Abstract:
In a total knee replacement (TKR), the use of a cushion element provides better wear characteristics than polyethylene (“poly”) alone. Since a metal-on-metal, metal-on-ceramic, or ceramic-on-ceramic articulating surface has better wear characteristics than metal on poly, the invention essentially provides cushioning for metal/ceramic-on-metal/ceramic joint replacements. It also allows the use of elastomers for their cushioning properties rather than their surface wear and tensile strength characteristics. The contained compressible elements could also be used as a cushion below polyethylene components, polyethylene over metal components, unicondylar knee replacements, patellar components, and prosthetic components for other parts of the body, including the hip, elbow, shoulder, wrist, and ankle.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Nos. 60/379,462, filed May 10, 2002; 60/445,489, filed Feb. 6, 2003; and 60/445,958, filed Feb. 7, 2003. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/407,554, filed Apr. 4, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/303,385, filed Nov. 25, 2002; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/191,639, filed Jul. 9, 2002 and 09/415,382, filed Oct. 8, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,704. The entire content of each application and patent is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to prosthetic implants and, more particularly, to devices of this type including contained, compressible, resilient members.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    In prior art total knee replacements (TKRs), polyethylene trays are placed between metal tibial and femoral components. The metal femoral component articulates with the polyethylene tray. The loads across the TKR and movement between the femoral component and poly tray cause surface wear of the poly. The problems associated with poly wear are well known to Orthopaedic surgeons: fracture of the poly tray, thinning of the tray, migration of poly particles throughout the body, and loosening of the prosthetic joint from the body&#39;s reaction to the poly particles. U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,916 describes many of these problems.  
           [0004]    Metal-on-metal articulations are seen as an improvement over metal on poly articulations. Metal on metal articulations are reported to have 400× less wear than metal on poly surfaces, but their use has so far been limited.  
           [0005]    Surgeons who perform arthroplasty of arthritic joints hope to eliminate pain and restore normal function of the replaced joint. Arthroplasty surface technology attempts to replicate cartilage function. Cartilage surfaces have a very low coefficient of friction. Metal-on-metal surfaces and metal-on-poly surfaces also have low coefficients of friction. Cartilage also provides cushioning or dampening of forces across the joint. Metal-on-metal designs do not provide dampening. Metal-on-poly surfaces provide more dampening than metal on metal surfaces, but they do not the cushioning of cartilage.  
           [0006]    The choice of materials for prosthetic implants is also limited by surface wear characteristics of the materials. Metals have better surface wear characteristics than polyethylene, but metals do not provide cushioning. The choice of materials is also limited by the tensile strength of the materials. Materials used to form articular surfaces must withstand the large forces exerted on the joint. The materials must withstand shear and tension forces in addition to compression forces. Polyethylene was chosen as the best material to meet the requirement listed above.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    In broad and general terms, this invention encases, encapsulates, contains, or otherwise protects a compressible/resilient member with one or more rigid components associated with an articulating bone. The embodiments are applicable not only to artificial disc replacement (ADR) devices, but also to joint situations including the knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, wrist, and ankle.  
           [0008]    The cushion elements in the preferred embodiments include synthetic rubbers, hydrogels, elastomers, and other polymeric materials such as viscoelastic polymers and foam polyurethanes. The invention effectively combines the advantages of such materials (cushioning, shape memory, and expansion after insertion in the case of hydrogels), while providing increased protection, particularly the elimination of shear stresses.  
           [0009]    In a total knee replacement (TKR), the use of a cushion element provides better wear characteristics than polyethylene (“poly”) alone. Since a metal-on-metal, metal-on-ceramic, or ceramic-on-ceramic articulating surface has better wear characteristics than metal on poly, the invention essentially provides cushioning for metal/ceramic-on-metal/ceramic joint replacements. It also allows the use of elastomers for their cushioning properties rather than their surface wear and tensile strength characteristics.  
