CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT

摘要

A method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a spinal column includes: removing the portion of the intervertebral disc from the spinal column; and inserting an apparatus for replacing the portion of the intervertebral disc into an intervertebral disc space defined substantially between adjacent vertebral bones of the spinal column, and positioning the apparatus between the vertebral bones, wherein the apparatus is operable to permit the adjacent vertebral bones to articulate relative to one another about at least one of: (i) a first center of rotation for at least one of flexion and extension that is located outside the intervertebral disc space, and (ii) a second center of rotation for lateral bending that is located outside the intervertebral disc space.

主权项

1. An intervertebral implant comprising:
a first member having a first articulation surface; and a second member having a second articulation surface, wherein each of the first and second articulation surfaces has a toroidal saddle shaped surface, and the articulation surfaces are adapted to engage one another during at least one of flexion/extension and lateral bending, wherein the engaging articulation surfaces include opposing constant radius of curvature surfaces that are non-congruent.