ARTIFICIAL DISC WITH UNIQUE ARTICULATING GEOMETRY AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

摘要

An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc (30) is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation, the artificial disc (30) provided these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc (30). In one example, an artificial disc (30) is comprised of a bearing (40) disposed between first and second end plates (36, 38). The bearing (40) is movable relative to each end plate (36, 38), independent of the other end plate. The end plates (36, 38) are affixed to adjacent vertebrae by pegs (32) extending through holes in the end plates and being fixed in the holes.