Multi-lobe artificial spine joint

摘要

An artificial disc is provided which more closely matches the movement of the natural spine. The artificial disc uses one or more projections and corresponding recesses to provide a sliding articulation. The artificial joint is inherently stable in that compressive forces placed on the disc such as the weight placed upon the joint or the tension of surrounding tissues urges the joint towards a neutral position and not farther away from a neutral position.

主权项

1. An artificial disc for forming an artificial joint in a spine comprising:
an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion and lower portion collectively having a plurality of lobes and a plurality of troughs, the lobes engaging the troughs at three contact points disposed in a triangular arrangement with a first contact point which is centered laterally and a second contact point and third contact point which are spaced apart laterally from each other and which are spaced apart from the first contact point in an anterior-posterior direction, wherein the lobes slide across the surfaces of the troughs to different locations within the troughs while remaining in contact with the troughs in order to thereby allow for articulation of the artificial disc.