US7531001B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Intervertebral prosthesis
Assignee: Simplify Medical Pty Ltd
•
Filing: 2005-03-18
•
Granted: 2009-05-12
•
Expires: 2025-03-18
Abstract
Abstract An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, and a core located between the plates. The core has opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in articulated manner over the core. The opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates have cooperating spherical curvatures. The recess of each plate surrounds a locating peg projecting centrally from the base of the recess and is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims of the plates are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core. The peg locates loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive.
Inventors
- 👤 Malan de Villiers
- 👤 Ulrich Reinhard Hähnle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:50
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/442; A61F2/4425; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/3008; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/302; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30331; A61F2002/30332; A61F2002/30362; A61F2002/30364; A61F2002/30369; A61F2002/30518; A61F2002/30528; A61F2002/30621; A61F2002/30649; A61F2002/30662; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30785; A61F2002/3082; A61F2002/30822; A61F2002/30841; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30884; A61F2002/30899; A61F2002/30904; A61F2002/443; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0008; A61F2220/0016; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/0033; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0065; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0098; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00017; A61F2310/00029; A61F2310/00179; A61F2310/00389; A61F2310/00592; A61F2310/00856; A61F2310/0088
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein; a core located between the plates, the core having a height extending between the plates which is smaller than a width of the core in a direction perpendicular to the height, the core having opposed, convexly curved top and bottom surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core; wherein the opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates comprise cooperating curvatures; wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core; and wherein each plate includes an empty annular groove adjacent to the rim, each groove configured and arranged to facilitate handling of the plate by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein; a core located between the plates, the core having a height extending between the plates which is smaller than a width of the core in a direction perpendicular to the height, the core having opposed, convexly curved top and bottom surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core; wherein the opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates comprise cooperating curvatures; wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core; and wherein each plate includes an empty annular groove adjacent to the rim, each groove configured and arranged to facilitate handling of the plate by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein at least the operatively lower plate includes a locating peg received loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A prosthesis according to claim 2 , wherein the peg and the opening in which it locates are conically shaped.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A prosthesis according to claim 3 , wherein the core is a doughnut-shaped body and the central opening therein is provided by an end of a central passage extending axially through the body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein each plate includes a locating peg, the pegs opposing one another and locating loosely in respective openings located centrally in the opposed convexly curved surfaces of the core.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A prosthesis according to claim 5 , wherein the core is a doughnut-shaped body and the central openings therein are provided by opposite ends of a central passage extending axially through the body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A prosthesis according to claim 6 , wherein the pegs are arranged to abut the side of the openings at the predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A prosthesis according to claim 5 , wherein the pegs and openings are complementally, conically shaped.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the plates have coarse surfaces to locate in use against the vertebrae.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A prosthesis according to claim 9 , wherein the plates carry upstanding, elongate fins locatable in slots in the vertebrae.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A prosthesis according to claim 10 , wherein holes are formed transversely through the fins.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
157 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein; a core located between the plates, the core having opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core, a protrusion on at least one of the plates and corresponding opening on the core which hold the core captive and prevent the core from slipping out from between the plates; wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core; and wherein each plate includes an empty annular groove adjacent to the rim, each groove configured and arranged to facilitate handling of the plate by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
157 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein; a core located between the plates, the core having opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core, a protrusion on at least one of the plates and corresponding opening on the core which hold the core captive and prevent the core from slipping out from between the plates; wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core; and wherein each plate includes an empty annular groove adjacent to the rim, each groove configured and arranged to facilitate handling of the plate by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
50 words
A prosthesis according to claim 12 , wherein at least the operatively lower plate includes a locating peg received loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
A prosthesis according to claim 13 , wherein the peg and the opening in which it locates are conically shaped.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
A prosthesis according to claim 13 , wherein the core is a doughnut-shaped body.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
A prosthesis according to claim 12 , wherein each plate includes a locating peg, the pegs opposing one another and locating loosely in respective openings located centrally in the opposed convexly curved surfaces of the core.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
A prosthesis according to claim 16 , wherein the pegs are arranged to abut the side of the openings at the predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
A prosthesis according to claim 16 , wherein the pegs and openings are complementally, conically shaped.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
A prosthesis according to claim 12 , wherein the plates have coarse surfaces to locate in use against the vertebrae.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
A prosthesis according to claim 19 , wherein the coarse surfaces comprise machined serrated finishes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
A prosthesis according to claim 12 , wherein the plates carry upstanding, elongate fins locatable in slots in the vertebrae.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
A prosthesis according to claim 21 , wherein holes are formed transversely through the fins.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the plates are formed of titanium.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein each plate has a serrated vertebra contacting surface.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 , further comprising a protrusion on at least one of the plates and corresponding opening on the core which hold the core captive and prevent the core from slipping out sideways.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
12 words
A prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the core comprises metal.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
134 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, the plates formed with empty annular grooves adjacent the rims to facilitate handling thereof by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use; and a core located between the plates, the core having opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core; wherein the opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates comprise cooperating curvatures and wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
134 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, the plates formed with empty annular grooves adjacent the rims to facilitate handling thereof by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use; and a core located between the plates, the core having opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core; wherein the opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates comprise cooperating curvatures and wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
186 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein; and a core located between the plates, the core having opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core; wherein the opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates comprise cooperating curvatures, at least the operatively lower plate including a locating peg received loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core and wherein the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive; wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core; and wherein each plate includes an empty annular groove adjacent to the rim, each groove configured and arranged to facilitate handling of the plate by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
186 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein; and a core located between the plates, the core having opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core; wherein the opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates comprise cooperating curvatures, at least the operatively lower plate including a locating peg received loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core and wherein the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive; wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core; and wherein each plate includes an empty annular groove adjacent to the rim, each groove configured and arranged to facilitate handling of the plate by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
175 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, each plate including a locating peg, the pegs opposing one another; and a core located between the plates, the core having opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core, openings located centrally in the opposed convexly curved surfaces of the core, the pegs locating loosely in the respective openings; wherein the opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates comprise cooperating curvatures and wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core; and wherein each plate includes an empty annular groove adjacent to the rim, each groove configured and arranged to facilitate handling of the plate by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
175 words
An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising: upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, each plate including a locating peg, the pegs opposing one another; and a core located between the plates, the core having opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in an articulated manner over the core, openings located centrally in the opposed convexly curved surfaces of the core, the pegs locating loosely in the respective openings; wherein the opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates comprise cooperating curvatures and wherein each plate is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core; and wherein each plate includes an empty annular groove adjacent to the rim, each groove configured and arranged to facilitate handling of the plate by instruments used to place the prosthesis in use.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2012-05-11 | 2012-11-10 | 2013-05-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2016-05-11 | 2016-11-10 | 2017-05-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2020-05-11 | 2020-11-10 | 2021-05-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |