of a solid ball. In
order to permit the seating of the ball into the socket, the second
baseplate has an access hole that facilitates the capture of the
ball in the socket; in this embodiment family, the access hole
facilitates the capture in that it has a diameter that accommodates
the diameter of the ball, and leads to the interior of the peak,
which interior is formed as a concavity having an opening diameter
that accommodates the diameter of the ball. (Preferably, the
concavity has a curvature closely accommodating the contour of the
ball, and the concavity is either hemispherical or
less-than-hemispherical so that the ball can easily be placed into
it.) Further, in order to maintain the ball in the socket, an
extension of the second baseplate (in the form of a cap element) is
provided for sealing the access hole in the second baseplate (or
reducing the opening diameter of the access hole to a size that
does not accommodate the diameter of the ball). The cap has an
interior face that preferably has a concavity (that has a curvature
that closely accommodates the contour of the ball) to complete the
socket. The peak of the convex structure also has a bore that
accommodates a post to which the ball and the first baseplate are
attached (one to each end of the post), but does not accommodate
the ball for passage through the bore. Accordingly, the ball is
maintained in the socket.
[0039] With regard to the fourth embodiment family, the convex
structure is configured as a non-flexible element that is a
separate element from, but attached to, the second baseplate, and
has the socket of the ball and socket joint in its peak. In the
preferred embodiment, the convex structure is shaped to have a
curved taper, similar to the configuration of the convex structure
in the third embodiment family. The convex structure in this fourth
embodiment family is separate from the second baseplate during
assembly of the device, for reasons related to the manner in which
the ball is captured in the socket, but is attached to the second
baseplate by the time assembly is complete. The manner of capturing
the ball in the socket of this fourth embodiment family is effected
through the use of a solid ball. The ball is first seated against
the central portion of the second baseplate (which central portion
preferably has a concavity that has a curvature that closely
accommodates the contour of the ball), and then the convex
structure is placed over the ball to seat the ball in the socket
formed in the interior of the peak of the convex structure (the
interior is preferably formed as a concavity that is either
hemispherical or less-than-hemispherical so that the ball can
easily fit into it). After the convex structure is placed over the
ball, the convex structure is attached to the second baseplate to
secure the ball in the socket. As in the third embodiment family,
the peak of the convex structure also has a bore that accommodates
a post to which the ball and the first baseplate are attached (one
to each end of the post), but does not accommodate the ball for
passage through the bore. Accordingly, the ball is maintained in
the socket.
[0040] It should be understood that each of the features of each of
the embodiments described herein, including, but not limited to,
formations and functions of convex structures, manners of capturing
the ball in the socket, types of spring elements, and manners of
limiting rotation of the baseplates relative to one another, can be
included in other embodiments, individually or with one or more
others of the features, in other permutations of the features,
including permutations that are not specifically described herein,
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0041] Each of the embodiment families will now be summarized in
greater detail.
[0042] In the first embodiment family, the ball and socket joint
includes a radially compressible ball (which, in some embodiments,
is shaped as a semisphere), mounted to protrude from an inwardly
facing surface of a first baseplate, and a curvate socket formed at
a peak of a flexible convex structure that is flexibly maintained
near a second baseplate, within which curvate socket the ball is
capturable for free rotation and angulation therein. Because the
convex structure is flexible, it functions as a force restoring
element (e.g., a spring) that provides axial cushioning to the
device, by deflecting under a compressive load and restoring when
the load is relieved. The flexible convex structure is preferably a
belleville washer that has a frusto-conical shape. In general, a
belleville washer is one of the strongest configurations for a
spring, and is highly suitable for use as a restoring force
providing element in an artificial intervertebral disc which must
endure considerable cyclical loading in an active human adult.
[0043] Belleville washers are washers that are generally bowed in
the radial direction (e.g., have a hemispherical or semispherical
shape) or sloped in the radial direction (e.g., have a
frusto-conical shape). Bowed belleville washers have a radial
convexity (i.e., the height of the washer is not linearly related
to the radial distance, but may, for example, be parabolic in
shape). In a sloped belleville washer, the height of the washer is
linearly related to the radial distance. Of course, other shape
variations of belleville washers are suitable (such as, but not
limited to, belleville washers having non-uniform tapers or
irregular overall shapes). The restoring force of a belleville
washer is proportional to the elastic properties of the material.
In addition, the magnitude of the compressive load support and the
restoring force provided by the belleville washer may be modified
by providing slots and/or grooves in the washer. The belleville
washer utilized as the force restoring member in the illustrated
embodiment is spirally slotted, with the slots initiating on the
periphery of the washer and extending along arcs that are generally
radially inwardly directed a distance toward the center of the
bowed disc, and has radially extending grooves that decrease in
width and depth from the outside edge of the washer toward the
center of the washer. As a compressive load is applied to a
belleville washer, the forces are directed into a hoop stress that
tends to radially expand the washer. This hoop stress is
counterbalanced by the material strength of the washer, and the
strain of the material causes a deflection in the height of the
washer. Stated equivalently, a belleville washer responds to a
compressive load by deflecting compressively, but provides a
restoring force that is proportional to the elastic modulus of the
material in a hoop stressed condition. With slots and/or grooves
formed in the washer, it expands and restores itself far more
elastically than a solid washer.
[0044] In order to permit the flexible convex structure to flex
under compressive loads applied to the device, it is a separate
element from the second baseplate in the preferred embodiment. To
provide room for the flexible convex structure to expand in
unrestricted fashion when it is compressed, while generally
maintaining the flexible convex structure within a central area
near the second baseplate, the wide end of the flexible convex
structure is housed in the second baseplate through the use of an
extension of the second baseplate structure (in the form of a
shield element that is secured to the second baseplate). More
particularly, a circular recess is provided on an inwardly facing
surface of the second baseplate, and the wide end of the flexible
convex structure is seated into the recess. The extension of the
second baseplate (e.g., a shield) is placed over the flexible
convex structure to cover enough of the convex structure to prevent
it from escaping the recess, and then is attached to the second
baseplate. As stated above, the shield is a separate element from
the second baseplate to ease manufacturing, but once the device is
assembled, the second baseplate and the shield are effectively one
element. That is, the second baseplate and shield can be considered
to be a single integral housing within which the separate flexible
convex structure flexes, because but for the sake of achieving
desirable manufacturing efficiencies, the second baseplate and
shield would be one piece.
[0045] More particularly with regard to the ball, the ball includes
a series of slots that render it radially compressible and
expandable in correspondence with a radial pressure. The ball
further includes an axial bore that accepts a deflection preventing
element (e.g., a rivet). Prior to the insertion of the rivet, the
ball can deflect radially inward because the slots will narrow
under a radial pressure. The insertion of the rivet eliminates the
capacity for this deflection. Therefore, the ball, before receiving
the rivet, can be compressed to pass into, and thereafter seat in,
the curvate socket of the second baseplate. (The curvate socket has
an opening diameter that accommodates passage therethrough of the
ball in a radially compressed state (but not in an uncompressed
state), and a larger inner diameter that accommodates the ball in
the uncompressed state.) Once the ball has been seated in the
curvate socket, the rivet can be inserted into the axial bore to
ensure that the ball remains held in the curvate socket. The second
baseplate preferably includes an access hole that accommodates
placement of the deflection preventing element, so that the same
can be applied to the ball after the ball is fitted into the
socket.
[0046] The curvate socket defines a spherical contour that closely
accommodates the ball for free rotation and angulation in its
uncompressed state. Therefore, when seated in the curvate socket,
the ball can rotate and angulate freely relative to the curvate
socket through a range of angles, thus permitting the opposing
baseplates to rotate and angulate freely relative to one another
through a corresponding range of angles equivalent to the fraction
of normal human spine rotation and angulation (to mimic normal disc
rotation and angulation). The flexible convex structure serving as
a force restoring device further provides spring-like performance
with respect to axial compressive loads, as well as long cycle life
to mimic the axial biomechanical performance of the normal human
intervertebral disc. Because the ball is held within the curvate
socket by a rivet in the axial bore preventing radial compression
of the protuberance, the artificial disc can withstand tension
loading of the baseplates--the assembly does not come apart under
normally experienced tension loads. Thus, in combination with the
securing of the baseplates to the adjacent vertebral bones via the
mesh domes, the disc assembly has an integrity similar to the
tension-bearing integrity of a healthy natural intervertebral disc.
Also because the ball is laterally captured in the curvate socket,
lateral translation of the baseplates relative to one another is
prevented during rotation and angulation, similar to the
performance of healthy natural intervertebral disc. Because the
baseplates are made angulatable relative to one another by the ball
being rotatably and angulatably coupled in the curvate socket, the
disc assembly provides a centroid of motion within the sphere
defined by the ball. Accordingly, the centroid of motion of the
disc assembly remains centrally located between the vertebral
bodies, similar to the centroid of motion in a healthy natural
intervertebral disc.
[0047] In the second embodiment family, the ball and socket joint
includes a radially compressible ball (or in some embodiments, a
semisphere) mounted to protrude from an inwardly facing surface of
a first baseplate, and a curvate socket formed at a peak of a
non-flexible convex structure that is integral with a second
baseplate, within which curvate socket the ball is capturable for
free rotation and angulation therein. Because the convex structure
is not flexible, it does not serve as a force restoring element
(e.g., a spring). In the preferred embodiment, the convex structure
has a frusto-conical shape. The formation of the curvate socket,
the configuration of the ball for use therewith, and the manner in
which the ball is captured in the socket, are preferably identical
to that of the first embodiment family. Accordingly, the
embodiments of the second embodiment family enjoy the
characteristics and performance features of the embodiments of the
first embodiment family, except for the axial cushioning.
[0048] In the third embodiment family, the ball and socket joint
includes a solid ball (which, in some embodiments, is shaped as a
semisphere) mounted to protrude from an inwardly facing surface of
a first baseplate, and a curvate socket formed in a peak of a
non-flexible convex structure that is integral with a second
baseplate, within which curvate socket the ball is capturable for
free rotation and angulation therein. In the preferred embodiment,
the convex structure is shaped to have a curved taper. With regard
to the mounting of the ball, the mounting includes a central post.
A tail end of the post is (as a final step in the preferred
assembly process) secured within a bore through the first
baseplate, from the inwardly facing surface of the first baseplate
to its outwardly facing surface. The ball is mounted at a head end
of the post. The curvate socket defines a spherical contour, and is
formed by opposing curvate pockets, one formed on a central portion
of an outwardly facing surface of the convex structure and one
formed on an inwardly facing surface of an extension of the second
baseplate (the extension being in the form of a cap element) that
secures to the outwardly facing surface of the second baseplate.
When the cap is secured to the outwardly facing surface of the
second baseplate, the opposing curvate pockets together form the
curvate socket within which the ball freely rotates and angulates.
Each curvate pocket is semispherically (preferably hemispherically)
contoured to closely accommodate the spherical contour defined by
the ball, so that the ball can freely rotate in the socket about
the longitudinal axis of the post, and can freely angulate in the
socket about a centroid of motion located at the center of the
sphere defined by the ball.
[0049] In order to enable the seating of the ball into the curvate
socket, the access hole in the second baseplate leading to the
outwardly facing surface of the convex structure has a diameter
that accommodates the diameter of the ball, and the curvate pocket
on the outwardly facing surface of the convex structure has an
opening diameter that accommodates the ball for seating in the
pocket. Thus, the ball can be placed through the access hole and
into the curvate pocket. Thereafter, the cap is applied to seal the
access hole in the second baseplate (or reduce the diameter of the
access hole to a size that does not accommodate the diameter of the
ball). With regard to the attachment of the post to the first
baseplate, the peak of the convex structure has a central bore that
accommodates the diameter of the post, but not the diameter of the
ball. Therefore, as the ball is being placed into the curvate
pocket on the outwardly facing surface of the convex structure, the
post fits through the bore, but the ball does not. After the cap is
secured, the tail end of the post that is protruding from the bore
is secured to the inwardly facing surface of the first baseplate by
the tail end of the post preferably compression locking into a
central bore in the first baseplate.
[0050] In some embodiments of the third embodiment family, the cap
element includes a spring member, preferably disposed on the
curvate pocket or between the curvate pocket and the remaining
structure of the cap element. The spring member can be attached to
the curvate pocket and/or the remaining structure of the cap
element, or the spring member can be a separate element that is
captured or maintained at least in part between the curvate pocket
and the remaining structure of the cap element (in which embodiment
the cap element may include multiple pieces). While not limited to
any particular structure, assembly, or material, a spring member
providing shock absorption preferably includes an elastomeric
material, such as, for example, polyurethane or silicon, and a
spring member providing shock dampening preferably includes a
plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. It should be
understood that metal springs may alternatively or additionally be
used. Accordingly, in such embodiments, part or all of a
compressive load applied to the baseplates will be borne by the
spring member, which will dampen the load and/or absorb the load
and preferably help return the baseplates to their original
uncompressed relative positions.
[0051] Accordingly, the baseplates are rotatable relative to one
another because the ball rotates freely within the socket, and
angulatable relative to one another because the ball angulates
freely within the socket. (In the embodiments further having the
spring member, the baseplates are also axially compressible
relative to one another.) Because the ball is held within the
socket by the securing of the tail end of the post to the first
baseplate and the securing of the cap to the second baseplate, the
artificial disc can withstand tension loading of the
baseplates--the assembly does not come apart under normally
experienced tension loads. Thus, in combination with the securing
of the baseplates to the adjacent vertebral bones, the disc
assembly has an integrity similar to the tension-bearing integrity
of a healthy natural intervertebral disc. Also because the ball is
laterally captured in the socket, lateral translation of the
baseplates relative to one another is prevented during rotation and
angulation, similar to the performance of healthy natural
intervertebral disc. Because the baseplates are made angulatable
relative to one another by the ball being rotatably and angulatably
coupled in the socket, the disc assembly provides a centroid of
motion within the ball. Accordingly, the centroid of motion of the
disc assembly remains centrally located between the vertebral
bodies, similar to the centroid of motion in a healthy natural
intervertebral disc.
[0052] Some embodiments in the third embodiment family limit the
rotation (but preferably not the angulation) of the ball in the
socket. Each embodiment accomplishes this in a different manner,
but each embodiment utilizes interference between a protrusion and
a recess to limit the rotation. In some embodiments, the protrusion
is preferably hemispherical, and the recess preferably has a
semicylindrical contour within which the protrusion fits. In other
embodiments, the protrusion is preferably hemispherical, and the
recess preferably has a curvate contour that is not
semicylindrical. (It should be understood that the described
formations of the recess and the protrusion are merely preferred,
and that alternate formations, curvate or otherwise, for each are
contemplated by the present invention; a particular shape or
location of recess or a particular shape or location of protrusion
is not required; any shape can be used so long as the recess and
protrusion interact as desired.) The boundaries of the recess
define the limits of rotation of the ball within the socket, by
allowing movement of the protrusion relative to the recess as the
ball rotates through a certain range in the socket, but providing
interference with the protrusion to prevent rotation of the ball
beyond that range in the socket. At the same time, the boundaries
of the recess preferably do not limit the angulation of the ball
within the socket, at least until the perimeter regions of the
inwardly facing surfaces meet.
[0053] More particularly with respect to the manner in which these
embodiments limit rotation, in some embodiments the ball has a
protrusion that interferes with a recess adjacent the socket, the
recess being formed by a curvate recess adjacent the curvate pocket
on the central portion of the outwardly facing surface of the
convex structure and a curvate recess adjacent the curvate pocket
on the cap. In other embodiments, the housing (e.g., the second
baseplate/convex structure and/or the cap) has a protrusion (e.g.,
a hemispherical protrusion or a hemispherical head of a pin secured
in a pin hole in the housing) that interferes with a recess on the
ball. In still other embodiments, each of the housing (e.g., the
second baseplate/convex structure and/or the cap) and the ball has
a recess, and a ball bearing fits within the recesses, so that the
ball bearing functions as a protrusion that interferes with one or
both of the recesses.
[0054] Therefore, when assembled, these embodiments of the third
embodiment family enable angulation and limited rotation of the
baseplates relative to one another about a centroid of motion that
remains centrally located between the baseplates (at the center of
the sphere defined by the ball), similar to the centroid of motion
in a healthy natural intervertebral disc that is limited in its
rotation by surrounding body structures. A benefit of limiting the
relative rotation of the baseplates is that relative rotation
beyond a certain range in a healthy natural disc is neither needed
nor desired, because, for example, excess strain can be placed on
the facet joints or ligaments thereby. As described with the
rotationally free embodiments of the second embodiment family, the
construction also prevents translation and separation of the
baseplates relative to one another during rotation and
angulation.
[0055] In the fourth embodiment family, the ball and socket joint
includes a solid ball (which, in some embodiments, is shaped as a
semisphere) mounted to protrude from an inwardly facing surface of
a first baseplate, and a curvate socket formed in a peak of a
non-flexible convex structure that is attached to an inwardly
facing surface of a second baseplate, within which curvate socket
the ball is capturable for free rotation and angulation therein. In
the preferred embodiment, the convex structure is shaped to have a
curved taper. With regard to the mounting of the ball, the mounting
includes a central post that extends from the inwardly facing
surface of the first baseplate. The ball is (as a final step in the
preferred assembly process) mounted at a head end of the post, by
the head end preferably compression locking into a central bore in
the ball. The curvate socket defines a spherical contour, and is
formed by opposing curvate pockets, one formed on an inwardly
facing surface of the second baseplate, and one formed as a curvate
tapered lip of a central bore that passes through a central portion
of the convex structure from the convex structure's outwardly
facing surface (having the curvate tapered lip) to its inwardly
facing surface. When the convex structure is secured to the
inwardly facing surface of the second baseplate, the opposing
curvate pockets together form the curvate socket within which the
ball freely rotates and angulates. Each curvate pocket is
semispherically (preferably hemispherically) contoured to closely
accommodate the spherical contour defined by the ball, so that the
ball can freely rotate in each pocket about the longitudinal axis
of the post, and can freely angulate in each pocket about a
centroid of motion located at the center of the sphere defined by
the ball.
