Abstract:
An method and apparatus is provided for achieving stability of an implant in an intervertebral space of the human body, including an implant having a superior surface and an inferior surface, the surfaces having no significant protrusions extending therefrom and at least one modular projection mateable with one of each superior and inferior surface of the implant to achieve stability within the intervertebral space. The implants can be selected form a group of artificial discs and spinal fusion cages.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/405,064, filed Mar. 31, 2003. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     An intervertebral disc has several important functions, including functioning as a spacer, a shock absorber, and a motion unit.  
         [0003]     The disc maintains the separation distance between adjacent boney vertebral bodies. The separation distance allows motion to occur, with the cumulative effect of each spinal segment yielding the total range of motion of the spine in several directions. Proper spacing is important because it allows the intervertebral foramen to maintain its height, which allows the segmental nerve roots room to exit each spinal level without compression.  
         [0004]     Further, the disc allows the spine to compress and rebound when the spine is axially loaded during such activities as jumping and running. Importantly, it also resists the downward pull of gravity on the head and trunk during prolonged sitting and standing.  
         [0005]     Furthermore, the disc allows the spinal segment to flex, rotate, and bend to the side, all at the same time during a particular activity. This would be impossible if each spinal segment were locked into a single axis of motion.  
         [0006]     An unhealthy disc may result in pain. On way a disc may become unhealthy is when the inner nucleus dehydrates. This results in a narrowing of the disc space and a bulging of the annular ligaments. With progressive nuclear dehydration, the annular fibers can crack and tear. Further, loss of normal soft tissue tension may allow for a partial dislocation of the joint, leading to bone spurs, foraminal narrowing, mechanical instability, and pain.  
         [0007]     Lumbar disc disease can cause pain and other symptoms in two ways. First, if the annular fibers stretch or rupture, the nuclear material may bulge or herniate and compress neural tissues resulting in leg pain and weakness. This condition is often referred to as a pinched nerve, slipped disc, or herniated disc. This condition will typically cause sciatica, or radiating leg pain as a result of mechanical and/or chemical irritation against the nerve root. Although the overwhelming majority of patients with a herniated disc and sciatica heal without surgery, if surgery is indicated it is generally a decompressive removal of the portion of herniated disc material, such as a discectomy or microdiscectomy.  
         [0008]     Second, mechanical dysfunction may cause disc degeneration and pain (e.g. degenerative disc disease). For example, the disc may be damaged as the result of some trauma that overloads the capacity of the disc to withstand increased forces passing through it, and inner or outer portions of the annular fibers may tear. These torn fibers may be the focus for inflammatory response when they are subjected to increased stress, and may cause pain directly, or through the compensatory protective spasm of the deep paraspinal muscles.  
         [0009]     This mechanical pain syndrome, unresponsive to conservative treatment, and disabling to the individuals way of life, is generally the problem to be addressed by spinal fusion or artificial disc technologies.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0010]     The invention is generally related to a method and apparatus for improving implant stability within an intervertebral space. As such, there is provided a method of achieving stability of an implant in the intervertebral space of the human body including, preparing the intervertebral space for implantation, positioning an implant in the prepared intervertebral space, and inserting at least one modular projection in a superior and an inferior surface of the implant to achieve stability within the intervertebral space. The modular projections are fixed in place with a locking feature, such as a screw or a bolt, to further increase stability within the intervertebral space.  
         [0011]     An apparatus is provided for achieving stability of an implant in an intervertebral space of the human body, including an implant having a superior surface and an inferior surface, the surfaces having no significant protrusions extending therefrom and at least one modular projection mateable with one of each superior and inferior surface of the implant to achieve stability within the intervertebral space. The implants can be selected form a group of artificial discs and spinal fusion cages.  
         [0012]     The apparatus further includes a locking feature for fixing the modular projections in place to further increase stability within the intervertebral space, wherein the locking feature can be selected form a group of screws and bolts.  
         [0013]     The superior surface and the inferior surface of the implants include recessed mating features for accepting modular projections therein. The recessed mating features can be selected form a group of simple slots, tapered slots, dovetail slots, and holes.  
         [0014]     The modular projections include a proximal end for mating with a recessed mating feature of a superior or inferior surface of the implant and a distal end for mating with a superior or inferior surface of vertebral endplates. The proximal end can be selected form a group of simple rectangles, tapered rectangles, dovetails, and pegs. The distal end can be selected form a group of keels, spikes, teeth, pegs, and fins.  
         [0015]     Traditionally, spinal fusion surgery has been the treatment of choice for individuals who have not found pain relief for chronic back pain through conservative treatment (such as physical therapy, medication, manual manipulation, etc), and have remained disabled from their occupation, from their activities of daily living, or simply from enjoying a relatively pain-free day-to-day existence. While there have been significant advances in spinal fusion devices and surgical techniques, it is difficult to attain initial implant stability and subsequent manipulation.  
         [0016]     The artificial disc offers several theoretical benefits over spinal fusion for chronic back pain, including pain reduction and a potential to avoid premature degeneration at adjacent levels of the spine by maintaining normal spinal motion. However, like spinal fusion surgery, it is difficult to attain initial implant stability and subsequent manipulation. Currently there are at least four known types of artificial discs. These artificial discs are known as the Charité, Prodisc, Marverick, and Acroflex.  
         [0017]     The Charité achieves initial implant stability with a series of teeth positioned on the posterior and anterior sides of both superior and inferior surfaces of its endplates. The teeth are integral to the endplates, as such the disc space must be over-distracted to accommodate these projections during insertion. The Prodisc and Marverick achieve initial stability with a central keel on both superior and inferior surfaces of its endplates. The keels are integral to the endplates, as such a path must be cut into the vertebral endplates to accommodate the keels prior to implantation. The Acroflex achieves initial stability with a series of fins on both superior and inferior surfaces of its endplates positioned in an anterior-to-posterior direction. The fins are integral to the endplates, as such the fins cut small paths into the vertebral endplates as the disc is inserted during implantation. Once the Charité, Prodisc, Marverick, and Acroflex are initially positioned it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for subsequent manipulation.  
         [0018]     Thus, there remains a need for an improved apparatus and technique for initial artificial disc stability and subsequent manipulation. The present application is directed to those needs.  
         [0019]     The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and technique for securing an implant between two adjacent vertebra segments. The apparatus and technique of the present invention have particular application, but are not limited to, direct anterior or oblique-anterior approaches to the spine. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the lower spine, highlighting a surgically prepared disc space;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an artificial disc attached to an artificial disc insertion instrument;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the artificial disc inserted into the disc space;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the artificial disc secured within the intervertebral space;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a distraction instrument inserted into the disc space of the lower spine;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the artificial disc being inserted into the disc space using the distraction instrument as a guide;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an artificial disc of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the artificial disc of  FIG. 7A  accepting one embodiment of a modular projection;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of the artificial disc of  FIG. 7A  with the modular projections fully inserted in the artificial disc;  
         [0029]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular projection invention fully inserted to an artificial disc endplate;  
         [0030]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the artificial disc endplate of  FIG. 8A ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of modular projection of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a locking mechanism for the modular projection of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a closed position;  
         [0034]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 11A  in an open position;  
         [0035]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a screw  310 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hole  240 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 12C  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rectangle  304 ; and  
         [0038]      FIG. 12D  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a peg  304 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0039]     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The same number appearing in different drawings represent the same item. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.  
         [0040]     In general, the surgical procedure for implantation utilizes an anterior approach. During the surgery, a small incision is made in the abdomen below the belly button. The organs are carefully moved to the side so the surgeon can visualize the spine. The surgeon then removes a portion of a damaged disc. The implant is inserted into the into the intervertebral space. The implant stays in place from the tension in spinal ligaments and the remaining part of the annulus of the disc. In addition, compressive forces of the spine keep the implant in place. A successful implantation is governed by good patient selection, correct implant selection, and proper implant positioning.  
         [0041]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the lower region of the spine  100 . This region comprises the lumbar spine  120 , the sacral spine  130 , and the coccyx  140 . The lumbar spine  120  is comprised of five (5) vertebrae L5, L4, L3, L2, and L1 (not shown). Intervertebral discs  150  link contiguous vertebra from C2 (not shown) to the sacral spine  130 , wherein a single quotation (′) denotes a damaged disc, such as  150 ′.  
         [0042]     An intervertebral disc  150  is comprised of a gelatinous central portion called the nucleus pulposus (not shown) and surrounded by an outer ligamentous ring called the annulus fibrosus  160 . The nucleus pulposus is composed of 80-90% water. The solid portion of the nucleus is Type II collagen and non-aggregated proteoglycans. The annulus fibrosus  60  hydraulically seals the nucleus, and allows intradiscal pressures to rise as the disc is loaded. The annulus  160  has overlapping radial bands which allow torsional stresses to be distributed through the annulus under normal loading without rupture.  