           [0010]    The contained compressible elements could also be used as a cushion below polyethylene components, polyethylene over metal components, unicondylar knee replacements, patellar components, and prosthetic components for other parts of the body. All of the embodiments of the invention can be enclosed by a membrane to trap wear debris inside the device. The seal can also hold a lubricating fluid, such as vegetable oil or other oils or gels inside the device. In hydrogel embodiments, the seal can be fluid permeable. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1A is a side view of a contained artificial disc replacement (ADR) of the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1B shows the cross-section of the device of FIG. 1A;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1D is a top view of FIGS.  1 A- 1 C in position between a pair of adjacent vertebrae;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1E shows the device in a dehydrated state;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1F shows the device in a hydrated/expanded state;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2A shows an ADR according to the present invention disposed symmetrically between adjacent vertebrae;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2B illustrates an asymmetrical configuration;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3A illustrates a device dehydrated for insertion between the vertebrae;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3B illustrates the device expanded after insertion and hydration;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4A shows the device of the present invention with endplates in position;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4B is a cross-section of FIG. 4A;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5A is a simplified side view of an alternative embodiment of an ADR;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5B shows a cross-section of the more encapsulated device showing channels for facilitate fluid transfer;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5C is a cross-section showing the hydrogel in a desiccated state;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5D is a cross-section showing the hydrogel in a hydrated, expanded form;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5E shows the side view of the device in place between upper and lower vertebrae;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5F is an anterior-posterior view of the device in place;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6A is a side-view of the device of FIG. 5A with inferior and superior end plates attached to the respective vertebrae;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6B is an anterior-posterior view of the device of FIG. 6A in position;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7A is an anterior-posterior view of in partial cross-section of an ADR incorporating multiple cylinders;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 7B is a side-view, also in partial cross-section;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7C is an axial cross-section of a device containing a central guide cylinder surrounding six pistons;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7D shows two embodiments with multiple cylinders;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 8A is a coronal/sagittal cross-section of the cylinders according to the present invention;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 8B is an illustration of two vertebrae in extension;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 9 shows an embodiment with the peg projecting from the posterior aspect of the inferior surface of the upper plate;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 10A shows a further alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 10B is a frontal view in cross-section showing partial cushioning;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 10C is a frontal cross-sectional view illustrating full cushioning;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 11A is a top-down view of an embodiment showing opposing retaining cylinders on either side of a central resilient member;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 11B is a side-view drawing in cross-section showing partial cushioning of the device of FIG. 11A;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 11C is a side-view drawing in partial cross-section illustrating the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 12A shows an anterior-posterior view of the embodiment of the invention wherein the end plates of ADR may contain hollow keels on the vertebral side;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 12B is a lateral view of FIG. 12A;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 12C is a top-down view illustrating the bone ingrowth area of FIG. 12A;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 13 is a cross-section of an embodiment with multiple pistons connected to the top plate via a rod;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 14A is a cross-section illustrating an anterior-posterior view of two pedicle scews;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional lateral view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 15A is a side-view of a pedicle screw having an axle to receive a shock absorber according to the present invention;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 15B is a close-up of the shock absorber mechanism associated with a pedicle screw embodiment of FIG. 15A;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a tibial component according to the present invention;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 17 is a drawing which shows how a locking component may be incorporated in the design;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 18 is a side-view cross-section of a tibial component for a knee replacement;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 19 is a side-view drawing of an embodiment illustrating the way in which the invention may be applied to the hip;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 20A is a lateral view of an embodiment of the invention applied to total knee replacement;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 20B is sagittal cross section of the embodiment of the device drawn in FIG. 20A;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 20C is a view of the bottom of upper metal component;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 20D is a view of the bottom of an alternative embodiment of the component drawn in FIG. 20C incorporating two pistons;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 20E is a coronal cross section of the embodiment of the device drawn in FIG. 20D;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 21A is a sagittal cross section of an alternative embodiment;  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 21B is a view of the top of the cylinder component of the device drawn in FIG. 21A;  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 22A is a sagittal cross section of an alternative embodiment including a different locking-mechanism;  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 22B is an exploded view of the embodiment of the invention drawn in FIG. 22A;  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 23 is a sagittal cross section through a further embodiment of the invention;  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 24 is a sagittal cross section through yet a further embodiment of the device;  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 25 is a sagittal cross section of an alternative embodiment of the invention including hydrogel as a cushion element;  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 26 is a sagittal cross section of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cushion element is enclosed within a flexible metal component; and  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 27 is a sagittal cross section of another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0070]    This invention address and solves such problems arising in the prior art. The embodiments are applicable not only to ADR devices, but also to joint situations including total knee and hip arthroplasty. The approach effectively combines the advantages of hydrogels (cushioning, shape memory, and expansion after insertion) and rubber or other elastomers (cushioning), while eliminating shear stresses on the polymer. When applied to an ADR, the invention also minimizes the risk of extrusion.  