[0056] In order to enable the seating of the ball into the curvate
socket, the curvate pocket on the inwardly facing surface of the
second baseplate has an opening diameter that accommodates the ball
for seating in the pocket. Thus, the ball can be placed into the
curvate pocket before the convex structure is attached to the
second baseplate. Thereafter, the convex structure is attached to
the inwardly facing surface of the second baseplate with the convex
structure's curvate pocket (the curvate tapered lip of the convex
structure's central bore) fitting against the ball to complete the
ball and socket joint. With regard to completing the assembly, the
central bore of the convex structure has a diameter that
accommodates the diameter of the post, but not the diameter of the
ball. Therefore, after the ball is secured in the curvate socket,
the post fits through the bore so that the head end of the post can
be compression locked to the ball, but the ball is prevented from
escaping the socket through the central bore of the convex
structure.
[0057] In some embodiments of the fourth embodiment family, the
second baseplate includes a spring member, preferably disposed on
the curvate pocket or between the curvate pocket and the remaining
structure of the second baseplate. The spring member can be
attached to the curvate pocket and/or the remaining structure of
the second baseplate, or the spring member can be a separate
element that is captured or maintained at least in part between the
curvate pocket and the remaining structure of the second baseplate
(in which embodiment the second baseplate may include multiple
pieces). While not limited to any particular structure, assembly,
or material, a spring member providing shock absorption preferably
includes an elastomeric material, such as, for example,
polyurethane or silicon, and a spring member providing shock
dampening preferably includes a plastic material, such as, for
example, polyethylene. It should be understood that metal springs
may alternatively or additionally be used. Accordingly, in such
embodiments, part or all of a compressive load applied to the
baseplates will be borne by the spring member, which will dampen
the load and/or absorb the load and preferably help return the
baseplates to their original uncompressed relative positions.
[0058] Accordingly, the baseplates are rotatable relative to one
another because the ball rotates freely within the socket, and
angulatable relative to one another because the ball angulates
freely within the socket. (In the embodiments further having the
spring member, the baseplates are also axially compressible
relative to one another.) Because the ball is held within the
socket by the securing of the central post of the first baseplate
to the ball and the securing of the convex structure to the second
baseplate, the artificial disc can withstand tension loading of the
baseplates--the assembly does not come apart under normally
experienced tension loads. Thus, in combination with the securing
of the baseplates to the adjacent vertebral bones, the disc
assembly has an integrity similar to the tension-bearing integrity
of a healthy natural intervertebral disc. Also because the ball is
laterally captured in the socket, lateral translation of the
baseplates relative to one another is prevented during rotation and
angulation, similar to the performance of healthy natural
intervertebral disc. Because the baseplates are made angulatable
relative to one another by the ball being rotatably and angulatably
coupled in the socket, the disc assembly provides a centroid of
motion within the sphere defined by the ball. Accordingly, the
centroid of motion of the disc assembly remains centrally located
between the vertebral bodies, similar to the centroid of motion in
a healthy natural intervertebral disc.
[0059] Some embodiments in the fourth embodiment family limit the
rotation (but preferably not the angulation) of the ball in the
socket formed by the curvate taper of the convex structure and the
hemispherical contour of the curvate pocket of the second
baseplate. Each embodiment accomplishes this in a different manner,
but each embodiment utilizes interference between a protrusion and
a recess to limit the rotation, similar to the manner in which such
interference is utilized in the third embodiment family. In some
embodiments, the protrusion is preferably hemispherical, and the
recess preferably has a semicylindrical contour within which the
protrusion fits. In other embodiments, the protrusion is preferably
hemispherical, and the recess preferably has a curvate contour that
is not semicylindrical. (It should be understood that the described
formations of the recess and the protrusion are merely preferred,
and that alternate formations, curvate or otherwise, for each are
contemplated by the present invention; a particular shape or
location of recess or a particular shape or location of protrusion
is not required; any shape can be used so long as the recess and
protrusion interact as desired.) The boundaries of the recess
define the limits of rotation of the ball within the socket, by
allowing movement of the protrusion relative to the recess as the
ball rotates through a certain range in the socket, but providing
interference with the protrusion to prevent rotation of the ball
beyond that range in the socket. At the same time, the boundaries
of the recess preferably do not limit the angulation of the ball
within the socket, at least until the perimeter regions of the
inwardly facing surface of the convex structure and the inwardly
facing surface of the first baseplate meet.
[0060] More particularly with respect to the manner in which these
embodiments limit rotation, in some embodiments the ball has a
protrusion that interferes with a recess adjacent the socket, the
recess being formed by a curvate recess adjacent the curvate pocket
on the second baseplate and a curvate recess adjacent the curvate
taper on the convex structure. In other embodiments, the housing
(e.g., the second baseplate and/or the convex structure) has a
protrusion (e.g., a hemispherical protrusion or a hemispherical
head of a pin secured in a pin hole in the housing) that interferes
with a recess on the ball. In still other embodiments, each of the
housing (e.g., the second baseplate and/or the convex structure)
and the ball has a recess, and a ball bearing fits within the
recesses, so that the ball bearing functions as a protrusion that
interferes with one or both of the recesses.
[0061] Therefore, when assembled, these embodiments of the fourth
embodiment family enable angulation and limited rotation of the
baseplates relative to one another about a centroid of motion that
remains centrally located between the baseplates (at the center of
the sphere defined by the ball), similar to the centroid of motion
in a healthy natural intervertebral disc that is limited in its
rotation by surrounding body structures. A benefit of limiting the
relative rotation of the baseplates is that relative rotation
beyond a certain range in a healthy natural disc is neither needed
nor desired, because, for example, excess strain can be placed on
the facet joints or ligaments thereby. As described with the
rotationally free embodiments of the third embodiment family, the
construction also prevents translation and separation of the
baseplates relative to one another during rotation and
angulation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] FIGS. 1a-c show top (FIG. 1a), side cutaway (FIG. 1b) and
bottom (FIG. 1c) views of a first baseplate of a first embodiment
family of the present invention, the first baseplate having an
inwardly directed radially compressible ball.
[0063] FIGS. 1d-f show top (FIG. 1d), side cutaway (FIG. 1e) and
bottom (FIG. 1f) views of a second baseplate of the first
embodiment family, the second baseplate having a circular recess
within which seats a flexible convex structure.
[0064] FIGS. 1g-h show side cutaway (FIG. 1g) and top perspective
(FIG. 1h) views of a flexible convex structure of the first
embodiment family, the flexible convex structure having spiral
slots and radially extending grooves.
[0065] FIGS. 1i-j show exploded (FIG. 1i) and assembled (FIG. 1j)
views of a preferred embodiment of the first embodiment family.
[0066] FIGS. 2a-c show top (FIG. 2a), side cutaway (FIG. 2b) and
bottom (FIG. 2c) views of a first baseplate of a second embodiment
family of the present invention, the first baseplate having an
inwardly directed radially compressible ball.
[0067] FIGS. 2d-f show top (FIG. 2d), side cutaway (FIG. 2e) and
bottom (FIG. 2f) views of a second baseplate of the second
embodiment family, the second baseplate having a curvate socket
within which the ball is capturable for free rotation and
angulation therein.
[0068] FIGS. 2g-h show exploded (FIG. 2g) and assembled (FIG. 2h)
views of a preferred embodiment of the second embodiment
family.
[0069] FIGS. 3a-e show top (FIG. 3a), side (FIG. 3b), side cutaway
(FIG. 3c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 3d) and perspective (FIG. 3e)
views of a first baseplate of a third embodiment family of the
present invention.
[0070] FIGS. 3f-j show top (FIG. 3f), side (FIG. 3g), side cutaway
(FIG. 3h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 3i) and perspective (FIG. 3j)
views of a first type of a second baseplate of the third embodiment
family, the first type of second baseplate having a convex
structure of the third embodiment family integrated therewith.
[0071] FIGS. 3k-o show top (FIG. 3k), side (FIG. 3l), side cutaway
(FIG. 3m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 3n) and perspective (FIG. 3o)
views of a first type of a ball of the third embodiment family.
[0072] FIGS. 3p-t show top (FIG. 3p), side (FIG. 3q), side cutaway
(FIG. 3r), perspective cutaway (FIG. 3s) and perspective (FIG. 3t)
views of a first type of a cap of the third embodiment family.
[0073] FIGS. 3u-y show top (FIG. 3u), side (FIG. 3v), side cutaway
(FIG. 3w), perspective cutaway (FIG. 3x) and perspective (FIG. 3y)
views of an assembled first preferred embodiment of the third
embodiment family. FIG. 3z shows a side cutaway of an alternate
assembled first preferred embodiment of the third embodiment
family, having a bifurcated cap housing a spring member.
[0074] FIGS. 4a-e show top (FIG. 4a), side (FIG. 4b), side cutaway
(FIG. 4c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 4d) and perspective (FIG. 4e)
views of a second type of the second baseplate of the third
embodiment family, the second type of the second baseplate having
the convex structure integrated therewith and also having a curvate
recess.
[0075] FIGS. 4f-j show top (FIG. 4f), side (FIG. 4g), side cutaway
(FIG. 4h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 4i) and perspective (FIG. 4j)
views of a second type of the ball of the third embodiment family,
the second type of the ball having a protrusion.
[0076] FIGS. 4k-o show top (FIG. 4k), side (FIG. 4l), side cutaway
(FIG. 4m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 4n) and perspective (FIG. 4o)
views of a second type of a cap of the third embodiment family, the
second type of cap having a curvate recess.
[0077] FIGS. 4p-t show top (FIG. 4p), side (FIG. 4q), side cutaway
(FIG. 4r), perspective cutaway (FIG. 4s) and perspective (FIG. 4t)
views of an assembled second preferred embodiment of the third
embodiment family. FIG. 4u shows a side cutaway of an alternate
assembled second preferred embodiment of the third embodiment
family, having a bifurcated cap housing a spring member.
[0078] FIGS. 5a-e show top (FIG. 5a), side (FIG. 5b), side cutaway
(FIG. 5c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 5d) and perspective (FIG. 5e)
views of a third type of the second baseplate of the third
embodiment family, the third type of the second baseplate having
the convex structure integrated therewith and also having a
protrusion.
[0079] FIGS. 5f-j show top (FIG. 5f), side (FIG. 5g), side cutaway
(FIG. 5h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 5i) and perspective (FIG. 5j)
views of a third type of the ball of the third embodiment family,
the third type of the ball having a curvate recess.
[0080] FIGS. 5k-o show top (FIG. 5k), side (FIG. 5l), side cutaway
(FIG. 5m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 5n) and perspective (FIG. 5o)
views of an assembled third preferred embodiment of the third
embodiment family. FIG. 5p shows a side cutaway of an alternate
assembled third preferred embodiment of the third embodiment
family, having a bifurcated cap housing a spring member.
[0081] FIGS. 6a-e show top (FIG. 6a), side (FIG. 6b), side cutaway
(FIG. 6c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 6d) and perspective (FIG. 6e)
views of a fourth type of the second baseplate of the third
embodiment family, the fourth type of the second baseplate having
the convex structure integrated therewith and also having a pin
through hole for housing a pin.
[0082] FIGS. 6f-j show top (FIG. 6f), side (FIG. 6g), side cutaway
(FIG. 6h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 6i) and perspective (FIG. 6j)
views of an assembled fourth preferred embodiment of the third
embodiment family. FIG. 6k shows a side cutaway of an alternate
assembled fourth preferred embodiment of the third embodiment
family, having a bifurcated cap housing a spring member.
[0083] FIGS. 7a-e show top (FIG. 7a), side (FIG. 7b), side cutaway
(FIG. 7c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 7d) and perspective (FIG. 7e)
views of a fifth type of the second baseplate of the third
embodiment family, the fifth type of the second baseplate having
the convex structure integrated therewith and also having a
recess.
[0084] FIGS. 7f-j show top (FIG. 7f), side (FIG. 7g), side cutaway
(FIG. 7h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 7i) and perspective (FIG. 7j)
views of an assembled fifth preferred embodiment of the third
embodiment family. FIG. 7k shows a side cutaway of an alternate
assembled fifth preferred embodiment of the third embodiment
family, having a bifurcated cap housing a spring member.
[0085] FIGS. 8a-e show top (FIG. 8a), side (FIG. 8b), side cutaway
(FIG. 8c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 8d) and perspective (FIG. 8e)
views of a first baseplate of a fourth embodiment family of the
present invention.
[0086] FIGS. 8f-j show top (FIG. 8f), side (FIG. 8g), side cutaway
(FIG. 8h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 8i) and perspective (FIG. 8j)
views of a first type of second baseplate of the fourth embodiment
family, the first type of the second baseplate having a central
curvate pocket of the fourth embodiment family.
[0087] FIGS. 8k-o show top (FIG. 8k), side (FIG. 8l), side cutaway
(FIG. 8m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 8n) and perspective (FIG. 8o)
views of a first type of a ball of the fourth embodiment
family.
[0088] FIGS. 8p-t show top (FIG. 8p), side (FIG. 8q), side cutaway
(FIG. 8r), perspective cutaway (FIG. 8s) and perspective (FIG. 8t)
views of a first type of a convex structure of the fourth
embodiment family.
[0089] FIGS. 8u-y show top (FIG. 8u), side (FIG. 8v), side cutaway
(FIG. 8w), perspective cutaway (FIG. 8x) and perspective (FIG. 8y)
views of an assembled first preferred embodiment of the fourth
embodiment family. FIG. 8z shows a side cutaway of an alternate
assembled first preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment
family, having a bifurcated second baseplate housing a spring
member.
[0090] FIGS. 9a-e show top (FIG. 9a), side (FIG. 9b), side cutaway
(FIG. 9c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 9d) and perspective (FIG. 9e)
views of a second type of second baseplate of the fourth embodiment
family, the second type of the second baseplate having the central
curvate pocket and also having a curvate recess.
[0091] FIGS. 9f-j show top (FIG. 9f), side (FIG. 9g), side cutaway
(FIG. 9h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 9i) and perspective (FIG. 9j)
views of a second type of the ball of the fourth embodiment family,
the second type of the ball having a protrusion.
[0092] FIGS. 9k-o show top (FIG. 9k), side (FIG. 9l), side cutaway
(FIG. 9m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 9n) and perspective (FIG. 9o)
views of a second type of the convex structure of the fourth
embodiment family, the second type of the convex structure having a
curvate recess.
[0093] FIGS. 9p-t show top (FIG. 9p), side (FIG. 9q), side cutaway
(FIG. 9r), perspective cutaway (FIG. 9s) and perspective (FIG. 9t)
views of an assembled second preferred embodiment of the fourth
embodiment family. FIG. 9u shows a side cutaway of an alternate
assembled second preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment
family, having a bifurcated second baseplate housing a spring
member.
[0094] FIGS. 10a-e show top (FIG. 10a), side (FIG. 10b), side
cutaway (FIG. 10c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 10d) and perspective
(FIG. 10e) views of a third type of second baseplate of the fourth
embodiment family, the third type of the second baseplate having
the central curvate pocket and also having a recess on a
circumferential wall around the curvate pocket.
[0095] FIGS. 10f-j show top (FIG. 10f), side (FIG. 10g), side
cutaway (FIG. 10h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 10i) and perspective
(FIG. 10j) views of a third type of the ball of the fourth
embodiment family, the third type of the ball having a curvate
recess.
[0096] FIGS. 10k-o show top (FIG. 10k), side (FIG. 10l), side
cutaway (FIG. 10m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 10n) and perspective
(FIG. 10o) views of a third type of the convex structure of the
fourth embodiment family, the third type of the convex structure
having a protrusion.
[0097] FIGS. 10p-t show top (FIG. 10p), side (FIG. 10q), side
cutaway (FIG. 10r), perspective cutaway (FIG. 10s) and perspective
(FIG. 10t) views of an assembled third preferred embodiment of the
fourth embodiment family. FIG. 10u shows a side cutaway of an
alternate assembled third preferred embodiment of the fourth
embodiment family, having a bifurcated second baseplate housing a
spring member.
[0098] FIGS. 11a-e show top (FIG. 11a), side (FIG. 11b), side
cutaway (FIG. 11c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 11d) and perspective
(FIG. 11e) views of a fourth type of the convex structure of the
fourth embodiment family, the fourth type of the convex structure
having a pin through hole for housing a pin.
[0099] FIGS. 11f-j show top (FIG. 11f), side (FIG. 11g), side
cutaway (FIG. 11h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 11i) and perspective
(FIG. 11j) views of an assembled fourth preferred embodiment of the
fourth embodiment family. FIG. 11k shows a side cutaway of an
alternate assembled fourth preferred embodiment of the fourth
embodiment family, having a bifurcated second baseplate housing a
spring member.
[0100] FIGS. 12a-e show top (FIG. 12a), side (FIG. 12b), side
cutaway (FIG. 12c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 12d) and perspective
(FIG. 12e) views of a fifth type of the convex structure of the
fourth embodiment family, the fifth type of the convex structure
having a recess adjacent a curvate taper.
[0101] FIGS. 12f-j show top (FIG. 12f), side (FIG. 12g), side
cutaway (FIG. 12h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 12i) and perspective
(FIG. 12j) views of fourth type of ball of the fourth embodiment
family, the fourth type of ball having a curvate recess.
[0102] FIGS. 12k-o show top (FIG. 12k), side (FIG. 12l), side
cutaway (FIG. 12m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 12n) and perspective
(FIG. 12o) views of an assembled fifth preferred embodiment of the
fourth embodiment family. FIG. 12p shows a side cutaway of an
alternate assembled fifth preferred embodiment of the fourth
embodiment family, having a bifurcated second baseplate housing a
spring member.
[0103] FIG. 13 shows a side perspective view of a prior art
interbody fusion device.
[0104] FIG. 14 shows a front view of the anterior portion of the
lumbo-sacral region of a human spine, into which a pair of
interbody fusion devices of FIG. 13 have been implanted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0105] While the invention will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which particular
embodiments and methods of implantation are shown, it is to be
understood at the outset that persons skilled in the art may modify
the invention herein described while achieving the functions and
results of the invention. Accordingly, the descriptions that follow
are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary of specific
structures, aspects and features within the broad scope of the
invention and not as limiting of such broad scope. Like numbers
refer to similar features of like elements throughout.
[0106] A preferred embodiment of a first embodiment family of the
present invention will now be described.
[0107] Referring to FIGS. 1a-c, a first baseplate 10 of a first
embodiment family of the present invention is shown in top (FIG.
