The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 19, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 22, 2000
Robert Brosnahan, Germantown, TN (US);
Laura A. Small, Memphis, TN (US);
Julie A. Bearcroft, Bartlett, TN (US);
Howmedica Osteonics Corp., Allendale, NJ (US);
Abstract
An implant for replacing the supporting function of an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebrae includes a prosthetic implant member dimensioned for insertion within a space provided by at least partial removal of the intervertebral disc. The implant member includes a first implant portion and a second implant portion. The first implant portion includes a microporous material formed to define a predetermined configuration and has a first relatively high average porosity to facilitate rapid bone ingrowth within the first implant portion. The second implant portion includes a microporous material formed to define a predetermined configuration and has a second relatively low average porosity to support and maintain the adjacent vertebrae in spaced relation during permanent fixation of the implant member within the adjacent vertebrae. The first implant portion is disposed in a peripheral area of the implant member and the second implant portion is disposed in a central area of the implant member such that the first implant portion substantially encapsulates the second implant portion.