Patent ID: 8007536
Filing Date: 2011-08-30
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A disc implant for total disc replacement comprising: a first inter-vertebral element having a first outer fusion surface and a first internal coupling surface, a second inter-vertebral element having a second outer fusion surface and a second internal coupling surface, a coupling mechanism for movably connecting said first and second elements, the coupling mechanism being positioned in an intermediate space between the first inter-vertebral element and the second inter-vertebral element and allowing movement of the first and second element relative to each other in the absence of bone ingrowth into the intermediate space, wherein each of the first intervertebral element and the second inter-vertebral element includes osseointegrative openings or incisions that occupy at least 10% of the surface area of the outer fusion surfaces, thereby facilitating fixation of the first and second inter-vertebral elements relative to each other over time in response to bone ingrowth into the intermediate region through the osseointegrative openings or incisions.