1a), side cutaway (FIG. 1b) and bottom (FIG. 1c) views. Also
referring to FIGS. 1d-f, a second baseplate 30 of the first
embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 1d), side cutaway (FIG. 1e)
and bottom (FIG. 1f) views.
[0108] More specifically, each baseplate 10,30 has an outwardly
facing surface 12,32. Because the artificial disc of the invention
is to be positioned between the facing surfaces of adjacent
vertebral bodies, the two baseplates 10,30 used in the artificial
disc are disposed such that the outwardly facing surfaces 12,32
face away from one another (as best seen in exploded view in FIG.
1g and in assembly view in FIG. 1h). The two baseplates 10,30 are
to mate with the vertebral bodies so as to not rotate relative
thereto, but rather to permit the spinal segments to bend relative
to one another in manners that mimic the natural motion of the
spinal segment. This motion is permitted by the performance of a
ball and socket joint disposed between the secured baseplates
10,30. The mating of the baseplates 10,30 to the vertebral bodies
and the construction of the ball and socket joint are described
below.
[0109] More particularly, each baseplate 10,30 is a flat plate
(preferably made of a metal such as, for example, cobalt-chromium
or titanium) having an overall shape that conforms to the overall
shape of the respective endplate of the vertebral body with which
it is to mate. Further, each baseplate 10,30 comprises a vertebral
body contact element (e.g., a convex mesh 14,34, preferably oval in
shape) that is attached to the outwardly facing surface 12,32 of
the baseplate 10,30 to provide a vertebral body contact surface.
The mesh 14,34 is secured at its perimeter to the outwardly facing
surface 12,32 of the baseplate 10,30. The mesh 14,34 is domed in
its initial undeflected conformation, but deflects as necessary
during insertion of the artificial disc between vertebral bodies,
and, once the artificial disc is seated between the vertebral
bodies, deforms as necessary under anatomical loads to reshape
itself to the concave surface of the vertebral endplate. This
affords the baseplate 10,30 having the mesh 14,34 substantially
superior gripping and holding strength upon initial implantation as
compared with other artificial disc products. The mesh 14,34
further provides an osteoconductive surface through which the bone
may ultimately grow. The mesh 14,34 is preferably comprised of
titanium, but can also be formed from other metals and/or
non-metals without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0110] Each baseplate 10,30 further comprises at least a lateral
ring 16,36 that is osteoconductive, which may be, for example, a
sprayed deposition layer, or an adhesive applied beaded metal
layer, or another suitable porous coating. This porous ring 16,36
permits the long-term ingrowth of vertebral bone into the baseplate
10,30, thus permanently securing the prosthesis within the
intervertebral space. It shall be understood that this porous layer
16,36 may extend beneath the domed mesh 14,34 as well, but is more
importantly applied to the lateral rim of the outwardly facing
surface 12,32 of the baseplate 10,30 that seats directly against
the vertebral body.
[0111] As summarized above, each of the embodiments in the four
embodiment families discussed herein share the same basic elements,
some of which retain identical functionality and configuration
across the embodiments, and some of which gain or lose
functionality and/or configuration across the embodiments to
accommodate mechanical and/or manufacturing necessities. More
specifically, each of the embodiments has the two baseplates joined
to one another by a ball and socket joint that is established
centrally between the baseplates. Each ball and socket joint is
established by a socket being formed at the peak (or, in some
embodiments, in the peak) of a convex structure extending from the
second baseplate, and by a ball being secured to the first
baseplate and being captured in the socket so that when the joint
is placed under a tension or compression force, the ball remains
rotatably and angulatably secure in the socket. However, the convex
structure is configured differently in each of the embodiment
families, and the manner in which the ball is captured in the
socket is different in each of the embodiment families. Each of
these two variations (the configuration of the convex structure and
the manner of capturing the ball in the socket) among the
embodiments families will be understood further in light of the
detailed descriptions hereinbelow. It should be noted that although
each of the embodiment families uses a preferred shape for the
convex structure (e.g., in the first and second embodiment
families, the preferred shape is frusto-conical, and in the third
and fourth embodiment families, the preferred shape is a shape
having a curved taper), the convex structure in each of the
embodiment families is not limited to a particular shape. For
example, shapes including, but not limited to, frusto-conical,
hemispherical or semispherical shapes, shapes having sloped tapers
or curved tapers, or shapes having non-uniform, irregular, or
dimensionally varying tapers or contours, would also be suitable in
any of the embodiment families.
[0112] In this regard, in this first embodiment family, the convex
structure is configured as a flexible element and functions as a
spring element that provides axial cushioning to the device. The
convex structure has the socket of the ball and socket joint at its
peak. In order to permit the flexible convex structure to flex
under compressive loads applied to the device, it is a separate
element from the second baseplate. In the preferred embodiment, the
flexible convex structure is a belleville washer that has a
frusto-conical shape. Other flexible convex structures are also
contemplated as being suitable, such as, for example, convex
structures that flex because of the resilience of the material from
which they are made, because of the shape into which they are
formed, and/or or because of the mechanical interaction between
sub-elements of an assembly forming the convex structure. Although
the convex structure is a separate element from the second
baseplate in this embodiment family (so that it is able to flex),
it is preferably maintained near the second baseplate so that the
device does not separate in tension. Therefore, an extension of the
second baseplate is provided (in the form of a shield element) to
cover enough of the convex structure to so maintain it. Stated
alternatively, the shield is a separate element from the second
baseplate to ease manufacturing (during assembly, the flexible
convex structure is first placed against the second baseplate, and
then the shield is placed over the convex structure and secured to
the second baseplate so that the convex structure is maintained
between the second baseplate and the shield), but once the device
is assembled, the second baseplate and the shield are effectively
one element. That is, the second baseplate and shield can be
considered to be a single integral housing within which the
separate flexible convex structure flexes, because but for the sake
of achieving desirable manufacturing efficiencies, the second
baseplate and shield would be one piece.
[0113] Also in this regard, in the first embodiment family, the
manner of capturing the ball in the socket is effected by the ball
being selectively radially compressible. That is, the ball is
radially compressed to fit into the socket and thereafter receives
a deflection preventing element to prevent subsequent radial
compression, so that the ball remains captured in the socket. A
more detailed description of the preferred manner in which this is
accomplished is described below. Because the socket is formed at
the peak of the flexible convex structure discussed immediately
above, the capturing of the ball in the socket in this manner
allows the ball to remain securely held for rotation and angulation
even though the socket moves upward and downward with the flexing
of the convex structure. The second baseplate preferably includes
an access hole that accommodates placement of the deflection
preventing element, so that the same can be applied to the ball
after the ball is fitted into the socket. Accordingly, the ball is
maintained in the socket.
[0114] More specifically, in this preferred embodiment of the first
embodiment family, with regard to joining the two baseplates 10,30
with a ball and socket joint, each of the baseplates 10,30
comprises features that, in conjunction with other components
described below, form the ball and socket joint. More specifically,
the first baseplate 10 includes an inwardly facing surface 18 that
includes a perimeter region 20 and a ball 22 mounted to protrude
from the inwardly facing surface 18. The ball 22 preferably has a
semispherical shape defining a spherical contour. The ball 22
includes a series of slots 24 that render the ball 22 radially
compressible and expandable in correspondence with a radial
pressure (or a radial component of a pressure applied thereto and
released therefrom). The ball 22 further includes an axial bore 26
that accepts a deflection preventing element (e.g., rivet, plug,
dowel, or screw; a rivet 28 is used herein as an example) (shown in
FIGS. 1i-j). (Alternatively, the axial bore can be threaded to
accept a screw.) Prior to the insertion of the rivet 28, the ball
22 can deflect radially inward because the slots 24 will narrow
under a radial pressure. The insertion of the rivet 28 eliminates
the capacity for this deflection. Therefore, the ball 22, before
receiving the rivet 28, can be compressed to pass into, and
thereafter seat in, a central curvate socket of a convex structure
(described below). Once the ball 22 has been seated in the curvate
socket, the rivet 28 can be inserted into the axial bore 26 to
ensure that the ball 22 remains held in the curvate socket. As
described below, an access hole is preferably provided in the
second baseplate 30 so that the interior of the device may be
readily accessed for inserting the rivet 28 into the axial bore 26,
or for other purposes.
[0115] The second baseplate 30 includes an inwardly facing surface
38 that includes a perimeter region 40 and a central circular
recess 42 within which the wide end of the convex structure
resides, and a pair of holes 44 through which rivets 46 (shown in
FIGS. 1g-h) may be provided for securing a shield element 48 that
is placed over the convex structure, which shield 48 thus serves as
an extension of the second baseplate 30 (the shield 48 is more
fully set forth below with and shown on FIGS. 1i-j).
[0116] Referring now to FIGS. 1g-h, the convex structure 31 that
resides in the circular recess 42 is shown in side cutaway (FIG.
1g) and top perspective (FIG. 1h) views. In this embodiment, the
convex structure 31 is frusto-conical and is flexible. Because the
convex structure 31 is flexible, it functions as a force restoring
element (e.g., a spring) that provides axial cushioning to the
device, by deflecting under a compressive load and restoring when
the load is relieved. The flexible convex structure 31 is
preferably, as shown, a belleville washer that has a frusto-conical
shape. The belleville washer 31 preferably, as shown, has spiral
slots and radially extending grooves. The restoring force of the
belleville washer 31 is proportional to the elastic properties of
the material or materials from which it is made. It should be
understood that belleville washers having the configuration shown
can be used with the present invention, but that belleville washers
having other conformations, that is, without or without slots
and/or grooves, and/or with other groove and slots configurations,
including the same or different numbers of grooves and/or slots,
can also be used with and are encompassed by the present
invention.
[0117] The belleville washer 31 comprises a series of spiral slots
33 formed therein. The slots 33 extend from the outer edge of the
belleville washer 31, inward along arcs generally directed toward
the center of the element. The slots 33 do not extend fully to the
center of the element. Preferably, the slots 33 extend anywhere
from a quarter to three quarters of the overall radius of the
washer 31, depending upon the requirements of the patient, and the
anatomical requirements of the device.
[0118] The belleville washer 31 further comprises a series of
grooves 35 formed therein. The grooves 35 extend radially from the
outer edge of the belleville washer 31 toward the center of the
element. Preferably, the width and depth of each groove 35
decreases along the length of the groove 35 from the outer edge of
the washer 31 toward the center of the washer 31, such that the
center of the washer 31 is flat, while the outer edge of the washer
31 has grooves of a maximum groove depth. It should be understood
that in other embodiments, one or both of the depth and the width
of each groove can be (1) increasing along the length of the groove
from the outer edge of the washer toward the center of the washer,
(2) uniform along the length of the groove from the outer edge of
the washer toward the center of the washer, or (3) varied along the
length of each groove from the outer edge of the washer toward the
center of the washer, either randomly or according to a pattern.
Moreover, in other embodiments, it can be the case that each groove
is not formed similarly to one or more other grooves, but rather
one or more grooves are formed in any of the above-mentioned
fashions, while one or more other grooves are formed in another of
the above-mentioned fashions or other fashions. It should be clear
that any groove pattern can be implemented without departing from
the scope of the present invention, including, but not limited to,
at least one radially spaced concentric groove, including, but not
limited to, at least one such groove having at least one dimension
that varies along the length of the groove. Belleville washers
having circumferential extents that radially vary in at least one
dimension, are also contemplated by the present invention.
[0119] As a compressive load is applied to the belleville washer
31, the forces are directed into a hoop stress which tends to
radially expand the washer 31. This hoop stress is counterbalanced
by the material strength of the washer 31, and the force necessary
to widen the spiral slots 33 and the radial grooves 35 along with
the strain of the material causes a deflection in the height of the
washer 31. Stated equivalently, the belleville washer 31 responds
to a compressive load by deflecting compressively; the spiral slots
and/or radial grooves cause the washer to further respond to the
load by spreading as the slots and/or the grooves in the washer
expand under the load. The spring, therefore, provides a restoring
force which is proportional to the elastic modulus of the material
in a hoop stressed condition.
[0120] With regard to the above discussion regarding the curvate
socket that receives the ball 22 of the first baseplate 10, the
curvate socket is formed at the peak of the convex structure 31.
The curvate socket 37 is provided inasmuch as the central opening
of the belleville washer 31 is enlarged. This central opening
includes a curvate volume 37 for receiving therein the ball 22 of
the first baseplate 10. More particularly, the curvate volume 37
has a substantially constant radius of curvature that is also
substantially equivalent to the radius of the ball 22. In this
embodiment, the spiral slots 33 of the washer 31 do not extend all
the way to the central opening, and approach the opening only as
far as the material strength of the washer 31 can handle without
plastically deforming under the expected anatomical loading.
Further in this embodiment, the depth of each groove 35 of the
washer 31 decreases along the length of the groove 35 from the
outer edge of the washer 31 toward the center of the washer 31,
such that the center of the washer 31 is flat, while the outer edge
of the washer 31 has grooves of a maximum groove depth. Therefore,
the central opening can be formed from flat edges. It should be
understood that this is not required, but rather is preferred for
this embodiment.
[0121] The curvate socket 37 has an opening diameter that
accommodates passage therethrough of the ball 22 in a radially
compressed state (but not in an uncompressed state), and a larger
inner diameter that accommodates the ball 22 in the uncompressed
state. Therefore, the ball 22 can be radially compressed to pass
into the curvate socket 37 under force, and then will radially
expand to the uncompressed state once in the curvate socket 37.
Once the rivet 28 is then secured into the axial bore 26, the rivet
28 prevents the ball 22 from radially compressing, and therefore
the ball 22 cannot back out through the opening. An access hole 39
in the second baseplate 30 below the curvate socket 37 has a
diameter that accommodates the diameter of the rivet 28 and thereby
provides easy access to insert the rivet 28 in the axial bore 26
after the ball 22 has been seated in the curvate socket 37. To
prevent the ball 22 from escaping the curvate socket 37 through the
second baseplate 30, the diameter of the access hole 39 is smaller
than the inner diameter of the curvate socket 37.
[0122] The curvate socket 37 defines a spherical contour that
closely accommodates the ball 22 for free rotation and angulation
in its uncompressed state. Therefore, when seated in the curvate
socket 37, the ball 22 can rotate and angulate freely relative to
the curvate socket 37 through a range of angles, thus permitting
the opposing baseplates 10,30 to rotate and angulate freely
relative to one another through a corresponding range of angles
equivalent to the fraction of normal human spine rotation and
angulation (to mimic normal disc rotation and angulation). Further
preferably, the perimeter regions 20,40 have corresponding
contours, so that the meeting of the perimeter regions 20,40 as a
result of the angulation of the baseplates 10,30 reduces any
surface wearing.
[0123] Referring to FIGS. 1i-j, exploded (FIG. 1i) and assembled
(FIG. 1i) views of the preferred embodiment of the first embodiment
family are shown. Included in these views are the shield 48 and the
corresponding rivets 46. More particularly, assembly of the disc is
preferably as follows. The first and second baseplates 10,30 are
disposed so that their outwardly facing surfaces 12,32 face away
from one another and their inwardly facing surfaces 18,38 are
directed toward one another. The convex structure 31 is then
positioned with its wide end in the circular recess 42 of the
second baseplate, so that the curvate socket 37 of the convex
structure 31 is aligned with the ball 22 of the first baseplate 10.
Then, the shield 48 is secured over the belleville washer 31 (the
shield 48 is preferably frusto-conical to follow the shape of the
belleville washer 31, although other shield shapes are suitable and
contemplated by the present invention) by passing the central hole
41 of the shield 48 over the curvate socket 37 and applying the
rivets 46 through rivet holes 43 in the shield 48 and into the
rivet holes 44 in the second baseplate 30. Then, the ball 22 is
pressed into the curvate socket 37 under a force sufficient to
narrow the slots 24 and thereby radially compress the ball 22 until
the ball 22 fits through and passes through the opening of the
curvate socket 37. Once the ball 22 is inside the curvate socket
37, the ball 22 will radially expand as the slots 24 widen until it
has returned to its uncompressed state and the spherical contour
defined by the ball 22 is closely accommodated by the spherical
contour defined by the curvate socket 37 and the ball 22 can rotate
and angulate freely relative to the curvate socket 37. Thereafter,
the rivet 28 is passed through the access hole 39 and pressed into
the axial bore 26 of the ball 22 to prevent any subsequent radially
compression of the ball 22 and therefore any escape from the
curvate socket 37 thereby. Because the diameter of the circular
recess 42 is greater than the diameter of the wide end of the
belleville washer 31, compressive loading of the device (and
therefore the belleville washer) can result in an unrestrained
radial deflection of the belleville washer 31. The spiral slots 33
and radial grooves 35 of the belleville washer 31 enhance this
deflection. When the load is removed, the belleville washer 31
springs back to its original shape.
[0124] Accordingly, when the device of the preferred embodiment of
the first embodiment family is assembled, the baseplates 10,30 are
rotatable relative to one another because the ball 22 rotates
freely within the curvate socket 37, and angulatable relative to
one another because the ball 22 angulates freely within the socket
37. Because the convex structure 31 is flexible (and is housed in
the second baseplate 30 in a manner that permits it to flex), the
baseplates 10,30 are also axially compressible relative to one
another. Because the ball 22 is held within the curvate socket 37
by a rivet 28 in the axial bore 26 preventing radial compression of
the ball 22, the artificial disc can withstand tension loading of
the baseplates 10,30. More particularly, when a tension load is
applied to the baseplates 10,30, the ball 22 in the curvate socket
37 seeks to radially compress to fit through the opening of the
curvate socket 37. However, the rivet 28 in the axial bore 26 of
the ball 22 prevents the radial compression, thereby preventing the
ball 22 from exiting the curvate socket 37. Therefore, the assembly
does not come apart under normally experienced tension loads. This
ensures that no individual parts of the assembly will pop out or
slip out from between the vertebral bodies when, e.g., the patient
stretches or hangs while exercising or performing other activities.
Thus, in combination with the securing of the baseplates 10,30 to
the adjacent vertebral bones via the mesh domes 14,34, the disc
assembly has an integrity similar to the tension-bearing integrity
of a healthy natural intervertebral disc. Also, because the ball 22
is laterally captured in the curvate socket 37, lateral translation
of the baseplates 10,30 relative to one another is prevented during
rotation and angulation, similar to the performance of healthy
natural intervertebral disc. Because the baseplates 10,30 are made
angulatable relative to one another by the ball 22 being rotatably
and angulatably coupled in the curvate socket 37, the disc assembly
provides a centroid of motion within the ball 22. Accordingly, the
centroid of motion of the disc assembly remains centrally located
between the vertebral bodies, similar to the centroid of motion in
a healthy natural intervertebral disc.
[0125] A preferred embodiment of a second embodiment family of the
present invention will now be described.
[0126] Referring to FIGS. 2a-c, a first baseplate 50 of a second
embodiment family of the present invention is shown in top (FIG.
2a), side cutaway (FIG. 2b) and bottom (FIG. 2c) views. Also
referring to FIGS. 2d-f, a second baseplate 70 of the second
embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 2d), side cutaway (FIG. 2e)
and bottom (FIG. 2f) views.
[0127] With regard to the configuration of the convex structure in
this second embodiment family, and the manner in which the ball is
captured in the socket in this second embodiment family, the convex
structure is configured as a non-flexible element that is integral
with the second baseplate, and has the socket of the ball and
socket joint at its peak. More dearly stated, the devices of this
second embodiment family do not feature a flexible convex
structure, and therefore (and also because of the manner in which
the ball is captured in this second embodiment family, discussed
immediately below) there is no need for the convex structure to be
a separate element from the second baseplate. (By contrast, in the
first embodiment family, as discussed above, because the convex
structure is flexible, it is separated from the second baseplate so
that it is able to flex.) In the preferred embodiment, the convex
structure has a frusto-conical shape. The manner of capturing the
ball in the socket in this second embodiment family is identical to
that of the first embodiment family.
[0128] More specifically, the first and second baseplates 50,70 are
similar to the first and second baseplates 10,30 of the first
embodiment family described above with regard to each outwardly
facing surface 52,72 having a vertebral body contact element 54,74
and an adjacent osteoconductive ring 56,76, and each inwardly
facing surface 58,78 having a perimeter region 60,80, all of which
elements in the second embodiment family are, for example,
identical to the corresponding elements in the first embodiment
family as described above.
[0129] Further, as with the first embodiment family, the two
baseplates 50,70 are joined with a ball and socket joint, and
therefore each of the baseplates 50,70 comprises features that, in
conjunction with other components described below, form the ball
and socket joint. More specifically, the first baseplate 50 is
formed similarly to the first baseplate 10 of the first embodiment
family, having a ball 62 mounted to protrude from the inwardly
facing surface 58. The ball 62 preferably has a semispherical shape
defining a spherical contour. The ball 62 is structurally and
functionally identical to the ball 22 of the first embodiment
family, and as such is selectively radially compressible in the
same manner as the ball 22 of the first embodiment family. As with
the ball 22 of the first embodiment family, the ball 62 is
capturable in a curvate socket 77 formed at the peak of a convex
structure 71 protruding from the second baseplate 70. The curvate
socket 77 is functionally and structurally identical to the curvate
socket 37 of the first embodiment family. However, in this second
embodiment family, the convex structure 77 of the device, rather
than being a flexible separate element from the second baseplate as
in the first embodiment family, is integral with the second
baseplate 70. The convex structure 77 is frusto-conical, but is not
flexible, and therefore does not function as a force restoring
element as does the flexible convex structure 37 in the first
embodiment family. Access to the convex structure 77 for providing
easy access to insert the rivet 68 in the axial bore 66 of the ball
62 after the ball 62 has been seated in the curvate socket 77 is
provided by an access hole 79 in the second baseplate 70 below and
leading to the curvate socket 77. The access hole 79 is otherwise
structurally identical to the access hole 39 in the second
baseplate 30 of the first embodiment family.
[0130] Referring to FIGS. 2g-h, an assembled preferred embodiment
of the second embodiment family is shown in exploded (FIG. 2g) and
assembled (FIG. 2h) views. More particularly, assembly of the disc
is preferably as follows. The first and second baseplates 50,70 are
disposed so that their outwardly facing surfaces 52,72 face away
from one another and their inwardly facing surfaces 58,78 are
directed toward one another, and so that the ball 62 of the first
baseplate 50 is aligned with the curvate socket 77 of the convex
structure 71 of the second baseplate 70. Then, the ball 62 is
pressed into the curvate socket 77 under a force sufficient to
narrow the slots 64 and thereby radially compress the ball 62 until
the ball 62 fits through and passes through the opening of the
curvate socket 77. Once the ball 62 is inside the curvate socket
77, the ball 62 will radially expand as the slots 64 widen until it
has returned to its uncompressed state and the spherical contour
defined by the ball 62 is closely accommodated by the spherical
contour defined by the curvate socket 77 and the ball 62 can rotate
and angulate freely relative to the curvate socket 77. Thereafter,
the rivet 68 is passed through the access hole 79 and pressed into
the axial bore 66 of the ball 62 to prevent any subsequent radially
compression of the ball 62 and therefore any escape from the
curvate socket 77 thereby.
[0131] Accordingly, when the device of the preferred embodiment of
the second embodiment family is assembled, the baseplates 50,70 are
rotatable relative to one another because the ball 62 rotates
freely within the curvate socket 77, and angulatable relative to
one another because the ball 62 angulates freely within the socket
77. Because the ball 62 is held within the curvate socket 77 by a
rivet 68 in the axial bore 66 preventing radial compression of the
ball 62, the artificial disc can withstand tension loading of the
baseplates 50,70. More particularly, when a tension load is applied
to the baseplates 50,70, the ball 62 in the curvate socket 77 seeks
to radially compress to fit through the opening of the curvate
socket 77. However, the rivet 68 in the axial bore 66 of the ball
62 prevents the radial compression, thereby preventing the ball 62
from exiting the curvate socket 77. Therefore, the assembly does
not come apart under normally experienced tension loads. This
ensures that no individual parts of the assembly will pop out or
slip out from between the vertebral bodies when, e.g., the patient
stretches or hangs while exercising or performing other activities.
Thus, in combination with the securing of the baseplates 50,70 to
the adjacent vertebral bones via the mesh domes 54,74, the disc
assembly has an integrity similar to the tension-bearing integrity
of a healthy natural intervertebral disc. Also because the ball 62
is laterally captured in the curvate socket 77, lateral translation
of the baseplates 50,70 relative to one another is prevented during
rotation and angulation, similar to the performance of healthy
natural intervertebral disc. Because the baseplates 50,70 are made
angulatable relative to one another by the ball 62 being rotatably
and angulatably coupled in the curvate socket 77, the disc assembly
provides a centroid of motion within the ball 62. Accordingly, the
centroid of motion of the disc assembly remains centrally located
between the vertebral bodies, similar to the centroid of motion in
a healthy natural intervertebral disc.
[0132] Embodiments of the third embodiment family of the present
invention will now be described.
[0133] With regard to the configuration of the convex structure in
the third embodiment family, the convex structure is configured as
a non-flexible element that is integral with the second baseplate,
and has the socket of the ball and socket joint at its peak,
similar to the configuration of the convex structure in the second
embodiment family. In the preferred embodiment, the convex
structure is shaped to have a curved taper.
[0134] With regard to the manner in which the ball is captured in
the socket in the third embodiment family, the capturing is
effected through the use of a solid ball. In order to permit the
seating of the ball into the socket formed at the peak of the
convex structure, the access hole in the second baseplate has a
diameter that accommodates the diameter of the ball, and leads to
the interior of the peak, which interior is formed as a concavity
having an opening diameter that accommodates the diameter of the
ball. (Preferably, the concavity has a curvature closely
accommodating the contour of the ball, and the concavity is either
hemispherical or less-than-hemispherical so that the ball can
easily be placed into it.) Further, in order to maintain the ball
in the socket, an extension of the second baseplate (in the form of
a cap element) is provided for sealing the access hole in the
second baseplate (or reducing the opening diameter of the hole to a
size that does not accommodate the diameter of the ball). The cap
has an interior face that preferably has a concavity (that has a
curvature that closely accommodates the contour of the ball) to
complete the socket. The peak of the convex structure has a bore
that accommodates a post to which the ball and the first baseplate
are attached (one to each end of the post), but does not
accommodate the ball for passage through the bore. Accordingly, the
ball is maintained in the socket.
[0135] A first preferred embodiment of a third embodiment family of
the present invention will now be described.
[0136] Referring to FIGS. 3a-e, a first baseplate 100 of the third
embodiment family of the present invention is shown in top (FIG.
3a), side (FIG. 3b), side cutaway (FIG. 3c), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 3d) and perspective (FIG. 3e) views. Also referring to FIGS.
3f-j, a first type 200 of a second baseplate of the third
embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 3f), side (FIG. 3g), side
cutaway (FIG. 3h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 3i) and perspective
(FIG. 3j) views.
[0137] More specifically, the first and second baseplates 100,200
are similar to the first and second baseplates 50,70 of the second
embodiment family described above with regard to each having an
outwardly facing surface 102,202, and each inwardly facing surface
108,208 having a perimeter region 110,210, all of which elements in
the third embodiment family are, for example, identical to the
corresponding elements in the first embodiment family as described
above. However, each of the first and second baseplates 100,200 in
this second embodiment family instead of having a convex mesh as a
vertebral body contact element, have a convex solid dome 103,203
and a plurality of spikes 105,205 as vertebral body contact
element. Preferably, the dome 103,203 is covered with an
osteoconductive layer of a type known in the art. It should be
noted that the convex solid dome 203 of the second baseplate 200 is
provided in this embodiment (and the other embodiments in this
family) by the cap element (described below) that serves as an
extension of the second baseplate 200 to capture the ball
(described below), as best shown in FIGS. 3u-y. It should also be
noted that the convex mesh used in other embodiments of the present
invention is suitable for use with these other vertebral body
contact elements, and can be attached over the convex dome 103,203
by laser welding, or more preferably, by plasma burying (where the
perimeter region of the convex mesh is buried under a plasma
coating, which coating secures to the outwardly facing surface of
the baseplate to which it is applied, and thus secures the convex
mesh to the outwardly facing surface).
[0138] Further, as with the first embodiment family, the two
baseplates 100,200 are joined with a ball and socket joint, and
therefore each of the baseplates 100,200 comprises features that,
in conjunction with other components described below, form the ball
and socket joint. The ball and socket joint includes a solid ball
(described below) mounted to protrude from the inwardly facing
surface 108 of the first baseplate 100, and a curvate socket formed
at a peak of a non-flexible convex structure (described below) that
is integral with the second baseplate 200, within which curvate
socket the ball is capturable for free rotation and angulation
therein. As shown in FIGS. 3a-e, the mounting for the ball includes
a central hole 112 on the inwardly facing surface 108 of the first
baseplate 100, which hole 112 accepts a tail end of a post
(described below) that has the ball at a head end of the post.
Preferably, the tail end compression locks into the hole 112. As
shown in FIGS. 3f-j, the convex structure 201 is integral with the
second baseplate 200 and includes a curvate pocket 212 formed by a
central portion of the inwardly facing surface 209 of the convex
structure 201 convexing inwardly and by a central portion of an
outwardly facing surface 213 of the convex structure 201 concaving
inwardly. The pocket 212 has a semispherical contour on the central
portion of the outwardly facing surface 213 and an apex at the
center of the semispherical contour. Further, the convex structure
201 has a bore 214 through the apex of the pocket 212, to
accommodate the post Further, the second baseplate 200 has on its
outwardly facing surface 202 an access hole 209 surrounded by a
circular recess 216 leading to the pocket 212, which recess 216
accepts the cap (described below) that serves as an extension of
the second baseplate 200.
[0139] Referring now to FIGS. 3k-o, a first type 300 of the ball of
the third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 3k), side (FIG.
3l), side cutaway (FIG. 3m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 3n) and
perspective (FIG. 3o) views. The ball 300 is mounted at a head end
306 of a post 302 that also has a tail end 304. The ball 300
defines a spherical contour that is interrupted by the shaft of the
post 302.
[0140] Referring now to FIGS. 3p-t, a first type 400 of the cap of
the third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 3p), side (FIG.
3q), side cutaway (FIG. 3r), perspective cutaway (FIG. 3s) and
perspective (FIG. 3t) views. The cap 400 includes an outwardly
facing surface 402 that complements the outwardly facing surface
202 of the second baseplate 200 when the cap 400 is secured in the
circular recess 216 of the second baseplate 200 (preferably, as
shown, the outwardly facing surface 402 of the cap 400 provides the
second baseplate 200 with the convex dome 203, as best shown in
FIGS. 3u-y). The cap 400 further includes an inwardly facing
surface 404, and a curvate pocket 406 formed by a central portion
of the inwardly facing surface 404 of the cap 400 concaving
outwardly. The pocket 406 has a semispherical contour that closely
accommodates the spherical contour defined by the ball 300. The
semispherical contour of the pocket 406 of the cap 400 opposes the
semispherical contour of the pocket 212 of the convex structure 201
such that when the cap 400 is secured in the circular recess 216 of
the second baseplate 200, the semispherical contours together
define a socket 207 defining a spherical contour that closely
accommodates the spherical contour defined by the ball 300 for free
rotation and angulation of the ball 300 in the pockets 406,212.
Each of the semispherical contour of the pocket 406 and the
semispherical contour of the pocket 212 are preferably no greater
than hemispherical, to make easier the assembly of the device.
[0141] Referring now to FIGS. 3u-y, an assembled first preferred
embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
3u), side (FIG. 3v), side cutaway (FIG. 3w), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 3x) and perspective (FIG. 3y) views. More particularly,
assembly of the disc is preferably as follows. The tail end 304 of
the post 302 is passed through the access hole 209 in the second
baseplate 200 and through the bore 214 at the apex of the curvate
pocket 212 of the convex structure 201, and the tail end 304 is
thereafter secured to the central hole 112 in the first baseplate
100. (The access hole 209 has a diameter that accommodates the
diameter of the ball 300 at the head 306 of the post 302, and the
curvate pocket 212 on the outwardly facing surface 213 of the
convex structure 201 has an opening diameter that accommodates the
ball 300 for seating in the pocket 212 when the tail end 304 is
fully passed through the bore 214. Thus, the ball 300 can be placed
through the access hole 209 and into the curvate pocket during this
step.) The bore 214 at the apex of the curvate pocket 212 has a
diameter greater than the diameter of the post 302 but smaller than
the diameter of the ball 300 at the head 306 of the post 302.
Therefore, as the ball 300 is being placed into the curvate pocket
212, the post 302 fits through the bore 214, but the ball 300 does
not, and the convex structure 201 (and the second baseplate 200)
cannot be freed from the ball 300 once the tail end 304 of the post
302 is secured to the first baseplate 100. Although any suitable
method is contemplated by the present invention, the attachment of
the tail end 304 of the post 302 is preferably accomplished by
compression locking (if accomplished alternatively or additionally
by laser welding, the laser weld can, e.g., be applied from the
outwardly facing surface 102 of the first baseplate 100 if the hole
112 passes completely through the first baseplate 100). The tail
end 304 can also alternatively or additionally be threaded into the
central hole 112 for increased stability of the attachment
[0142] The semispherical contour of the pocket 212 closely
accommodates the spherical contour defined by the ball 300, so that
the ball 300 can freely rotate in the pocket 212 about the
longitudinal axis of the post 302, and can freely angulate in the
pocket 212 about a centroid of motion located at the center of the
ball 300. Further, the bore 214 is tapered to a larger diameter
toward the first baseplate 100, to permit the post 302 to angulate
(about the centroid of motion at the center of the ball 300) with
respect to the bore 214 as the ball 300 angulates in the pocket
212. Preferably, the conformation of the taper accommodates
angulation of the post 302 at least until the perimeter regions
110,210 of the inwardly facing surfaces 108,208/211 meet.
[0143] Finally, the cap 400 is secured in the circular recess 216
of the second baseplate 200, so that the curvate pocket 406 of the
cap 400 and the opposing curvate pocket 212 of the convex structure
201 together form the socket 207 defining the spherical contour
within which the ball 300 at the head 306 of the post 302 freely
rotates and angulates as described above. The application of the
cap 400 also seals the access hole 209 in the second baseplate (or,
if the cap 400 has a bore, it preferably reduces the diameter of
the access hole 209 to a size that does not accommodate the
diameter of the ball 300). Although any suitable method is
contemplated by the present invention, the cap 400 preferably is
secured in the circular recess 216 by compression locking (a laser
weld can alternatively or additionally be used, or other suitable
attachment means). As stated above, the cap 400 preferably has an
outwardly facing surface 402 that complements the outwardly facing
surface 202 of the second baseplate 200 for surface uniformity once
the cap 400 is secured. The cap 400 may also additionally or
alternatively be threaded into the circular recess 216 for
increased stability of the attachment.
[0144] Referring now to FIG. 3z, an assembled alternate first
preferred embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate first preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part cap (with first part 4000a and second
part 4000b) housing a spring member 4100 that provides axial
compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 4100. Elements of this
alternate first preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the first preferred embodiment are like numbered, and the
assembly of this alternate first preferred embodiment is identical
to that of the first preferred embodiment, with some differences
due to the incorporation of the spring member 4100. (For example,
the cap features are numbered in the 4000's rather than the 400's.)
More particularly, assembly of the disc is preferably as follows.
The tail end 304 of the post 302 is passed through the access hole
209 in the second baseplate 200 and through the bore 214 at the
apex of the curvate pocket 212 of the convex structure 201, and the
tail end 304 is thereafter secured to the central hole 112 in the
first baseplate 100. (The access hole 209 has a diameter that
accommodates the diameter of the ball 300 at the head 306 of the
post 302, and the curvate pocket 212 on the outwardly facing
surface 213 of the convex structure 201 has an opening diameter
that accommodates the ball 300 for seating in the pocket 212 when
the tail end 304 is fully passed through the bore 214. Thus, the
ball 300 can be placed through the access hole 209 and into the
curvate pocket during this step.) The bore 214 at the apex of the
curvate pocket 212 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the
post 302 but smaller than the diameter of the ball 300 at the head
306 of the post 302. Therefore, as the ball 300 is being placed
into the curvate pocket 212, the post 302 fits through the bore
214, but the ball 300 does not, and the convex structure 201 (and
the second baseplate 200) cannot be freed from the ball 300 once
the tail end 304 of the post 302 is secured to the first baseplate
100. Although any suitable method is contemplated by the present
invention, the attachment of the tail end 304 of the post 302 is
preferably accomplished by compression locking (if accomplished
alternatively or additionally by laser welding, the laser weld can,
e.g., be applied from the outwardly facing surface 102 of the first
baseplate 100 if the hole 112 passes completely through the first
baseplate 100). The tail end 304 can also alternatively or
additionally be threaded into the central hole 112 for increased
stability of the attachment.
