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:
Feb. 21, 2012
Filed:
Sep. 28, 2009
Edward Vresilovic, Ardmore, PA (US);
Michael F. Keane, Downingtown, PA (US);
Alastair J. T. Clemow, Princeton, NJ (US);
Nigel G. Smith, Norwich, GB;
Edward Vresilovic, Ardmore, PA (US);
Michael F. Keane, Downingtown, PA (US);
Alastair J. T. Clemow, Princeton, NJ (US);
Nigel G. Smith, Norwich, GB;
Synthes USA, LLC, West Chester, PA (US);
Abstract
A nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is supplemented or replaced by an elongated, physiologically fully hydrated hydrogel prosthesis inserted into the central region of an intervertebral disc, where it can fold upon itself to form a prosthesis body within the central region of the annulus fibrosus. The hydrogel prosthesis may have expanded portions that assist in preventing expulsion of the prosthesis through the insertion aperture. An instrument for inserting the prosthesis has a cutter for severing the elongated prosthesis within the central region of the intervertebral disc after a sufficient amount has been implanted.