         [0043]     The annulus  160  interacts with the nucleus. As the nucleus is pressurized, the annular fibers prevent the nucleus from bulging or herniating. The gelatinous nuclear material directs the forces of axial loading outward, and the annular fibers help distribute that force without injury.  
         [0044]     Although the following procedure is explained with reference to the lower spine, the procedure can be performed on any damaged disc of the spine. Further, the following procedure is described with reference to artificial discs. However, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that any implant may be used, such as a spinal fusion cage.  
         [0045]     The damaged disc  150 ′ is prepared to receive the artificial disc by removing a window the width of the artificial disc to be implanted from the annulus  160  of the damaged disc  150 ′. The nucleus pulposus of the disc  150 ′ is completely removed.  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , once the damaged disc space is prepared, the surgeon chooses an artificial disc  200  from a kit of artificial discs (not shown). The kit contains artificial discs  200  of various heights, shapes, and sizes. The surgeon inserts the chosen disc  200  into the intervertebral space and determines if the disc  200  closely matches the intervertebral space. The disc  200  may be inserted by hand or with an insertion instrument  202 . If the disc  200  does not closely match the intervertebral space, the surgeon removes the disc  200  and chooses another artificial disc  200  from the kit. This step is repeated until the surgeon determines the artificial disc  200  which closely matches the intervertebral space.  
         [0047]     The surgeon may then adjust the position of the artificial disc  200  in the intervertebral space if needed. The artificial disc can be adjusted in any direction within the axial plane of the intervertebral space. The artificial disc  200  is now ready to be secured to vertebral endplates.  
         [0048]     At least one modular protrusion  300  is inserted into the superior and inferior endplates  210 ,  220  of the artificial disc  200  to secure the disc  200  to vertebral endplates. The modular protrusion  300  includes a mating feature and a securing feature. The mating feature attaches to recessions within the superior and inferior endplates  210 ,  220 . The securing feature engages the vertebral endplates and secures the artificial disc  200  within the intervertebral space.  
         [0049]     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in some instances the intervertebral space collapses after removal of the nucleus pulposus from the damaged disc  150 ′. Thus, the surgeon may not be able to effectively insert the artificial disc  200  into the intervertebral space. Therefore, the intervertebral space can be distracted using a distraction instrument  400 . The distraction instrument  400  is inserted into the intervertebral space and engaged to distract the intervertebral space to a height which will enable the surgeon to insert the artificial disc  200  into the intervertebral space. The artificial disc  200  is inserted into the intervertebral space using the distraction instrument  400  as a guide. This procedure is repeated if necessary as explained above.  
         [0050]     Referring to  FIGS. 7A-10 , the artificial disc  200  includes a superior endplate  210 , an interior endplate  220 , and a flexible core  230  between the superior and interior endplates  210 ,  220 . The surfaces of the endplates should contain relatively small, if any, projections therefrom. The endplates  210 ,  220  include recessed mating features  240  for accepting modular projections  200 . The recessed mating features  240  may be of any type of mating feature known in the art, such as simple slots, tapered slots, dovetail slots, and holes. The recessed mating feature  240  may also be used to accept mating features of the implant insertion instrument  202 .  
         [0051]     The modular projections  300  include a mating feature  302  and a securing feature  304 . The mating feature  302  may be of any type of mating feature known in the art, such as a simple rectangle, a tapered rectangle, a dovetail, and a pin. The mating feature  302  should match the recessed mating feature  240  of endplates  210 ,  220 . The securing feature  304  may be of any type of securing feature known in the art, such as a keel, a spike, a tooth, teeth, a peg, and a fin. The securing feature  304  engages the vertebral endplates and secures the artificial disc within the intervertebral space.  
         [0052]     The artificial disc can be further secured within intervertebral space by a locking feature  310  ( FIG. 10 ). The locking feature  310  secures the modular projection  300  to the artificial disc  200  through hole  312 . The locking feature  304  may be of any type of locking feature known in the art, such as a screw, and a bolt.  
         [0053]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention. The modular projection  300  is slidable about the circumference of the artificial disc  200 . In a closed position ( FIG. 11A ), the securing features  304  of the modular projections  300  do not extend pass the surface of the endplates  210 ,  220 . However, in an open position ( FIG. 11B ), the securing feature  304  of modular projections  300  engages the vertebral endplates and secures the artificial disc within the intervertebral space.  
         [0000]     Equivalents  
         [0054]     While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.