[0145] The semispherical contour of the pocket 212 closely
accommodates the spherical contour defined by the ball 300, so that
the ball 300 can freely rotate in the pocket 212 about the
longitudinal axis of the post 302, and can freely angulate in the
pocket 212 about a centroid of motion located at the center of the
ball 300. Further, the bore 214 is tapered to a larger diameter
toward the first baseplate 100, to permit the post 302 to angulate
(about the centroid of motion at the center of the ball 300) with
respect to the bore 214 as the ball 300 angulates in the pocket
212. Preferably, the conformation of the taper accommodates
angulation of the post 302 at least until the perimeter regions
110,210 of the inwardly facing surfaces 108,208/211 meet.
[0146] The second part 4000b of the multi-part cap is secured in
the circular recess 216 of the second baseplate 200, so that the
curvate pocket 4060 of the inwardly facing surface 4040b of the cap
second part 4000b and the opposing curvate pocket 212 of the convex
structure 201 together form the socket 207 defining the spherical
contour within which the ball 300 at the head 306 of the post 302
freely rotates and angulates as described above. The application of
the cap second part 4000b (and the cap first part 4000a) also seals
the access hole 209 in the second baseplate (or, if the cap second
and first parts 4000b, 4000a have bores, it preferably reduces the
diameter of the access hole 209 to a size that does not accommodate
the diameter of the ball 300). The cap second part 4000b is
preferably not compressed into, but rather fits loosely within the
boundaries of, the circular recess 216, so that when the first
baseplate 100 is compressed toward the second baseplate 200, the
cap second part 4000b may travel toward the cap first part 4000a as
the spring member 4100 compresses (due to the cap first part 4000a
being secured in the circular recess 216 to the second baseplate
200). The spring member 4100 is then disposed on the outwardly
facing surface 4020b of the cap second part 4000b. While not
limited to any particular structure, assembly, or material, a
spring member providing shock absorption preferably includes an
elastomeric material, such as, for example, polyurethane or
silicon, and a spring member providing shock dampening preferably
includes a plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. It
should be understood that metal springs may alternatively or
additionally be used. The illustrated spring member 4100 is formed
of an elastomeric material, for example. The illustrated spring
member 4100 is ring-shaped, for example, such that it fits just
inside the circumferential edge of the outwardly facing surface
4020b of the cap second part 4000b as shown.
[0147] Finally, the cap first part 4000a is secured in the circular
recess 216 of the second baseplate 200 to incarcerate the cap
second part 4000b, and the spring member 4100 between the outwardly
facing surface 4020b of the cap second part 4000b and the inwardly
facing surface 4040a of the cap first part 4000a. Although any
suitable method is contemplated by the present invention, the cap
first part 4000a preferably is secured in the circular recess 216
by compression locking (a laser weld can alternatively or
additionally be used, or other suitable attachment means). The cap
second part 4000b should be dimensioned such that, and the spring
member 4100 should have an uncompressed height such that, a gap is
present between the outwardly facing surface 4020b of the cap
second part 4000b and the inwardly facing surface 4040a of the cap
first part 4000a when the disc is assembled. The gap preferably has
a height equivalent to the anticipated distance that the spring
member 4100 will compress under an anticipated load. The cap first
part 4000a preferably has an outwardly facing surface 4020a that
complements the outwardly facing surface 202 of the second
baseplate 200 for surface uniformity once the cap first part 4000a
is secured. The cap first part 4000a may also additionally or
alternatively be threaded into the circular recess 216 for
increased stability of the attachment. Accordingly, in this
alternate first preferred embodiment, part or all of a compressive
load applied to the baseplates will be borne by the spring member
4100, which will dampen the load and/or absorb the load and
preferably help return the baseplates to their original
uncompressed relative positions.
[0148] Accordingly, when a device of the first preferred embodiment
of the third embodiment family is assembled, the baseplates are
rotatable relative to one another because the ball 300 rotates
freely within the socket 207, and angulatable relative to one
another because the ball 300 angulates freely within the socket
207. Because the ball 300 is held within the socket 207 by the
securing of the tail end 304 of the post 302 to the first baseplate
100 and the securing of the cap 400 (or cap first part 4000a) to
the second baseplate 200, the artificial disc can withstand tension
loading of the baseplates 100,200. More particularly, when a
tension load is applied to the baseplates 100,200 the ball 300
seeks to pass through the bore 214 at the apex of the curvate
pocket 212. However, the smaller diameter of the bore 214 relative
to the diameter of the ball 300 prevents the ball 300 from exiting
the socket 207. Therefore, the assembly does not come apart under
normally experienced tension loads. This ensures that no individual
parts of the assembly will pop out or slip out from between the
vertebral bodies when, e.g., the patient stretches or hangs while
exercising or performing other activities. Thus, in combination
with the securing of the baseplates 100,200 to the adjacent
vertebral bones via the domes 103,203 and spikes 105,205, the disc
assembly has an integrity similar to the tension-bearing integrity
of a healthy natural intervertebral disc. Also because the ball 300
is laterally captured in the socket 207, lateral translation of the
baseplates 100,200 relative to one another is prevented during
rotation and angulation, similar to the performance of healthy
natural intervertebral disc. Because the baseplates 100,200 are
made angulatable relative to one another by the ball 300 being
rotatably and angulatably coupled in the socket 207, the disc
assembly provides a centroid of motion within the ball 300.
Accordingly, the centroid of motion of the disc assembly remains
centrally located between the vertebral bodies, similar to the
centroid of motion in a healthy natural intervertebral disc.
[0149] The remaining embodiments in the third embodiment family of
the present invention limit the rotation (but preferably not the
angulation) of the ball in the socket defined by the pocket of the
convex structure and the pocket of the cap. Each embodiment
accomplishes this in a different manner, but each embodiment
utilizes interference between a protrusion and a recess to limit
the rotation. In some embodiments, the protrusion is preferably
hemispherical, and the recess preferably has a semicylindrical
contour within which the protrusion fits. In other embodiments, the
protrusion is preferably hemispherical, and the recess preferably
has a curvate contour that is not semicylindrical. (It should be
understood that the described formations of the recess and the
protrusion are merely preferred, and that alternate formations,
curvate or otherwise, for each are contemplated by the present
invention; a particular shape or location of recess or a particular
shape or location of protrusion is not required; any shape can be
used so long as the recess and protrusion interact as desired. For
example, the recess in the second preferred embodiment of the third
embodiment family has a curvate contour that is not semicylindrical
so that it optimally interacts with the protrusion in that
embodiment.) The boundaries of the recess define the limits of
rotation of the ball within the socket, by allowing movement of the
protrusion relative to the recess as the ball rotates through a
certain range in the socket, but providing interference with the
protrusion to prevent rotation of the ball beyond that range in the
socket. Preferably, for example, the recess has a depth equivalent
to the radius of the protrusion, but a radius of curvature greater
than that of the protrusion. At the same time, the boundaries of
the recess preferably do not limit the angulation of the ball
within the socket, at least until the perimeter regions of the
inwardly facing surfaces meet. Preferably for example, the recess
has a length greater than the range of movement of the protrusion
relative to the recess as the ball angulates in the socket.
[0150] Therefore, when assembled, the discs of the remaining
preferred embodiments of the third embodiment family enable
angulation and limited rotation of the baseplates relative to one
another about a centroid of motion that remains centrally located
between the baseplates (at the center of the sphere defined by the
ball), similar to the centroid of motion in a healthy natural
intervertebral disc that is limited in its rotation by surrounding
body structures. A benefit of limiting the relative rotation of the
baseplates is that relative rotation beyond a certain range in a
healthy natural disc is neither needed nor desired, because, for
example, excess strain can be placed on the facet joints or
ligaments thereby. As described with the first preferred embodiment
of the third embodiment family, the construction also prevents
translation and separation of the baseplates relative to one
another during rotation and angulation.
[0151] As noted above, each of the remaining preferred embodiments
in this third embodiment family forms the protrusion and
corresponding recess in a different manner, utilizing components
that are either identical or similar to the components of the first
preferred embodiment, and some embodiments utilize additional
components. Each of the remaining preferred embodiments will now be
described in greater detail.
[0152] In the second preferred embodiment of the third embodiment
family of the present invention, a hemispherical protrusion is
formed on the ball itself, and interacts in the above-described
manner with a curvate recess formed adjacent the socket defined by
the pocket of the convex structure and the pocket of the cap. More
particularly, this second preferred embodiment uses the same first
baseplate 100 as the first preferred embodiment of the third
embodiment family described above. Referring to FIGS. 4a-e, a
second type 500 of second baseplate of the third embodiment family
is shown in top (FIG. 4a), side (FIG. 4b), side cutaway (FIG. 4c),
perspective cutaway (FIG. 4d) and perspective (FIG. 4e) views. This
second type 500 of second baseplate is identical to the first type
200 of second baseplate described above (and thus similar features
are reference numbered similar to those of the first type 200 of
second baseplate, but in the 500s rather than the 200s), except
that this second type 500 of second baseplate has a curvate recess
518 adjacent the curvate pocket 512 in the convex structure
501.
[0153] Referring now to FIGS. 4f-j, a second type 600 of ball of
the third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 4l), side (FIG.
4g), side cutaway (FIG. 4h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 4i) and
perspective (FIG. 4j) views. The ball 600 is identical to the first
type 300 of ball described above (and thus similar features are
reference numbered similar to those of the first type 300 of ball,
but in the 600s rather than the 300s), except that the spherical
contour defined by this second type 600 of ball is also interrupted
by a hemispherical protrusion 608.
[0154] Referring now to FIGS. 4k-o, a second type 700 of cap of the
third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 4k), side (FIG. 4l),
side cutaway (FIG. 4m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 4n) and
perspective (FIG. 4o) views. This second type 700 of cap is
identical to the first type 400 of cap described above (and thus
similar features are reference numbered similar to those of the
first type 400 of cap, but in the 700s rather than the 400s),
except that this second type 700 of cap has a curvate recess 708
adjacent the curvate pocket 706.
[0155] Referring now to FIGS. 4p-t, an assembled second preferred
embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
4p), side (FIG. 4q), side cutaway (FIG. 4r), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 4s) and perspective (FIG. 4t) views. It can be seen that the
curvate recesses 518,708 together form the recess described above
in the discussion of the manner in which these remaining
embodiments limit rotation of the ball in the socket, and that the
protrusion 608 serves as the protrusion described above in the same
discussion. Thus, the protrusion 608 and recesses 518,708 interact
in the above described manner to limit the rotation of the ball 600
in the socket 507 defined by the curvate pockets 512,706. Assembly
of the disc is identical to that of the first preferred embodiment
of the third embodiment family, except that the protrusion 608 is
longitudinally aligned with the recess 518, and the recess 708 is
similarly aligned, so that when the cap 700 is secured to the
second baseplate 500, the protrusion 608 is fitted within the
recesses 518,708 for interaction as described above as the ball 600
rotates and angulates in the socket 507.
[0156] Referring now to FIG. 4u, an assembled alternate second
preferred embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate second preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part cap (with first part 7000a and second
part 7000b) housing a spring member 7100 that provides axial
compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 7100. Elements of this
alternate second preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the second preferred embodiment are like numbered. (The cap
features are numbered in the 7000's rather than the 700's.) The
curvate recesses 518,7080 together form the recess described above,
and the protrusion 608 serves as the protrusion described above,
and thus the protrusion 608 and the recesses 518,7080 interact in
the above described manner to limit the rotation of the ball 600 in
the socket 507 defined by the curvate pockets 512,7060.
[0157] Assembly of this alternate second preferred embodiment is
identical to that of the alternate first preferred embodiment of
the third embodiment family, except that the protrusion 608 is
longitudinally aligned with the recess 518, and the recess 7080 is
similarly aligned, so that when the cap second part 7000b is
disposed in the circular recess 516 of the second baseplate 500,
the protrusion 608 is fitted within the recesses 518,7080 for
interaction as described above as the ball 600 rotates and
angulates in the socket 507. The cap second part 7000b is
preferably not compressed into, but rather fits loosely within, the
circular recess 516, so that when the first baseplate 100 is
compressed toward the second baseplate 500, the cap second part
7000b may travel toward the cap first part 7000a as the spring
member 7100 compresses (due to the cap first part 7000a being
secured in the circular recess 516 to the second baseplate 500).
The spring member 7100 is then disposed on the outwardly facing
surface 7020b of the cap second part 7000b. While not limited to
any particular structure, assembly, or material, a spring member
providing shock absorption preferably includes an elastomeric
material, such as, for example, polyurethane or silicon, and a
spring member providing shock dampening preferably includes a
plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. It should be
understood that metal springs may alternatively or additionally be
used. The illustrated spring member 7100 is formed of an
elastomeric material, for example. The illustrated spring member
7100 is ring-shaped, for example, such that it fits just inside the
circumferential edge of the outwardly facing surface 7020b of the
cap second part 7000b as shown.
[0158] Finally, the cap first part 7000a is secured in the circular
recess 516 of the second baseplate 500 to incarcerate the cap
second part 7000b, and the spring member 7100 between the outwardly
facing surface 7020b of the cap second part 7000b and the inwardly
facing surface 7040a of the cap first part 7000a. Although any
suitable method is contemplated by the present invention, the cap
first part 7000a preferably is secured in the circular recess 516
by compression locking (a laser weld can alternatively or
additionally be used, or other suitable attachment means). The cap
second part 7000b should be dimensioned such that, and the spring
member 7100 should have an uncompressed height such that, a gap is
present between the outwardly facing surface 7020b of the cap
second part 7000b and the inwardly facing surface 7040a of the cap
first part 7000a when the disc is assembled. The gap preferably has
a height equivalent to the anticipated distance that the spring
member 7100 will compress under an anticipated load. The cap first
part 7000a preferably has an outwardly facing surface 7020a that
complements the outwardly facing surface 502 of the second
baseplate 500 for surface uniformity once the cap first part 7000a
is secured. The cap first part 7000a may also additionally or
alternatively be threaded into the circular recess 516 for
increased stability of the attachment. Accordingly, in this
alternate first preferred embodiment, part or all of a compressive
load applied to the baseplates will be borne by the spring member
7100, which will dampen the load and/or absorb the load and
preferably help return the baseplates to their original
uncompressed relative positions.
[0159] In the third preferred embodiment of the third embodiment
family of the present invention, a hemispherical protrusion is
formed to protrude into the socket defined by the pocket of the
convex structure and the pocket of the cap, and interacts in the
above-described manner with a semicylindrical recess formed on the
ball. More particularly, this third preferred embodiment uses the
same first baseplate 100 and the same cap 400 as the first
preferred embodiment of the third embodiment family. Referring to
FIGS. 5a-e, a third type 800 of second baseplate of the third
embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 5a), side (FIG. 5b), side
cutaway (FIG. 5c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 5d) and perspective
(FIG. 5e) views. This third type 800 of second baseplate is
identical to the first type 200 of second baseplate described above
(and thus similar features are reference numbered similar to those
of the first type 200 of second baseplate, but in the 800s rather
than the 200s), except that this third type 800 of second baseplate
has a protrusion 818 jutting out from the wall of the pocket 812 in
the convex structure 801.
[0160] Referring now to FIGS. 5f-j, a third type 900 of ball of the
third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 5f), side (FIG. 5g),
side cutaway (FIG. 5h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 5i) and
perspective (FIG. 5j) views. The ball 900 is identical to the first
type 300 of ball described above (and thus similar features are
reference numbered similar to those of the first type 300 of ball,
but in the 900s rather than the 300s), except that the spherical
contour of this third type 900 of ball is also interrupted by a
curvate recess 908.
[0161] Referring now to FIGS. 5k-o, an assembled third preferred
embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
5k), side (FIG. 5l), side cutaway (FIG. 5m), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 5n) and perspective (FIG. 5o) views. It can be seen that the
curvate recess 908 forms the recess described above in the
discussion of the manner in which these remaining embodiments limit
rotation of the ball in the socket, and that the protrusion 818
serves as the protrusion described above in the same discussion.
Thus, the protrusion 818 and recess 908 interact in the above
described manner to limit the rotation of the ball 900 in the
socket 807 defined by the curvate pockets 812,406. Assembly of the
disc is identical to that of the first preferred embodiment of the
third embodiment family, except that the protrusion 818 is
longitudinally aligned with the recess 908 during assembly so that
the protrusion 818 is fitted within the recess 908 for interaction
as described above as the ball 900 rotates and angulates in the
socket 807.
[0162] Referring now to FIG. 5p, an assembled alternate third
preferred embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate third preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part cap (with first part 4000a and second
part 4000b) housing a spring member 4100 that provides axial
compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 4100. Elements of this
alternate third preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the third preferred embodiment are like numbered. (The cap
features are numbered in the 4000's rather than the 400's.) The
curvate recess 908 forms the recess described above, and the
protrusion 818 serves as the protrusion described above, and thus
the protrusion 818 and the recess 908 interact in the above
described manner to limit the rotation of the ball 900 in the
socket 807 defined by the curvate pockets 812,4060.
[0163] Assembly of this alternate third preferred embodiment is
identical to that of the alternate first preferred embodiment of
the third embodiment family, except that the protrusion 818 is
longitudinally aligned with the recess 908 during assembly so that
the protrusion 818 is fitted within the recess 908 for interaction
as described above as the ball 900 rotates and angulates in the
socket 807. The cap second part 4000b is preferably not compressed
into, but rather fits loosely within, the circular recess 816, so
that when the first baseplate 100 is compressed toward the second
baseplate 800, the cap second part 4000b may travel toward the cap
first part 4000a as the spring member 4100 compresses (due to the
cap first part 4000a being secured in the circular recess 816 to
the second baseplate 800). The spring member 4100 is then disposed
on the outwardly facing surface 4020b of the cap second part 4000b.
