Importance

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Abstract

An alloplastic device and process for replacement of a damaged or diseased spinal vertebral column disk. The replacement disk is hollow room temperature vulcanizable (RTV) silicone shaped to mimic the natural disk being replaced. The shape can be derived from a mold of the natural disk or an MRI scan. The replacement disk may be trabeculated (honeycombed) and may be filled with a lubricating fluid including triglyceride oil, preferably soybean oil. The replacement disk is formed by allowing RTV silicone injected into a mold to vulcanize at room temperatures until a wall of sufficient thickness is formed. The unvulcanized silicone is expressed to form the hollow interior. The replacement disk is formed with a nipple having an interior concavity. The nipple is cut from the body of the replacement disk leaving an opening into the hollow interior. The nipple is inverted and sealed into the opening so that the nipple extends from the surface of the replacement disk into the interior where it contacts the opposite wall of the disk. The inverted nipple thus provides a central support for the disk and a valve to inject the lubricating fluid into the hollow interior. The concavity of the inverted nipple is filled with RTV silicone which then vulcanizes and seals the opening. The hollow disk lubricates itself since the lubricating fluid percolates slowly through the silicone wall. Other uses include replacement for a worn out or injured miniscus, and other orthopedic applications including carpal tunnel damage or injuries.

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First Claim