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 collectively having a plurality of lobes and a plurality of troughs, the lobes engaging the troughs such that the lobes slide across the surfaces of the troughs in order to thereby allow for flexion/extension, lateral bending, and rotation movement of the artificial disc.