         [0071]    Hydrogels are used in the preferred embodiments. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,047,055 and 5,192,326 both incorporated by reference, list some of the applicable hydrogels. The small size of the desiccated hydrogel facilitates insertion, after which the hydrogel imbibes fluids and expands. Other non-hydrogel compressible and/or resilient materials may alternatively be used, including elastomers, shape-memory polymers, which would increase in height after they are inserted. As another example of many, non-hydrogel polymers such as acrylics may be used which change shape with a change in temperature. Thus, as used herein, the term “hydrogel” should be taken to include other resilient/compressible materials.  
         [0072]    According to the invention, the hydrogels are protected from shear stress, thereby extending longevity. In particular, the hydrogel is contained, constrained or enclosed within a cavity or cylinder which may include one or more pistons. The hydrogel provides cushioning, while the metal pistons facilitate articulation either directly or indirectly with bone surfaces. Thus, the invention offers the advantages of metal-on-metal while providing for cushioning. The hydrogels allow for physiologic tension adjustment since they can change size based upon imbibing fluid and the pressure on the hydrogel. Thus, the hydrogel component of the device can change height to balance the forces against the surrounding tissues.  
         [0073]    The cylinder and piston would likely be made of metal such as stainless steel, titanium, chrome cobalt, or other biocompatible metal or ceramic alloy. Surfaces to promote bone ingrowth could be used on the covers. The hydrogel embodiments may incorporate channels for the diffusion of fluids in and out of the cylinder. Optional permeable membranes can also be used to prevent extrusion of the hydrogel through the channels. The permeable membrane traps the hydrogel but allows fluids to move freely across the membrane.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 1A is a side view of a contained artificial disc replacement (ADR) according to the invention. FIG. 1B is a drawing that shows cross-section of the device of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1D is a top view of FIGS.  1 A- 1 C in position between a pair of adjacent vertebrae. FIG. 1E shows the device in a dehydrated state; FIG. 1F shows the device in a hydrated/expanded state.  
         [0075]    Devices according to the invention, regardless of disposition in the body, may be placed symmetrically or asymmetrically. FIG. 2A shows an ADR according to the invention disposed symmetrically between adjacent vertebrae. FIG. 2B illustrates an asymmetrical configuration. FIG. 3A illustrates a device dehydrated for insertion between the vertebrae and FIG. 3B illustrates the device expanded after insertion and hydration. As shown in FIG. 4, endplate covers may be provided in conjunction with the contained hydrogel ADR according to the invention. FIG. 4A shows the device and endplates in position. FIG. 4B is a cross-section.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 5A is a simplified side view of an alternative ADR according to the invention, wherein the hydrogel is further encapsulated. FIG. 5B is a cross-section of the more encapsulated device showing channels for facilitate fluid transfer. FIG. 5C is a cross-section showing the hydrogel in a desiccated state. FIG. 5D is a cross-section showing the hydrogel in a hydrated, expanded. FIG. 5E shows the device in place between upper and lower vertebrae from a side view. FIG. 5F is an A-P of the device in place. FIG. 6A is a side-view of the device of FIG. 5, with inferior and superior end plates attached to the respective vertebrae. FIG. 6B is an A-P view of the device of FIG. 6A in position.  
