Spinal implant

摘要

Intervertebral disc prostheses and methods of use. An intervertebral disc prosthesis for installation in a spinal column may include a first intervertebral plate, a second intervertebral plate, and a removable insert core. The first intervertebral plate may engage one or both of the inferior vertebral endplate and the inferior ring apophysis of a superior vertebral body. The second intervertebral plate may engage one or both of the superior vertebral endplate and the superior ring apophysis of an inferior vertebral body. The removable insert core is located between and engages the intervertebral plates. A projection projects from one of the intervertebral plates toward the other intervertebral plate. The removable insert core at least partially surrounds the projection when installed. The removable insert core is removable from between the intervertebral plates and from around the projection while the intervertebral plates and projection remain installed.

主权项

1. A method of installing an intervertebral disc prosthesis in a spinal column, comprising:
inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a disc space, the intervertebral disc prosthesis including:
a first intervertebral plate for engaging one or both of an inferior vertebral endplate and an inferior ring apophysis of a superior vertebral body,a second intervertebral plate for engaging one or both of a superior vertebral endplate and a superior ring apophysis of an inferior vertebral body,a gap located between the first and second intervertebral plates, anda projection that projects from one of said intervertebral plates toward the other one of said intervertebral plates, wherein the projection extends into an aperture formed in the other one of the said intervertebral plates, wherein the aperture is sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the projection; inserting a removable insert core in the gap between the first and second intervertebral plates, the removable insert core having a first upper surface that contacts the first intervertebral plate and a second lower surface that contacts the second intervertebral plate; and removing the removable insert core while the intervertebral plates remain installed in the disc space, wherein the projection maintains proper spacing between the intervertebral plates while the insert core is removed.