METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROSTHESIS INSERTION

摘要

A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device.

主权项

1. An instrument set for inserting an articulating intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the set comprising:
a prosthesis grasping device configured to grasp two endplates of the prosthesis and hold the prosthesis endplates stationary with respect to one another while pushing the prosthesis into the space; and at least one prosthesis pusher device configured for engaging and pushing the endplates of the prosthesis into the space, wherein the pusher device comprises:
an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;a concave pusher portion disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft, the concave pusher portion adapted to engage a curved portion of the endplates and to push the endplates into the space; anda handle disposed at the proximal end of the elongate shaft.