| 摘要 |
<p>This invention comprises a synthetic intervertebral disc for implantation in the human body. The disc, in its preferred embodiment, is comprised of a top plate (11a) and a bottom plate (11b) joined by springs (13a-13e) along the inside of the outer perimeter of the top plate (11a) and bottom plate (11b). The top plate (11a) and the bottom plate (11b) secure to adjacent vertebrae via tabs (15a-15d) held in place by screws (16a-16d). The plates (11a & 11b) include oval-shaped cutouts in their centers that allow a compressible polymeric core (12) to protrude from the plates (11a & 11b). The polymeric core (12) aids the device in fitting between the concave surfaces of two vertebrae and provide additional cushioning effect. An elastomeric covering (14) encircles the volume between the top plate (11a) and the bottom plate (11b) and sealingly connects to the plates (11a & 11b) to prevent body tissues from interfering with the movement of the springs (13a-13e). The springs (13a-13e) distribute forces acting on the plates (11a & 11b) and allow normal movement of the vertebrae during flexion and extension of the spine in any direction.</p> |
