Method and apparatus for total disc replacements with oblique keels

Abstract

Artificial disc replacement (ADR) systems with intradiscal components feature non anterior-posterior (A-P) or oblique-oriented keels such that the great vessels do not require as much retraction during insertion. The system may further include guides for aligning the ADR prior to insertion, and for cutting an oblique slot into a vertebral endplate to receive the keel. A screw adapted to penetrate a vertebral body may be used in conjunction with the keel. The screw and keel may converge, diverge or intersect. The screw may further include a mechanism providing a locking relationship with the keel. The system may further including a guide to direct drill bits and screws through holes in the keel. ADRs according to the invention may additionally, independently include a non-symmetrical endplate shaped so as to decrease the risk of injuring the great vessels. By virtue of the invention, a second ADR may be installed at a second level having a keel oriented differently from that of the ADR having an orientation other than anterior-to-posterior.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 476,522, filed Jun. 6, 2003, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to artificial disc replacements (ADRs) and, in particular, to ADRs with oblique keels. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Eighty-five percent of the population will experience low back pain at some point. Fortunately, the majority of people recover from their back pain with a combination of benign neglect, rest, exercise, medication, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. A small percent of the population will suffer chronic low back pain. The cost of treatment of patients with spinal disorders plus the patient's lost productivity is estimated at 25 to 100 billion dollars annually. [0004] Seven cervical (neck), 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar (low back) vertebrae form the normal human spine. Intervertebral disc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"This patent is about improving artificial disc replacement (ADR) systems by using components with non-symmetrical keels that can be inserted in an oblique direction. This reduces the need for retraction of the great vessels during insertion. Navigational systems can be used to help align the components with the oblique-oriented keels. The ADR system also includes guides for aligning the ADR and cutting an oblique slot into the vertebral endplate to receive the keel. A screw adapted to penetrate a vertebral body may be used in conjunction with the keel. The invention allows for a second ADR to be installed at a different level with a different orientation of the keel. The non-symmetrical endplate also decreases the risk of injuring the great vessels."

Problems solved by technology

The nucleus becomes thinner and less able to handle compression loads.

The redundant annular fibers are less effective in controlling vertebral motion.

Current surgical treatments of disc degeneration are destructive.

These destructive procedures lead to acceleration of disc degeneration.

The first two groups of procedures compromise the treated disc.

The additional stress results in premature disc degeneration of the adjacent discs.

Retraction of the great vessels is difficult and dangerous.

The danger increases the further the vessels are retracted.

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