Intervertebral disc and insertion methods therefor

摘要

A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

主权项

1. A surgical method comprising the steps of:
providing an inserter head and an inserter shaft to form an inserter, the inserter head being associated with two members of an implant, each member including teeth having sloping surfaces which do not interfere with the placing step and which hinder removal of the implant once placed from between the first and second vertebral bodies, wherein the inserter head leaves the teeth uncovered by any portion of the inserted head; placing the two members between first and second vertebral bodies; removing the inserter head from the inserter shaft; decoupling the implant from the inserter head; and discarding the inserter head.