While not limited to any particular structure, assembly, or
material, a spring member providing shock absorption preferably
includes an elastomeric material, such as, for example,
polyurethane or silicon, and a spring member providing shock
dampening preferably includes a plastic material, such as, for
example, polyethylene. It should be understood that metal springs
may alternatively or additionally be used. The illustrated spring
member 4100 is formed of an elastomeric material, for example. The
illustrated spring member 4100 is ring-shaped, for example, such
that it fits just inside the circumferential edge of the outwardly
facing surface 4020b of the cap second part 4000b as shown.
[0164] Finally, the cap first part 4000a is secured in the circular
recess 816 of the second baseplate 800 to incarcerate the cap
second part 4000b, and the spring member 4100 between the outwardly
facing surface 4020b of the cap second part 4000b and the inwardly
facing surface 4040a of the cap first part 4000a. Although any
suitable method is contemplated by the present invention, the cap
first part 4000a preferably is secured in the circular recess 816
by compression locking (a laser weld can alternatively or
additionally be used, or other suitable attachment means). The cap
second part 4000b should be dimensioned such that, and the spring
member 4100 should have an uncompressed height such that, a gap is
present between the outwardly facing surface 4020b of the cap
second part 4000b and the inwardly facing surface 4040a of the cap
first part 4000a when the disc is assembled. The gap preferably has
a height equivalent to the anticipated distance that the spring
member 4100 will compress under an anticipated load. The cap first
part 4000a preferably has an outwardly facing surface 4020a that
complements the outwardly facing surface 802 of the second
baseplate 800 for surface uniformity once the cap first part 4000a
is secured. The cap first part 4000a may also additionally or
alternatively be threaded into the circular recess 816 for
increased stability of the attachment. Accordingly, in this
alternate first preferred embodiment, part or all of a compressive
load applied to the baseplates will be borne by the spring member
4100, which will dampen the load and/or absorb the load and
preferably help return the baseplates to their original
uncompressed relative positions.
[0165] In the fourth preferred embodiment of the third embodiment
family of the present invention, a pin is secured in a pin hole so
that the hemispherical head of the pin protrudes into the socket
defined by the pocket of the convex structure and the pocket of the
cap, and interacts in the above-described manner with a
semicylindrical recess formed on the ball. More particularly, this
fourth preferred embodiment uses the same first baseplate 100 and
cap 400 of the first preferred embodiment, and the same ball 900 of
the third preferred embodiment, but utilizes a fourth type of
second baseplate of the third embodiment family. Referring to FIGS.
6a-e, the fourth type 1000 of second baseplate is shown in top
(FIG. 6a), side (FIG. 6b), side cutaway (FIG. 6c), perspective
cutaway (FIG. 6d) and perspective (FIG. 6e) views. This fourth type
1000 of second baseplate is identical to the first type 200 of
second baseplate described above (and thus similar features are
reference numbered similar to those of the first type 200 of second
baseplate, but in the 1000s rather than the 200s), except that this
fourth type 1000 of second baseplate has a lateral through hole
(e.g., a pin hole 1020) and a protrusion (e.g., a pin 1018) secured
in the pin hole 1020 (as shown in FIGS. 6f-j) with the
hemispherical head of the pin 1018 jutting out from the wall of the
pocket 1012 toward the center of the pocket 1012 in the convex
structure 1001.
[0166] Referring now to FIGS. 6f-j, an assembled fourth preferred
embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
6f), side (FIG. 6g), side cutaway (FIG. 6h), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 6i) and perspective (FIG. 6j) views. It can be seen that the
curvate recess 908 of the ball 900 forms the recess described above
in the discussion of the manner in which these remaining
embodiments limit rotation of the ball in the socket, and that the
head of the pin 1018 serves as the protrusion described above in
the same discussion. Thus, the head of the pin 1018 and the recess
908 interact in the above described manner to limit the rotation of
the ball 900 in the socket 1007 defined by the curvate pockets
1012,406. Assembly of the disc is identical to that of the first
preferred embodiment of the third embodiment family, except that
the head of the pin 1018 is longitudinally aligned with the recess
908 during assembly so that the head of the pin 1018 is fitted
within the recess 908 for interaction as described above as the
ball 900 rotates and angulates in the socket 1007.
[0167] Referring now to FIG. 6k, an assembled alternate fourth
preferred embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate fourth preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part cap (with first part 4000a and second
part 4000b) housing a spring member 4100 that provides axial
compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 4100. Elements of this
alternate fourth preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the fourth preferred embodiment are like numbered. (The cap
features are numbered in the 4000's rather than the 400's.) The
curvate recess 908 of the ball 900 forms the recess described
above, and the head of the pin 1018 serves as the protrusion
described above, and thus the head of the pin 1018 and the recess
908 interact in the above described manner to limit the rotation of
the ball 900 in the socket 1007 defined by the curvate pockets
1012,4060.
[0168] Assembly of this alternate fourth preferred embodiment is
identical to that of the alternate first preferred embodiment of
the third embodiment family, except that the head of the pin 1018
is longitudinally aligned with the recess 908 during assembly so
that the head of the pin 1018 is fitted within the recess 908 for
interaction as described above as the ball 900 rotates and
angulates in the socket 1007. The cap second part 4000b is
preferably not compressed into, but rather fits loosely within, the
circular recess 1016, so that when the first baseplate 100 is
compressed toward the second baseplate 1000, the cap second part
4000b may travel toward the cap first part 4000a as the spring
member 4100 compresses (due to the cap first part 4000a being
secured in the circular recess 1016 to the second baseplate 1000).
The spring member 4100 is then disposed on the outwardly facing
surface 4020b of the cap second part 4000b. While not limited to
any particular structure, assembly, or material, a spring member
providing shock absorption preferably includes an elastomeric
material, such as, for example, polyurethane or silicon, and a
spring member providing shock dampening preferably includes a
plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. It should be
understood that metal springs may alternatively or additionally be
used. The illustrated spring member 4100 is formed of an
elastomeric material, for example. The illustrated spring member
4100 is ring-shaped, for example, such that it fits just inside the
circumferential edge of the outwardly facing surface 4020b of the
cap second part 4000b as shown.
[0169] Finally, the cap first part 4000a is secured in the circular
recess 1016 of the second baseplate 1000 to incarcerate the cap
second part 4000b, and the spring member 4100 between the outwardly
facing surface 4020b of the cap second part 4000b and the inwardly
facing surface 4040a of the cap first part 4000a. Although any
suitable method is contemplated by the present invention, the cap
first part 4000a preferably is secured in the circular recess 1016
by compression locking (a laser weld can alternatively or
additionally be used, or other suitable attachment means). The cap
second part 4000b should be dimensioned such that, and the spring
member 4100 should have an uncompressed height such that, a gap is
present between the outwardly facing surface 4020b of the cap
second part 4000b and the inwardly facing surface 4040a of the cap
first part 4000a when the disc is assembled. The gap preferably has
a height equivalent to the anticipated distance that the spring
member 4100 will compress under an anticipated load. The cap first
part 4000a preferably has an outwardly facing surface 4020a that
complements the outwardly facing surface 1002 of the second
baseplate 1000 for surface uniformity once the cap first part 4000a
is secured. The cap first part 4000a may also additionally or
alternatively be threaded into the circular recess 1016 for
increased stability of the attachment. Accordingly, in this
alternate first preferred embodiment, part or all of a compressive
load applied to the baseplates will be borne by the spring member
4100, which will dampen the load and/or absorb the load and
preferably help return the baseplates to their original
uncompressed relative positions.
[0170] In the fifth preferred embodiment of the third embodiment
family of the present invention, a ball bearing protrudes into the
socket defined by the pocket of the convex structure and the pocket
of the cap, and interacts in the above-described manner with a
semicylindrical recess formed on the ball. More particularly, this
fifth preferred embodiment uses the same first baseplate 100 and
cap 400 of the first preferred embodiment, and the same ball 900 of
the third preferred embodiment, but utilizes a fifth type of second
baseplate of the third embodiment family. Referring to FIGS. 7a-e,
the fifth type 1200 of second baseplate is shown in top (FIG. 7a),
side (FIG. 7b), side cutaway (FIG. 7c), perspective cutaway (FIG.
7d) and perspective (FIG. 7e) views. This fifth type 1200 of second
baseplate is identical to the first type 200 of second baseplate
described above (and thus similar features are reference numbered
similar to those of the first type 200 of second baseplate, but in
the 1200s rather than the 200s), except that this fifth type 1200
of second baseplate has a recess 1218 adjacent the curvate pocket
1212 in the convex structure 1201, the recess 1218 preferably being
semicylindrical as shown.
[0171] Referring now to FIGS. 7f-j, an assembled fifth preferred
embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
7f), side (FIG. 7g), side cutaway (FIG. 7h), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 7i) and perspective (FIG. 7j) views. A ball bearing 1300 of
the third embodiment family is captured for free rotation and
angulation with one part closely accommodated in the
semicylindrical recess 1218 and one part protruding into the
curvate pocket 1212 to interact with the curvate recess 908 of the
ball 900. It can be seen that the curvate recess 908 of the ball
900 forms the recess described above in the discussion of the
manner in which these remaining embodiments limit rotation of the
ball in the socket, and that the ball bearing 1300 serves as the
protrusion described above in the same discussion. Thus, the ball
bearing 1300 and the recess 908 interact in the above described
manner to limit the rotation of the ball 900 in the socket 1207
defined by the curvate pockets 1212,406. Assembly of the disc is
identical to that of the first preferred embodiment of the third
embodiment family, except that the semicylindrical recess 1218 is
longitudinally aligned with the curvate recess 908 during assembly
so that the ball bearing 1300 can be and is then placed into the
recesses 1218,908 for interaction as described above as the ball
900 rotates and angulates in the socket 1207.
[0172] Referring now to FIG. 7k, an assembled alternate fifth
preferred embodiment of the third embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate fifth preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part cap (with first part 4000a and second
part 4000b) housing a spring member 4100 that provides axial
compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 4100. Elements of this
alternate fourth preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the fourth preferred embodiment are like numbered. (The cap
features are numbered in the 4000's rather than the 400's.) The
curvate recess 908 of the ball 900 forms the recess described
above, and the ball bearing 1300 serves as the protrusion described
above, and thus the ball bearing 1300 and the recess 908 interact
in the above described manner to limit the rotation of the ball 900
in the socket 1207 defined by the curvate pockets 1212,4060.
[0173] Assembly of this alternate fifth preferred embodiment is
identical to that of the alternate first preferred embodiment of
the third embodiment family, except that the semicylindrical recess
1218 is longitudinally aligned with the curvate recess 908 during
assembly so that the ball bearing 1300 can be and is then placed
into the recesses 1218,908 for interaction as described above as
the ball 900 rotates and angulates in the socket 1207. The cap
second part 4000b is preferably not compressed into, but rather
fits loosely within, the circular recess 1216, so that when the
first baseplate 100 is compressed toward the second baseplate 1200,
the cap second part 4000b may travel toward the cap first part
4000a as the spring member 4100 compresses (due to the cap first
part 4000a being secured in the circular recess 1216 to the second
baseplate 1200). The spring member 4100 is then disposed on the
outwardly facing surface 4020b of the cap second part 4000b. While
not limited to any particular structure, assembly, or material, a
spring member providing shock absorption preferably includes an
elastomeric material, such as, for example, polyurethane or
silicon, and a spring member providing shock dampening preferably
includes a plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. It
should be understood that metal springs may alternatively or
additionally be used. The illustrated spring member 4100 is formed
of an elastomeric material, for example. The illustrated spring
member 4100 is ring-shaped, for example, such that it fits just
inside the circumferential edge of the outwardly facing surface
4020b of the cap second part 4000b as shown.
[0174] Finally, the cap first part 4000a is secured in the circular
recess 1216 of the second baseplate 1200 to incarcerate the cap
second part 4000b, and the spring member 4100 between the outwardly
facing surface 4020b of the cap second part 4000b and the inwardly
facing surface 4040a of the cap first part 4000a. Although any
suitable method is contemplated by the present invention, the cap
first part 4000a preferably is secured in the circular recess 1216
by compression locking (a laser weld can alternatively or
additionally be used, or other suitable attachment means). The cap
second part 4000b should be dimensioned such that, and the spring
member 4100 should have an uncompressed height such that, a gap is
present between the outwardly facing surface 4020b of the cap
second part 4000b and the inwardly facing surface 4040a of the cap
first part 4000a when the disc is assembled. The gap preferably has
a height equivalent to the anticipated distance that the spring
member 4100 will compress under an anticipated load. The cap first
part 4000a preferably has an outwardly facing surface 4020a that
complements the outwardly facing surface 1202 of the second
baseplate 1200 for surface uniformity once the cap first part 4000a
is secured. The cap first part 4000a may also additionally or
alternatively be threaded into the circular recess 1216 for
increased stability of the attachment. Accordingly, in this
alternate first preferred embodiment, part or all of a compressive
load applied to the baseplates will be borne by the spring member
4100, which will dampen the load and/or absorb the load and
preferably help return the baseplates to their original
uncompressed relative positions.
[0175] Embodiments of the fourth embodiment family of the present
invention will now be described.
[0176] With regard to the configuration of the convex structure in
the fourth embodiment family, the convex structure is configured as
a non-flexible element that has the socket of the ball and socket
joint at its peak. In the preferred embodiment, the convex
structure is shaped to have a curved taper, similar to the
configuration of the convex structure in the third embodiment
family. The convex structure in the fourth embodiment family is
separated from the second baseplate during assembly of the device,
for reasons related to the manner in which the ball is captured in
the socket, but is attached to the second baseplate by the time
assembly is complete.
[0177] With regard to the manner in which the ball is captured in
the socket in the fourth embodiment family, the capturing is
effected through the use of a solid ball. In order to permit the
seating of the ball into the socket formed at the peak of the
convex structure, the convex structure is a separate element from
the second baseplate. The ball is first seated against the central
portion of the second baseplate (which central portion preferably
has a concavity that has a curvature that closely accommodates the
contour of the ball), and then the convex structure is placed over
the ball to seat the ball in the socket formed in the interior of
the peak of the convex structure (the interior is preferably formed
as a concavity that is either hemispherical or
less-than-hemispherical so that the ball can easily fit into it).
After the convex structure is placed over the ball, the convex
structure is attached to the second baseplate to secure the ball in
the socket. As in the third embodiment family, the peak of the
convex structure has a bore that accommodates a post to which the
ball and the first baseplate are attached (one to each end of the
post), but does not accommodate the ball for passage through the
bore. Accordingly, the ball is maintained in the socket.
[0178] A first preferred embodiment of a fourth embodiment family
of the present invention will now be described.
[0179] Referring to FIGS. 8a-e, a first baseplate 1400 of a fourth
embodiment family of the present invention is shown in top (FIG.
8a), side (FIG. 8b), side cutaway (FIG. 8c), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 8d) and perspective (FIG. 8e) views. Also referring to FIGS.
8f-j, a first type 1500 of a second baseplate of the fourth
embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 8f), side (FIG. 8g), side
cutaway (FIG. 8h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 8i) and perspective
(FIG. 8j) views.
[0180] More specifically, the first and second baseplates 1400,1500
are similar to the first and second baseplates of the third
embodiment family described above with regard to their outwardly
facing surfaces 1402,1502 having a convex dome 1403,1503 and a
plurality of spikes 1405,1505 as vertebral body contact elements,
and the inwardly facing surface 1408 of the first baseplate having
a perimeter region 1410, all of which elements in the fourth
embodiment family are, for example, identical to the corresponding
elements in the third embodiment family as described above.
Preferably, the dome 1403,1503 is covered with an osteoconductive
layer of a type known in the art. It should be noted that the
convex mesh used in other embodiments of the present invention is
suitable for use with these other vertebral body contact elements,
and can be attached over the convex dome 1403,1503 by laser
welding, or more preferably, by plasma burying (where the perimeter
region of the convex mesh is buried under a plasma coating, which
coating secures to the outwardly facing surface of the baseplate to
which it is applied, and thus secures the convex mesh to the
outwardly facing surface).
[0181] For example, and referring now to FIGS. 8aa-8dd, an
alternate first baseplate 9400 of the fourth embodiment family is
shown in top (FIG. 8aa) and side cutaway (FIG. 8bb) views,
respectively, and an alternate second baseplate 9500 of the fourth
embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 8cc) and side cutaway (FIG.
8dd) views, respectively. The alternate first and second baseplates
9400,9500 are similar to the first and second baseplates of the
fourth embodiment family described above, having identical features
numbered in the 9400's and 9500's rather than the 1400's and
1500's, respectively. However, the alternate baseplates are
different in that each has a convex mesh 9450,9550 attached to the
outwardly facing surface 9402,9502 by burying the perimeter of the
mesh 9450,9550 in a plasma coating (or other suitable material,
preferably having an osteoconductive surface) 9452,9552 that is
secured to both the outwardly facing surface 9402,9502 and the mesh
9450,9550. The plasma coating 9452,9552 serves not only to secure
the mesh 9450,9550, but also to facilitate securing of the
baseplates to the adjacent vertebral endplates. It should be
understood that these alternate baseplates can be used in place of
the other baseplates discussed herein, to construct artificial
discs contemplated by the present invention. It should further be
understood that the described manner of attaching the wire mesh can
be applied to other orthopedic devices, such as but not limited to
intervertebral spacers that prevent motion, or for other
intervertebral spacers that preserve motion.
[0182] Further, as with the first embodiment family, the two
baseplates 1400,1500 are joined with a ball and socket joint, and
therefore each of the baseplates 1400,1500 comprises features that,
in conjunction with other components described below, form the ball
and socket joint. The ball and socket joint includes a solid ball
(described below) mounted to protrude from the inwardly facing
surface 1408 of the first baseplate 1400, and a curvate socket
formed at a peak of a non-flexible convex structure (described
below) that is attached to the inwardly facing surface 1508 of the
second baseplate 1500, within which curvate socket the ball is
capturable for free rotation and angulation therein. As shown in
FIGS. 8a-d, the mounting for the ball includes a central inwardly
directed post 1412 that extends from the inwardly facing surface
1408 of the first baseplate 1400, which post's head end compression
locks into a central bore in the ball (described below). As shown
in FIGS. 8e-h, the second baseplate 1500 includes an inwardly
facing surface 1508 and a curvate pocket 1512 formed by a central
portion of the inwardly facing surface 1508 concaving outwardly
with a semispherical contour (preferably a hemispherical contour).
