Magnetic intervertebral disc replacement devices and methods thereof

Abstract

An intervertebral disc replacement device comprising a superior plate and an inferior plate, in which each plate contains one or more embedded magnets. The one or more magnets in the superior plate and the one or more magnet in the inferior plate are oriented such that a magnetic force exists between the one or more magnets in the superior plate and the one or more magnet in the inferior plate. In addition, an intervertebral disc replacement device comprising a superior plate and an inferior plate, in which each plate contains one or more embedded magnets, and the plates are designed to form an articulating surface. Further, an intervertebral disc replacement device comprising a superior plate, an inferior plate, and a spacer, in which each plate contains one or more embedded magnets, and the superior and inferior plates are designed to form articulating surfaces with the spacer.

1 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . An intervertebral disc replacement device comprising a superior plate and an inferior plate, wherein:
 each plate comprises a fixation surface and an articulating surface, wherein the articulating surface of the superior plate is configured to articulate against the articulating surface of the inferior plate; and   each plate comprises one or more magnets embedded therein, wherein the one or more magnets in the superior plate and the one or more magnet 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.   
     
     
         45 . The intervertebral disc replacement device of  claim 44 , wherein the fixation surface of the superior plate and the fixation surface of the inferior plate each comprise a surface geometry, a surface feature, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         46 . The intervertebral disc replacement device of  claim 45 , wherein the surface geometry is selected from the group consisting of a texture, porous coating, bioactive coating, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         47 . The intervertebral disc replacement device of  claim 45 , wherein the surface feature is selected from the group consisting of one or more keels, one or more pegs, one or more screws, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         48 . The intervertebral disc replacement device of  claim 44 , wherein the superior plate and the inferior plate comprise a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a biopolymer, a ceramic, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         49 . The intervertebral disc replacement device of  claim 44 , wherein the one or more magnets in the superior plate and the one or more magnets in the inferior plate comprises a material that is iron-based, nickel-based, cobalt-based, or an alloy of rare-earth metals. 
     
     
         50 . The intervertebral disc replacement device of  claim 49 , wherein the one or more magnets in the superior plate and the one or more magnets in the inferior plate comprises an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. 
     
     
         51 . The intervertebral disc replacement device of  claim 44 , wherein 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. 
     
     
         52 . A method of treating a degenerative disc disease in an intervertebral disc, comprising removing the intervertebral disc, and implanting the intervertebral disc replacement device of  claim 44 . 
     
     
         53 . A method of reducing pain caused by degenerative disc disease in an intervertebral disc, comprising removing the intervertebral disc, and implanting the intervertebral disc replacement device of  claim 44 .