         [0077]    The invention may also include two or more cylinders. Adding cylinders reduces the tendency of a single assembly to tilt when pressure is applied in an eccentric fashion. FIG. 7A is an A-P view of in partial cross-section of an ADR incorporating multiple cylinders. FIG. 7B is a side-view, also in partial cross-section. FIG. 7C is an axial cross-section of a device containing a central guide cylinder surrounding six pistons. It will be appreciated that more or fewer guide cylinders and/or pistons may be used as shown, for example, in FIG. 10.  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 7D shows two embodiments with multiple cylinders. In the partial cushion embodiment (upper drawing), the spherical end of the peg projecting from the top plate rests against and is partially supported by a concavity in the lower plate. In the full cushion embodiment (lower drawing), the peg projecting from the top plate fits into a restraining cylinder. The peg form the top plate does not rest against the bottom plate in this embodiment. In either case, the end of the peg is preferably spherical to allow angular motion between the two plates.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 8A is a coronal/sagittal cross-section of the cylinders according to this embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8B is an illustration of two vertebrae in extension, showing the way in which the front piston is raised and the back piston is lowered. Note that the peg that projects from the lower portion of the upper plate need not be central in location. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment with the peg projecting from the posterior aspect of the inferior surface of the upper plate. Posterior peg placement allows a larger anterior cylinder. The larger anterior cylinder may be better at handling the larger forces placed on the anterior portion of the disc replacement during spinal flexion.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 10 is a drawing which shows an alternative arrangement wherein multiple guide cylinders are used at the periphery as opposed to a central location. Among other advantages, this may help to prevent rotatory subluxation of the top component relative to the bottom component while allowing more area centrally for the hydrogels/polymer cylinders. FIG. 10A is a top cross-section view of an embodiment showing multiple peripheral cylinders and additional internal hydrogel chambers. FIG. 10B is a frontal view in cross-section showing partial cushioning. FIG. 10C is a frontal cross-sectional view illustrating full cushioning. Two or more retaining cylinders may also be used to reduce the shear on the solid piece of silicone rubber, elastomer or hydrogel-type material. FIG. 11A is a top-down view of an embodiment showing opposing retaining cylinders on either side of a central resilient member. FIG. 11B is a side-view drawing in cross-section showing partial cushioning of the device of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11C is a side-view drawing in partial cross-section illustrating the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B providing a full cushioning and reduced shear capability.  
         [0081]    Reference is now made to FIG. 12A, which is an A-P view of the embodiment of the invention wherein the end plates of ADR may contain hollow keels on the vertebral side. FIG. 12B is a lateral view and, FIG. 12C is a top-down view illustrating the bone ingrowth area. The vertebrae would be osteotomized to make room for the keels. The bone from the osteomity sites would be morselized and placed inside the hollow keels. The morselized bone would promote ingrowth into the end plates of the ADR, much like hollow cages promote bone ingrowth.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 13 is a cross-section of an embodiment with multiple pistons connected to the top plate via rod, much like the design of rods that connect pistons to a crankshaft in an engine. The shock absorber concept according to this invention may also be used with respect to vertebral shock absorbers. FIG. 14A is a cross-section illustrating an A-P view of two pedicle screws coupled in this way. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional lateral view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A. FIG. 15A is a side-view of a pedicle screw having an axle to receive a shock absorber according to the invention. FIG. 15B is a close-up of the shock absorber mechanism associated with a pedicle screw embodiment.  
         [0083]    The cylinders could be made of ceramic, metal, or metal lined with ceramic. The pistons could also be made of metal, ceramic, alloys and so forth. In any case, the articulation of the top and bottom plates is preferably metal-to-metal or ceramic-to-metal, both of which are presumably superior to metal-to-polyethylene articulations. Furthermore, hydrogels, shape memory polymers, or other polymers within the cylinder provide a cushion, or dampen the forces across the plates.  
         [0084]    Polymers of different durometers could be used in cylinders in different locations. For example, the polymers in the posterior cylinders could be less compressible and therefore help resist extension of the spine. The cylinders could also use liquids with baffles to dampen motion. That said, hydrogels or polymers have the benefit of functioning without a water tight cylinder piston unit. Indeed, as mentioned previously, the cylinders or the pistons may contain holes to allow fluid movement in the hydrogel configurations.  