Preferably, as shown, the curvate pocket 1512 is surrounded by a
circumferential wall 1514 and a circumferential recess 1516 that
cooperate with the convex structure to attach the convex structure
to the second baseplate 1500.
[0183] Referring now to FIGS. 8k-o, a first type 1600 of a ball of
the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 8k), side (FIG.
8l), side cutaway (FIG. 8m), perspective cutaway (FIG. 8n) and
perspective (FIG. 8o) views. The ball 1600 is semispherical
(preferably greater than hemispherical as shown) and therefore
defines a spherical contour, and has a central bore 1610 within
which the first baseplate's post's head end is securable. The ball
1600 seats in the curvate pocket 1512 of the second baseplate 1500
with the spherical contour defined by the ball 1600 closely
accommodated by the hemispherical contour of the curvate pocket
1512 for free rotation and free angulation of the ball 1600 in the
curvate pocket 1512.
[0184] Referring now to FIGS. 8p-t, a first type 1700 of a convex
structure of the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
8p), side (FIG. 8q), side cutaway (FIG. 8r), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 8s) and perspective (FIG. 8t) views. The convex structure
1700 is shaped to have a curved taper on its inwardly facing
surface 1706 (as opposed to the frusto-conical shape of the convex
structure in the first and second embodiment families) and includes
a central bore 1702 extending from an outwardly facing surface 1704
of the convex structure 1700 to an inwardly facing surface 1706 of
the convex structure 1700, the bore 1702 being surrounded by a
curvate taper 1708 on the outwardly facing surface 1704, and the
curvate taper 1708 being surrounded by a circumferential recess
1710 and a circumferential wall 1712. The convex structure 1700 is
securable to the second baseplate 1500 with the circumferential
recess 1710 of the convex structure 1700 mating with the
circumferential wall 1514 of the second baseplate 1600 and the
circumferential wall 1712 of the convex structure 1700 mating with
the circumferential recess 1516 of the second baseplate 1500, so
that when the convex structure 1700 is so secured, the curvate
taper 1708 of the convex structure 1700 serves as a curvate pocket
opposite the curvate pocket 1512 of the second baseplate 1500. That
is, the curvate pocket 1708 complements the hemispherical contour
of the curvate pocket 1512 of the second baseplate 1500 to form a
semispherical (and preferably greater than hemispherical as shown)
socket 1707 defining a spherical contour that closely accommodates
the spherical contour defined by the ball 1600 so that the ball
1600 is captured in the socket 1707 for free rotation and free
angulation of the ball 1600 therein. (When the formed socket 1707
is greater than hemispherical, and the shape of the ball 1600 is
greater than hemispherical, the ball 1600 cannot escape the formed
socket 1707.) Further, the inwardly facing surface 1706 of the
convex structure 1700 has a perimeter region 1714 that faces the
perimeter region 1410 of the first baseplate 1400 when the convex
structure 1700 is secured to the second baseplate 1500.
[0185] Referring now to FIGS. 8u-y, an assembled first preferred
embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
8u), side (FIG. 8v), side cutaway (FIG. 8w), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 8x) and perspective (FIG. 8y) views. More particularly,
assembly of the disc is preferably as follows. The ball 1600 is
seated within the curvate pocket 1512 of the second baseplate 1500
(the curvate pocket 1512 has an opening diameter that accommodates
the ball 1600) so that the spherical contour defined by the ball
1600 is closely accommodated by the hemispherical contour of the
curvate pocket 1512. Thereafter, the convex structure 1700 is
secured to the second baseplate 1500 as described above with the
convex structure's curvate pocket 1708 (the curvate tapered lip
1708 of the convex structure's central bore 1702) fitting against
the ball 1600 so that the ball 1600 is captured in the socket 1707
(formed by the curvate taper 1708 and the curvate pocket 1512) for
free rotation and free angulation of the ball 1600 therein.
Thereafter, the first baseplate's post's head end is secured into
the bore 1602 of the ball 1600. The central bore 1702 of the convex
structure 1700 has a diameter that accommodates the diameter of the
post 1412, but not the diameter of the ball 1600. Therefore, after
the ball 1600 is secured in the socket 1707, the post 1412 fits
through the bore 1702 so that the head end of the post 1412 can be
compression locked to the ball 1600, but the ball 1600 is prevented
from escaping the socket 1707 through the central bore 1702 of the
convex structure 1700.
[0186] Accordingly, the ball 1600 is captured in the socket 1707
(so that the device will not separate in tension), can freely
rotate in the socket 1707 about the longitudinal axis of the post
1412, and can freely angulate in the socket 1707 about a centroid
of motion located at the center of the sphere defined by the ball
1600. Further, the opening of the bore 1702 of the cap 1700 on the
inwardly facing surface 1706 of the convex structure 1700 is large
enough to permit the post 1412 to angulate (about the centroid of
motion at the center of the sphere defined by the ball 1600) with
respect to the bore 1702 as the ball 1600 angulates in the socket
1707. Preferably, the conformation of the bore 1702 accommodates
angulation of the post 1412 at least until the perimeter regions
1410,1714 of the inwardly facing surfaces 1408,1508/1706 meet.
Further preferably, the perimeter regions 1410,1714 have
corresponding contours, so that the meeting of the perimeter
regions reduces any surface wearing.
[0187] Referring now to FIG. 8z, an assembled alternate first
preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate first preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part second baseplate (with first part 15000a
and second part 15000b) housing a spring member 15100 that provides
axial compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 15100. Elements of this
alternate first preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the first preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family
are like numbered, and the assembly of this alternate first
preferred embodiment is identical to that of the first preferred
embodiment, with some differences due to the incorporation of the
spring member 15100. (For example, the second baseplate features
are numbered in the 15000's rather than the 1500's.) More
particularly, assembly of the disc is preferably as follows. The
ball 1600 is seated within the curvate pocket 15120 of the inwardly
facing surface 15090b to the second baseplate second part 15000b
(the curvate pocket 15120 has an opening diameter that accommodates
the ball 1600) so that the spherical contour defined by the ball
1600 is closely accommodated by the hemispherical contour of the
curvate pocket 15120. The spring member 15100 is then disposed on
the outwardly facing surface 15020b of the second baseplate second
part 15000b. While not limited to any particular structure,
assembly, or material, a spring member providing shock absorption
preferably includes an elastomeric material, such as, for example,
polyurethane or silicon, and a spring member providing shock
dampening preferably includes a plastic material, such as, for
example, polyethylene. It should be understood that metal springs
may alternatively or additionally be used. The illustrated spring
member 15100 is formed of an elastomeric material, for example. The
illustrated spring member 15100 is ring-shaped, for example, such
that it fits just inside the circumferential edge of the outwardly
facing surface 15020b of the second baseplate second part 15000b as
shown.
[0188] The ball 1600, second baseplate second part 15000b, and
spring member 15100 are then disposed on the inwardly facing
surface 15090a of the second baseplate first part 15000a, such that
the spring member 15100 is incarcerated between the inwardly facing
surface 15090a of the second baseplate first part 15000a and the
outwardly facing surface 15020b of the second baseplate second part
15000b. The second baseplate second part 15000b should be
dimensioned such that, and the spring member 15100 should have an
uncompressed height such that, a gap is present between the
outwardly facing surface 15020b of the second baseplate second part
15000b and the inwardly facing surface 15090a of the second
baseplate first part 15000a when the disc is assembled. The gap
preferably has a height equivalent to the anticipated distance that
the spring member 15100 will compress under an anticipated load.
Thereafter, the convex structure 1700 is secured to the second
baseplate first part 15000a, with the convex structure's curvate
pocket 1708 (the curvate tapered lip 1708 of the convex structure's
central bore 1702) fitting against the ball 1600 so that the ball
1600 is captured in the socket 1707 (formed by the curvate taper
1708 and the curvate pocket 15120) for free rotation and free
angulation of the ball 1600 therein. Although any suitable method
is contemplated by the present invention, the convex structure 1700
preferably is secured by compression locking (a laser weld can
alternatively or additionally be used, or other suitable attachment
means). The second baseplate first part 15000a may also
additionally or alternatively be threaded to the convex structure
1700 for increased stability of the attachment. It should be
understood that the second baseplate second part 15000b preferably
fits loosely within the convex structure 1700 and the second
baseplate first part 15000a, so that when the first baseplate 1400
is compressed toward the second baseplate first part 15000a, the
second baseplate second part 15000b may travel toward the second
baseplate first part 15000a as the spring member 15100 compresses.
Thereafter, the first baseplate's post's head end is secured into
the bore 1602 of the ball 1600. The central bore 1702 of the convex
structure 1700 has a diameter that accommodates the diameter of the
post 1412, but not the diameter of the ball 1600. Therefore, after
the ball 1600 is secured in the socket 1707, the post 1412 fits
through the bore 1702 so that the head end of the post 1412 can be
compression locked to the ball 1600, but the ball 1600 is prevented
from escaping the socket 1707 through the central bore 1702 of the
convex structure 1700.
[0189] Accordingly, the ball 1600 is captured in the socket 1707
(so that the device will not separate in tension), can freely
rotate in the socket 1707 about the longitudinal axis of the post
1412, and can freely angulate in the socket 1707 about a centroid
of motion located at the center of the sphere defined by the ball
1600. Further, the opening of the bore 1702 of the convex structure
1700 on the inwardly facing surface 1706 of the convex structure
1700 is large enough to permit the post 1412 to angulate (about the
centroid of motion at the center of the sphere defined by the ball
1600) with respect to the bore 1702 as the ball 1600 angulates in
the socket 1707. Preferably, the conformation of the bore 1702
accommodates angulation of the post 1412 at least until the
perimeter regions 1410,1714 of the inwardly facing surfaces
1408,15080/1706 meet. Further preferably, the perimeter regions
1410,1714 have corresponding contours, so that the meeting of the
perimeter regions reduces any surface wearing. Further accordingly,
in this alternate first preferred embodiment, part or all of a
compressive load applied to the baseplates will be borne by the
spring member 15100, which will dampen the load and/or absorb the
load and preferably help return the baseplates to their original
uncompressed relative positions.
[0190] Accordingly, when a device of the first preferred embodiment
of the fourth embodiment family is assembled, the baseplates
1400,1500 (or 1400,15000a) are rotatable relative to one another
because the ball 1600 rotates freely within the socket 1707, and
angulatable relative to one another because the ball 1600 angulates
freely within the socket 1707. Because the ball 1600 is held within
the socket 1707 by the securing of the tail end of the central post
1412 of the first baseplate 1400 to the ball 1600 and the securing
of the convex structure 1700 to the second baseplate 1500 (or
second baseplate first part 15000a), the artificial disc can
withstand tension loading of the baseplates 1400,1500 (or
1400,15000a). More particularly, when a tension load is applied to
the baseplates 1400,1500 (or 1400,15000a) the ball 1600 seeks to
pass through the bore 1702 in the convex structure 1700. However,
the curvate taper 1708 of the bore 1702 prevents the ball 1600 from
exiting the socket 1707. Therefore, the assembly does not come
apart under normally experienced tension loads. This ensures that
no individual parts of the assembly will pop out or slip out from
between the vertebral bodies when, e.g., the patient stretches or
hangs while exercising or performing other activities. Thus, in
combination with the securing of the baseplates 1400,1500 (or
1400,15000a) to the adjacent vertebral bones via the domes
1403,1503 (or 1403,15030) and spikes 1405,1505 (or 1405,15050), the
disc assembly has an integrity similar to the tension-bearing
integrity of a healthy natural intervertebral disc. Also, because
the ball 1600 is laterally captured in the socket 1707, lateral
translation of the baseplates 1400,1500 (or 1400,15000a) relative
to one another is prevented during rotation and angulation, similar
to the performance of healthy natural intervertebral disc. Because
the baseplates 1400,1500 (or 1400,15000a) are made angulatable
relative to one another by the ball 1600 being rotatably and
angulatably coupled in the socket 1707, the disc assembly provides
a centroid of motion within the sphere defined by the ball 1600.
Accordingly, the centroid of motion of the disc assembly remains
centrally located between the vertebral bodies, similar to the
centroid of motion in a healthy natural intervertebral disc.
[0191] The remaining embodiments in the fourth embodiment family of
the present invention limit the rotation (but preferably not the
angulation) of the ball in the socket formed by the curvate taper
of the convex structure and the hemispherical contour of the
curvate pocket of the second baseplate. Each embodiment
accomplishes this in a different manner, but each embodiment
utilizes interference between a protrusion and a recess to limit
the rotation, similar to the manner in which such interference is
utilized in the third embodiment family. In some embodiments, the
protrusion is preferably hemispherical, and the recess preferably
has a semicylindrical contour within which the protrusion fits. In
other embodiments, the protrusion is preferably hemispherical, and
the recess preferably has a curvate contour that is not
semicylindrical. (It should be understood that the described
formations of the recess and the protrusion are merely preferred,
and that alternate formations, curvate or otherwise, for each are
contemplated by the present invention; a particular shape or
location of recess or a particular shape or location of protrusion
is not required; any shape can be used so long as the recess and
protrusion interact as desired. For example, the recess in the
second preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family has a
curvate contour that is not semicylindrical, and the recess in the
fifth preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family has a
different curvate contour that is not semicylindrical, each being
formed so that it optimally interacts with the protrusion in its
respective embodiment.) The boundaries of the recess define the
limits of rotation of the ball within the socket, by allowing
movement of the protrusion relative to the recess as the ball
rotates through a certain range in the socket, but providing
interference with the protrusion to prevent rotation of the ball
beyond that range in the socket. Preferably, for example, the
recess has a depth equivalent to the radius of the hemispherical
protrusion, but a radius of curvature greater than that of the
protrusion. At the same time, the boundaries of the recess
preferably do not limit the angulation of the ball within the
socket, at least until the perimeter regions of the inwardly facing
surface of the convex structure and the inwardly facing surface of
the first baseplate meet. Preferably, for example, the recess has a
length greater than the range of movement of the protrusion
relative to the recess as the ball angulates in the socket.
[0192] Therefore, when assembled, the discs of the remaining
preferred embodiments of the fourth embodiment family enable
angulation and limited rotation of the baseplates relative to one
another about a centroid of motion that remains centrally located
between the baseplates (at the center of the sphere defined by the
ball), similar to the centroid of motion in a healthy natural
intervertebral disc that is limited in its rotation by surrounding
body structures. A benefit of limiting the relative rotation of the
baseplates is that relative rotation beyond a certain range in a
healthy natural disc is neither needed nor desired, because, for
example, excess strain can be placed on the facet joints or
ligaments thereby. As described with the first preferred embodiment
of the fourth embodiment family, the construction also prevents
translation and separation of the baseplates relative to one
another during rotation and angulation.
[0193] As noted above, each of the remaining preferred embodiments
in this fourth embodiment family forms the protrusion and
corresponding recess in a different manner, utilizing components
that are either identical or similar to the components of the first
preferred embodiment, and some embodiments utilize additional
components. Each of the remaining preferred embodiments will now be
described in greater detail.
[0194] In the second preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment
family of the present invention, a hemispherical protrusion is
formed on the ball, and interacts in the above-described manner
with a recess formed adjacent the socket formed by the curvate
taper of the convex structure and the hemispherical contour of the
curvate pocket of the second baseplate. More particularly, this
second preferred embodiment uses the same first baseplate 1400 as
the first preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family
described above. Referring to FIGS. 9a-e, a second type 1800 of
second baseplate of the fourth embodiment family is shown in to top
(FIG. 9a), side (FIG. 9b), side cutaway (FIG. 9c), perspective
cutaway (FIG. 9d) and perspective (FIG. 9e) views. This second type
1800 of second baseplate is identical to the first type 1500 of
second baseplate described above (and thus similar features are
reference numbered similar to those of the first type 1500 of
second baseplate, but in the 1800s rather than the 1500s), except
that this second type 1800 of second baseplate has a curvate recess
1818 adjacent the curvate pocket 1812, and preferably in the
circumferential wall 1814.
[0195] Referring now to FIGS. 9f-j, a second type 1900 of ball of
the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 9f), side (FIG.
9g), side cutaway (FIG. 9h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 9i) and
perspective (FIG. 9j) views. The ball 1900 is identical to the
first type 1600 of ball described above (and thus similar features
are reference numbered similar to those of the first type 1600 of
ball, but in the 1900s rather than the 1600s), except that the
semispherical contour of this second type 1900 of ball is also
interrupted by a hemispherical protrusion 1904.
[0196] Referring now to FIGS. 9k-o, a second type 2000 of convex
structure of the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
9k), side (FIG. 9l), side cutaway (FIG. 9m), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 9n) and perspective (FIG. 9o) views. This second type 2000 of
convex structure is identical to the first type 1700 of convex
structure described above (and thus similar features are reference
numbered similar to those of the first type 1700 of convex
structure, but in the 2000s rather than the 1700s), except that
this second type 2000 of convex structure has a curvate recess 2016
adjacent the curvate taper 2008.
[0197] Referring now to FIGS. 9p-t, an assembled second preferred
embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
9p), side (FIG. 9q), side cutaway (FIG. 9r), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 9s) and perspective (FIG. 9t) views. It can be seen that the
curvate recesses 1818,2016 together form the recess described above
in the discussion of the manner in which these remaining
embodiments limit rotation of the ball in the socket formed by the
curvate taper of the convex structure and the hemispherical contour
of the curvate pocket of the second baseplate, and that the
protrusion 1904 serves as the protrusion described above in the
same discussion. Thus, the protrusion 1904 and recesses 1818,2016
interact in the above described manner to limit the rotation of the
ball 1900 in the socket 2007. Assembly of the disc is identical to
that of the first preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment
family, except that the protrusion 1904 is longitudinally aligned
with the recess 1818, and the recess 2016 is similarly aligned, so
that when the convex structure 2000 is secured to the second
baseplate 1800, the protrusion 1904 is fitted within the recesses
1818,2016 for interaction as described above as the ball 1900
rotates and angulates in the socket 2007.
