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  System and method for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implantUSPTO Application #: 20050261774Title: System and method for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implant Abstract: Devices for anchoring and/or blocking spinal implants in an intervertebral disc space are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention the device includes a rigid blocking member having one end unconnected and free to block a spinal implant, and another end attached to a securing member to secure the blocking member to the spine. Methods for using the inventive anchoring/blocking implants are also provided. (end of abstract) Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP Bank One Tower/center - Indianapolis, IN, US Inventor: Hai H. Trieu USPTO Applicaton #: 20050261774 - Class: 623017160 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, Or Aids And Accessories Therefor, Implantable Prosthesis, Bone, Spine Bone, Including Spinal Disc Spacer Between Adjacent Spine Bones The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20050261774. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to spinal implants, and more particularly to devices for blocking and/or retaining implants in an intervertebral disc space. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The intervertebral disc functions to stabilize the spine and to distribute forces between vertebral bodies. A normal disc includes a gelatinous nucleus pulposus, an annulus fibrosis and two vertebral end plates. The nucleus pulposus is surrounded and confined by the annulus fibrosis. [0003] Intervertebral discs may be displaced or damaged due to trauma or disease. Disruption of the annulus fibrosis allows the nucleus pulposus to protrude into the spinal canal, a condition commonly referred to as a herniated or ruptured disc. The extruded nucleus pulposus may press on the spinal nerve, which may result in nerve damage, pain, numbness, muscle weakness and paralysis. Intervertebral discs may also deteriorate due to the normal aging process. As a disc dehydrates and hardens, the disc space height will be reduced, leading to instability of the spine, decreased mobility and pain. [0004] One way to relieve the symptoms of these conditions is by surgical removal of a portion or all of the intervertebral disc. The removal of the damaged or unhealthy disc may allow the disc space to collapse, which could lead to instability of the spine, abnormal joint mechanics, nerve damage, as well as severe pain. Therefore, after removal of the disc, adjacent vertebrae are typically fused to preserve the disc space. [0005] Several devices exist to fill an intervertebral space following removal of all or part of the intervertebral disc in order to prevent disc space collapse and to promote fusion of adjacent vertebrae surrounding the disc space. Even though a certain degree of success with these devices has been achieved, full motion is typically never regained after such intervertebral fusions. [0006] Attempts to overcome these problems have led to the development of disc replacements. Many of these devices are complicated, bulky and made of a combination of metallic and elastomeric components and thus never fully return the full range of motion desired. More recently, efforts have been directed to replacing the nucleus pulposus of the disc with a similar gelatinous material, such as a hydrogel. However, once positioned in the disc space, many hydrogel implants may migrate in the disc space and/or may be expelled from the disc space through an annular defect. Closure of the annular defect, or other opening, using surgical sutures or staples following implantation is typically difficult and, in some cases, ineffective. [0007] A need therefore exists for a nucleus pulposus or other spinal implant that resists migration from the disc space, as well as for devices and methods that block or retain the implants so that the implants are more resistant to migration and/or expulsion through an opening in the annulus fibrosis. The present invention addresses these needs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] Devices and methods for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implant member in an intervertebral disc space are provided. In a first aspect of the invention the device comprises a first blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end. The anchoring end is anchored to a vertebra, and the blocking end is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant, and is positioned to block a prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from an intervertebral disc space. [0009] In a second embodiment the device further includes a second blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end. The anchoring end of the second blocking member is anchored to a vertebra, and the blocking end of the second blocking member is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant, and is positioned to block a prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from an intervertebral disc space. [0010] Methods for anchoring a spinal implant are also provided. In one aspect of the invention the method comprises: [0011] (a) implanting a prosthetic spinal implant member in an intervertebral disc space; [0012] (b) providing a first blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end, wherein said blocking end is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant; [0013] (c) positioning the blocking end of said first blocking member in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space; and [0014] (d) securing the anchoring end of said first blocking member to a vertebra in a manner in which the blocking end of said first blocking member is maintained in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space. [0015] In another embodiment the method additionally includes the steps of: [0016] (e) providing a second blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end, wherein said blocking end is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant; and [0017] (f) positioning the blocking end of said second blocking member in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space; and [0018] (g) securing the anchoring end of said second blocking member to a vertebra in a manner in which the blocking end of said second blocking member is maintained in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space. [0019] In a third embodiment the method comprises: [0020] (a) implanting a prosthetic spinal implant in an intervertebral disc space; [0021] (b) providing a flexible blocking member having a first anchoring end, a second anchoring end, and a blocking portion, wherein said flexible blocking member is unconnected to said prosthetic spinal implant; and Continue reading... Full patent description for System and method for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implant Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this System and method for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implant patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like System and method for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implant or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Lateral-approach artificial disc replacements Next Patent Application: Glenoid anchor Industry Class: Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the System and method for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implant patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 4.00669 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , |
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