         [0085]    As discussed above, this invention is not limited to the spine, but may be used in other joint situations such as the knee and hip, which typically use polyethylene bearing surfaces on the acetabulum or proximal tibia. Problems related to polyethylene wear are well known to orthopedic surgeons. Although metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-ceramic total hips have been developed to reduce the problems associated with poly wear, such designs do not provide shock-absorbing capacity. For example, excessive force form tight ligaments about the knee or hip may reduce the size of the hydrogel, thus reducing the tension on the ligaments. Conversely, loose ligaments will cause the hydrogel to swell, thus increasing the tension on the loose ligaments. Although hydrogels are used in this preferred embodiment as well, other elastomers and polymers including shape memory polymers may alternatively be used.  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a tibial component according to the invention. As discussed above, channels are used for fluid transfer, and these may be located around the periphery, or near the center, rather than in the weight-bearing area. FIG. 17 is a drawing which shows how a locking component may be incorporated in the design which allows movement while, at the same time, prevent disassociation. A similar design may be used for other prosthetic components, including a patella button. FIG. 18 is a side-view cross-section of a tibial component for a knee replacement utilizing a central guide and peripheral pistons, much like the vertebral embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS.  7 - 11 , in particular.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 19 is a side-view drawing of an embodiment illustrating the way in which the invention may be applied to the hip. As shown in the drawing, an inner cup would be used with respect to the acetabulum, along with an outer bearing surface with a hydrogel/elastomeric or other polymeric material being used therebetween. Particularly with regard to a hydrogel configuration, one or more channels for fluid transfer may be provided.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 20A is a lateral view of an embodiment of the invention applied to total knee replacement. A cushion element  202  is located between two metal components  204 ,  206 . The tibial component preferably further includes a polyethylene piece  210 . FIG. 20B is sagittal cross section of the embodiment of the device drawn in FIG. 20A. At least one piston configuration is used to limit shear force on the cushion element. FIG. 20C is a view of the bottom of upper metal component. A single piston  220  can be seen on the bottom of the component.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 20D is a view of the bottom of an alternative embodiment of the component drawn in FIG. 20C incorporating two pistons  240 ,  250 . Two or more pistons can be used to eliminate rotation between the two metal, or ceramic, components. Eliminating rotation also reduces the shear stresses on the cushion component. FIG. 20E is a coronal cross section of the embodiment of the device drawn in FIG. 20D.  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 21A is a sagittal cross section of an alternative embodiment including an arrangement to lock the components together. A projection  260  from the side of the piston fits into a slot shaped opening  262  in the top of the cylinder. Rotating the two components traps the projection from the piston in the cylinder. FIG. 21B is a view of the top of the cylinder component of the device drawn in FIG. 21A, illustrating the oblong cylinder opening.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 22A is a sagittal cross section of an alternative embodiment including a different locking mechanism. The assembled components are locked together. FIG. 22B is an exploded view of the embodiment of the invention drawn in FIG. 22A. The cushion element is illustrated at  270 . A preferably circular component  272  is threaded onto the piston, after the piston is placed through cushion component and into the cylinder. A screw  274  is used to close the bottom of the cylinder.  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 23 is a sagittal cross section through another embodiment of the invention, wherein a tibia component pistons in the lower component. A seal  280  can be seen between the two components (dark circles). The upper component also has one or more pistons that move within cylinders in the lower component. The upper and lower components can be non-circular in shape to prevent rotation.  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 24 is a sagittal cross section through another embodiment of the device. The cushion element (area of the drawing with diagonal lines) is contained within cylinders in the tibial and femoral canals. A membrane is used to seal the tibial component. Seals are also illustrated on the femoral components (dark circles).  
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 25 is a sagittal cross section of an alternative embodiment of the invention including hydrogel as a cushion element  302 . A flexible, preferably fluid permeable membrane  304  surrounds the hydrogel. Axial loads on the hydrogel are converted into hoop stress on the flexible membrane. In the preferred embodiment the flexible membrane is elastic. The flexible membrane or components above and below the hydrogel may contain pores for fluid transfer. This embodiment of the device is also described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/407,554, entitled “Artificial Intervertebral Disc Replacements Incorporating Reinforced Wall Sections.” 
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 26 is a sagittal cross section of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cushion element is enclosed within a flexible metal component. The cushion component, a sealed elastomer, or hydrogel, for example, is not exposed to the fluids of the body, which can degrade some materials. A somewhat similar device is described in co-pending provisional patent application Serial No. 60/445,489, entitled “Improved Longevity Elastic Components For ADRs.” 
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 27 is a sagittal cross section of another embodiment of the invention, wherein an elastic component surrounds pieces that move along inclined planes. Loads on the upper tibial component force the moveable outward. The cushion component forces the movable components together as the load is removed from the tibial component. The elastic component is not exposed to shear or compression. The elastic component is only exposed to tension. This embodiment of the device is also described in co-pending provisional patent application Serial No. 60/445,958, entitled “Composite Components For Disc And Joint Replacements.”