[0198] Referring now to FIG. 9u, an assembled alternate second
preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate second preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part second baseplate (with first part 18000a
and second part 18000b) housing a spring member 18100 that provides
axial compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 18100. Elements of this
alternate second preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the second preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family
are like numbered. (The second baseplate features are numbered in
the 18000's rather than the 1800's.) The curvate recesses
18180,2016 together form the recess described above, and the
protrusion 1904 serves as the protrusion described above, and thus
the protrusion 1904 and recesses 18180,2016 interact in the above
described manner to limit the rotation of the ball 1900 in the
socket 2007.
[0199] Assembly of this alternate second preferred embodiment is
identical to that of the first preferred embodiment of the fourth
embodiment family, except that the protrusion 1904 is
longitudinally aligned with the recess 18180, and the recess 2016
is similarly aligned, so that when the convex structure 2000 is
secured to the second baseplate first part 18000a, the protrusion
1904 is fitted within the recesses 18180,2016 for interaction as
described above as the ball 1900 rotates and angulates in the
socket 2007. It should be understood that the second baseplate
second part 18000b preferably fits loosely within the convex
structure 2000 and the second baseplate first part 18000a, so that
when the first baseplate 1400 is compressed toward the second
baseplate first part 18000a, the second baseplate second part
18000b may travel toward the second baseplate first part 18000a as
the spring member 18100 compresses. While not limited to any
particular structure, assembly, or material, a spring member
providing shock absorption preferably includes an elastomeric
material, such as, for example, polyurethane or silicon, and a
spring member providing shock dampening preferably includes a
plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. It should be
understood that metal springs may alternatively or additionally be
used. The illustrated spring member 18100 is formed of an
elastomeric material, for example. The illustrated spring member
18100 is ring-shaped, for example, such that it fits just inside
the circumferential edge of the outwardly facing surface 18020b of
the second baseplate second part 18000b as shown. The second
baseplate second part 18000b should be dimensioned such that, and
the spring member 18100 should have an uncompressed height such
that, a gap is present between the outwardly facing surface 18020b
of the second baseplate second part 18000b and the inwardly facing
surface 18090a of the second baseplate first part 18000a when the
disc is assembled. The gap preferably has a height equivalent to
the anticipated distance that the spring member 18100 will compress
under an anticipated load. Accordingly, in this alternate second
preferred embodiment, part or all of a compressive load applied to
the baseplates will be borne by the spring member 18100, which will
dampen the load and/or absorb the load and preferably help return
the baseplates to their original uncompressed relative
positions.
[0200] In the third preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment
family of the present invention, a hemispherical protrusion is
formed to protrude into the socket formed by the curvate taper of
the convex structure and the hemispherical contour of the curvate
pocket of the second baseplate, and interacts in the
above-described manner with a semicylindrical recess formed on the
ball. More particularly, this third preferred embodiment uses the
same first baseplate 1400 as the first preferred embodiment of the
fourth embodiment family described above. Referring to FIGS. 10a-e,
a third type 2100 of second baseplate of the fourth embodiment
family is shown in top (FIG. 10a), side (FIG. 10b), side cutaway
(FIG. 10c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 10d) and perspective (FIG.
10e) views. This third type 2100 of second baseplate is identical
to the first type 1500 of second baseplate described above (and
thus similar features are reference numbered similar to those of
the first type 1500 of second baseplate, but in the 2100s rather
than the 1500s), except that this third type 2100 of second
baseplate has a recess 2118 adjacent the curvate pocket 2112, and
preferably in the circumferential wall 2114 as shown.
[0201] Referring now to FIGS. 10f-j, a third type 2200 of ball of
the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 10f), side (FIG.
10g), side cutaway (FIG. 10h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 10i) and
perspective (FIG. 10j) views. The ball 2200 is identical to the
first type 1600 of ball described above (and thus similar features
are reference numbered similar to those of the first type 1600 of
ball, but in the 2200s rather than the 1600s), except that the
semispherical contour of this third type 2200 of ball is also
interrupted by a curvate recess 2204.
[0202] Referring now to FIGS. 10k-o, a third type 2300 of convex
structure of the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
10k), side (FIG. 10l), side cutaway (FIG. 10m), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 10n) and perspective (FIG. 10o) views. This third type 2300
of convex structure is identical to the first type 1700 of convex
structure described above (and thus similar features are reference
numbered similar to those of the first type 1700 of convex
structure, but in the 2300s rather than the 1700s), except that
this third type 2300 of convex structure has a protrusion 2316
adjacent the curvate taper 2008.
[0203] Referring now to FIGS. 10p-t, an assembled third preferred
embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
10p), side (FIG. 10q), side cutaway (FIG. 10r), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 10s) and perspective (FIG. 10t) views. It can be seen that
the curvate recess 2204 of the ball 2200 forms the recess described
above in the discussion of the manner in which these remaining
embodiments limit rotation of the ball in the socket formed by the
curvate taper of the convex structure and the hemispherical contour
of the curvate pocket of the second baseplate, and that the
protrusion 2316 fits into the recess 2118 to serve as the
protrusion described above in the same discussion. Thus, the
protrusion 2316 and the recess 2204 interact in the above described
manner to limit the rotation of the ball 2200 in the socket 2307.
Assembly of the disc is identical to that of the first preferred
embodiment of the fourth embodiment family, except that the
protrusion 2316 is longitudinally aligned with the recess 2204 and
the recess 2118 during assembly so that the protrusion 2316 fits
into the recess 2118 to extend into the recess 2204 for interaction
as described above as the ball 2200 rotates and angulates in the
socket 2307.
[0204] Referring now to FIG. 10u, an assembled alternate third
preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate third preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part second baseplate (with first part 21000a
and second part 21000b) housing a spring member 21100 that provides
axial compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 21100. Elements of this
alternate third preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the third preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family
are like numbered. (The second baseplate features are numbered in
the 21000's rather than the 2100's.) The curvate recess 2204 of the
ball 2200 forms the recess described above, and the protrusion 2316
fits into the recess 21180 to serve as the protrusion described
above, and thus, the protrusion 2316 and the recess 2204 interact
in the above described manner to limit the rotation of the ball
2200 in the socket 2307.
[0205] Assembly of this alternate third preferred embodiment is
identical to that of the first preferred embodiment of the fourth
embodiment family, except that the protrusion 2316 is
longitudinally aligned with the recess 2204 and the recess 21180
during assembly so that the protrusion 2316 fits into the recess
21180 to extend into the recess 2204 for interaction as described
above as the ball 2200 rotates and angulates in the socket 2307. It
should be understood that the second baseplate second part 21000b
preferably fits loosely within the convex structure 2300 and the
second baseplate first part 21000a, so that when the first
baseplate 1400 is compressed toward the second baseplate first part
21000a, the second baseplate second part 21000b may travel toward
the second baseplate first part 21000a as the spring member 21100
compresses. While not limited to any particular structure,
assembly, or material, a spring member providing shock absorption
preferably includes an elastomeric material, such as, for example,
polyurethane or silicon, and a spring member providing shock
dampening preferably includes a plastic material, such as, for
example, polyethylene. It should be understood that metal springs
may alternatively or additionally be used. The illustrated spring
member 21100 is formed of an elastomeric material, for example. The
illustrated spring member 21100 is ring-shaped, for example, such
that it fits just inside the circumferential edge of the outwardly
facing surface 21020b of the second baseplate second part 21000b as
shown. The second baseplate second part 21000b should be
dimensioned such that, and the spring member 21100 should have an
uncompressed height such that, a gap is present between the
outwardly facing surface 21020b of the second baseplate second part
21000b and the inwardly facing surface 21090a of the second
baseplate first part 21000a when the disc is assembled. The gap
preferably has a height equivalent to the anticipated distance that
the spring member 21100 will compress under an anticipated load.
Accordingly, in this alternate third preferred embodiment, part or
all of a compressive load applied to the baseplates will be borne
by the spring member 21100, which will dampen the load and/or
absorb the load and preferably help return the baseplates to their
original uncompressed relative positions.
[0206] In the fourth preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment
family of the present invention, a pin is secured in a pin hole so
that the hemispherical head of the pin protrudes into the socket
formed by the curvate taper of the convex structure and the
hemispherical contour of the curvate pocket of the second
baseplate, and interacts in the above-described manner with a
semicylindrical recess formed on the ball. More particularly, this
fourth preferred embodiment uses the same first baseplate 1400 of
the first preferred embodiment, and the same ball 2200 and second
baseplate 2100 of the fourth preferred embodiment. Referring to
FIGS. 11a-e, a fourth type 2400 of convex structure of the fourth
embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 11a), side (FIG. 11b), side
cutaway (FIG. 11c), perspective cutaway (FIG. 11d) and perspective
(FIG. 11e) views. This fourth type 2400 of convex structure is
identical to the first type 1700 of convex structure described
above (and thus similar features are reference numbered similar to
those of the first type 1700 of convex structure, but in the 2400s
rather than the 1700s), except that this fourth type 2400 of convex
structure has a lateral through hole (e.g., a pin hole 2416) and a
protrusion (e.g., a pin 2418) secured in the pin hole 2416 (as
shown in FIGS. 11f-j) and jutting into the socket 2407.
[0207] Referring now to FIGS. 11f-j, an assembled fourth preferred
embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
11f), side (FIG. 11g), side cutaway (FIG. 11h), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 11i) and perspective (FIG. 11j) views. It can be seen that
the curvate recess 2204 of the ball 2200 forms the recess described
above in the discussion of the manner in which these remaining
embodiments limit rotation of the ball in the socket formed by the
curvate taper of the convex structure and the hemispherical contour
of the curvate pocket of the second baseplate, and that the head of
the pin 2418 serves as the protrusion described above in the same
discussion. Thus, the head of the pin 2418 and the recess 2204
interact in the above described manner to limit the rotation of the
ball 2200 in the socket 2407. Assembly of the disc is identical to
that of the first preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment
family, except that the head of the pin 2418 is longitudinally
aligned with the recess 2204 and the recess 2118 during assembly so
that the head of the pin 2418 fits into the recess 2118 to extend
into the recess 2204 for interaction as described above as the ball
2200 rotates and angulates in the socket 2407.
[0208] Referring now to FIG. 11k, an assembled alternate fourth
preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate fourth preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part second baseplate (with first part 21000a
and second part 21000b) housing a spring member 21100 that provides
axial compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 21100. Elements of this
alternate fourth preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the fourth preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family
are like numbered. (The second baseplate features are numbered in
the 21000's rather than the 2100's.) The curvate recess 2204 of the
ball 2200 forms the recess described above, and the head of the pin
2418 serves as the protrusion described above, and thus, the head
of the pin 2418 and the recess 2204 interact in the above described
manner to limit the rotation of the ball 2200 in the socket
2407.
[0209] Assembly of this alternate fourth preferred embodiment is
identical to that of the first preferred embodiment of the fourth
embodiment family, except that the head of the pin 2418 is
longitudinally aligned with the recess 2204 and the recess 21180
during assembly so that the head of the pin 2418 fits into the
recess 21180 to extend into the recess 2204 for interaction as
described above as the ball 2200 rotates and angulates in the
socket 2407. It should be understood that the second baseplate
second part 21000b preferably fits loosely within the convex
structure 2400 and the second baseplate first part 21000a, so that
when the first baseplate 1400 is compressed toward the second
baseplate first part 21000a, the second baseplate second part
21000b may travel toward the second baseplate first part 21000a as
the spring member 21100 compresses. While not limited to any
particular structure, assembly, or material, a spring member
providing shock absorption preferably includes an elastomeric
material, such as, for example, polyurethane or silicon, and a
spring member providing shock dampening preferably includes a
plastic material, such as, for example, polyethylene. It should be
understood that metal springs may alternatively or additionally be
used. The illustrated spring member 21100 is formed of an
elastomeric material, for example. The illustrated spring member
21100 is ring-shaped, for example, such that it fits just inside
the circumferential edge of the outwardly facing surface 21020b of
the second baseplate second part 21000b as shown. The second
baseplate second part 21000b should be dimensioned such that, and
the spring member 21100 should have an uncompressed height such
that, a gap is present between the outwardly facing surface 21020b
of the second baseplate second part 21000b and the inwardly facing
surface 21090a of the second baseplate first part 21000a when the
disc is assembled. The gap preferably has a height equivalent to
the anticipated distance that the spring member 21100 will compress
under an anticipated load. Accordingly, in this alternate first
preferred embodiment, part or all of a compressive load applied to
the baseplates will be borne by the spring member 21100, which will
dampen the load and/or absorb the load and preferably help return
the baseplates to their original uncompressed relative
positions.
[0210] In the fifth preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment
family of the present invention, a ball bearing protrudes into the
socket formed by the curvate taper of the convex structure and the
hemispherical contour of the curvate pocket of the second
baseplate, and interacts in the above-described manner with a
recess formed on the ball. More particularly, this fifth preferred
embodiment uses the same first baseplate 1400 of the first
preferred embodiment, and the same second baseplate 2100 of the
third preferred embodiment Referring to FIGS. 12a-e, a fifth type
2500 of convex structure of the fourth embodiment family is shown
in top (FIG. 12a), side (FIG. 12b), side cutaway (FIG. 12c),
perspective cutaway (FIG. 12d) and perspective (FIG. 12e) views.
This fifth type 2500 of convex structure is identical to the first
type 1700 of convex structure described above (and thus similar
features are reference numbered similar to those of the first type
1700 of convex structure, but in the 2500s rather than the 1700s),
except that this fifth type 2500 of convex structure has a has a
recess 2516 adjacent the curvate taper 2508.
[0211] Referring to FIGS. 12f-j, a fourth type of ball 2700 of the
fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG. 12f), side (FIG.
12g), side cutaway (FIG. 12h), perspective cutaway (FIG. 12i) and
perspective (FIG. 12j) views. The ball 2700 is identical to the
first type 1600 of ball described above (and thus similar features
are reference numbered similar to those of the first type 1600 of
ball, but in the 2700s rather than the 1600s), except that the
semispherical contour of this third type 2700 of ball is also
interrupted by a curvate recess 2704.
[0212] Referring now to FIGS. 12k-o, an assembled fifth preferred
embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in top (FIG.
12k), side (FIG. 12l), side cutaway (FIG. 12m), perspective cutaway
(FIG. 12n) and perspective (FIG. 12o) views. A ball bearing 2600 of
the fourth embodiment family is captured for free rotation and
angulation, with one part of the ball bearing 2600 closely
accommodated in the recesses 2118,2516, and another part of the
ball bearing 2600 protruding into the socket to interact with the
curvate recess 2704 of the ball 2700. It can be seen that the
curvate recess 2704 of the ball 2700 forms the recess described
above in the discussion of the manner in which these remaining
embodiments limit rotation of the ball in the socket, and that the
ball bearing 2600 serves as the protrusion described above in the
same discussion. Thus, the ball bearing 2600 and the recess 2704
interact in the above described manner to limit the rotation of the
ball 2700 in the socket 2507. Assembly of the disc is identical to
that of the first preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment
family, except that the recess 2704 is aligned with the curvate
recess 2118 during assembly so that the ball bearing 2600 can be
and is then placed into the recesses 2118,2704 (and then captured
in the recess 2118 by the recess 2516 of the convex structure 2500)
for interaction as described above as the ball 2700 rotates and
angulates in the socket 2507.
[0213] Referring now to FIG. 12p, an assembled alternate fifth
preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family is shown in
side cutaway view. This alternate fifth preferred embodiment
incorporates a multi-part second baseplate (with first part 21000a
and second part 21000b) housing a spring member 21100 that provides
axial compressibility, such that a compressive load applied to the
baseplates is borne by the spring member 21100. Elements of this
alternate fifth preferred embodiment that are also elements found
in the fifth preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment family
are like numbered. (The second baseplate features are numbered in
the 21000's rather than the 2100's.) The curvate recess 2704 of the
ball 2700 forms the recess described above, and the ball bearing
2600 serves as the protrusion described above, and thus, the ball
bearing 2600 and the recess 2704 interact in the above described
manner to limit the rotation of the ball 2700 in the socket
2507.
[0214] Assembly of this alternate fifth preferred embodiment is
identical to that of the first preferred embodiment of the fourth
embodiment family, except that the recess 2704 is aligned with the
curvate recess 21180 during assembly so that the ball bearing 2600
can be and is then placed into the recesses 21180,2704 (and then
captured in the recess 21180 by the recess 2516 of the convex
structure 2500) for interaction as described above as the ball 2700
rotates and angulates in the socket 2507. It should be understood
that the second baseplate second part 21000b preferably fits
loosely within the convex structure 2500 and the second baseplate
first part 21000a, so that when the first baseplate 1400 is
compressed toward the second baseplate first part 21000a, the
second baseplate second part 21000b may travel toward the second
baseplate first part 21000a as the spring member 21100 compresses.
While not limited to any particular structure, assembly, or
material, a spring member providing shock absorption preferably
includes an elastomeric material, such as, for example,
polyurethane or silicon, and a spring member providing shock
dampening preferably includes a plastic material, such as, for
example, polyethylene. It should be understood that metal springs
may alternatively or additionally be used. The illustrated spring
member 21100 is formed of an elastomeric material, for example. The
illustrated spring member 21100 is ring-shaped, for example, such
that it fits just inside the circumferential edge of the outwardly
facing surface 21020b of the second baseplate second part 21000b as
shown. The second baseplate second part 21000b should be
dimensioned such that, and the spring member 21100 should have an
uncompressed height such that, a gap is present between the
outwardly facing surface 21020b of the second baseplate second part
21000b and the inwardly facing surface 21090a of the second
baseplate first part 21000a when the disc is assembled. The gap
preferably has a height equivalent to the anticipated distance that
the spring member 21100 will compress under an anticipated load.
Accordingly, in this alternate first preferred embodiment, part or
all of a compressive load applied to the baseplates will be borne
by the spring member 21100, which will dampen the load and/or
absorb the load and preferably help return the baseplates to their
original uncompressed relative positions.
[0215] While there has been described and illustrated specific
embodiments of an artificial disc, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that variations and modifications are possible
without deviating from the broad spirit and principle of the
invention. The invention, therefore, shall not be limited to the
specific embodiments discussed herein.
* * * * *