US 11,678,995 B2
Magnetic intervertebral disc replacement devices and methods thereof
Stephen D. Cook, Metairie, LA (US); Michael C. Harrison, Metairie, LA (US); Liam P. Nolan, New Orleans, LA (US); Laura P. Patron, Belle Chase, LA (US); and Samantha L. Salkeld, Metairie, LA (US)
Assigned to Fellowship of Orthopaedic Researchers, Inc., Metairie, LA (US)
Filed by Fellowship of Orthopaedic Researchers, Inc., Metairie, LA (US)
Filed on Mar. 22, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/361,980.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/701,518, filed on Jul. 20, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2020/0022818 A1, Jan. 23, 2020
Int. Cl. A61F 2/44 (2006.01)
CPC A61F 2/4425 (2013.01) [A61F 2002/443 (2013.01); A61F 2220/0025 (2013.01); A61F 2310/00029 (2013.01); A61F 2310/00059 (2013.01); A61F 2310/00089 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of treating a degenerative disc disease in an intervertebral disc between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, comprising removing the intervertebral disc, and implanting an intervertebral disc replacement device comprising a superior plate and an inferior plate, wherein:
the superior plate is adhered to the superior vertebra and the inferior plate is adhered to the inferior vertebra;
each of the superior plate and the inferior plate comprises one or more magnets embedded therein, wherein the one or more magnets in the superior plate and the one or more magnets in the inferior plate are oriented such that a repulsive magnetic force exists between the one or more magnets in the superior plate and the one or more magnet in the inferior plate;
each of the superior plate and the inferior plate comprises a fixation extension, wherein the fixation extension of the superior plate is configured to adhere to the outer surface of the vertebral body of the superior vertebra, and the fixation extension of the inferior plate is configured to adhere to the outer surface of the vertebral body of the inferior vertebra;
the superior plate and the inferior plate are separated by a distance, and the superior plate and the inferior plate each do not have an articulating surface;
no spacer is present between the superior plate and the inferior plate; and
the superior plate and the inferior plate each contain (i) one magnet, or (ii) more than one magnet.