Artificial disc devices and related methods of use

摘要

An artificial disc is disclosed. The artificial disc may include a superior endplate having a bi-convex superior surface and a concave inferior surface, and an inferior endplate having a bi-convex inferior surface. The artificial disc may also include a core assembly disposed between the superior endplate and the inferior endplate, and a support assembly disposed on outer surfaces of both the superior endplate and the inferior endplate. The support assembly may be configured to couple the superior endplate to the inferior endplate.

主权项

1. A method of installing an artificial disc within a patient, the artificial disc including a superior endplate having a bi-convex superior surface and a concave inferior surface, an inferior endplate having a bi-convex inferior surface, and a core assembly secured to the superior endplate and the inferior endplate, wherein the superior endplate and inferior endplate articulate with respect to each other only by the elasticity of the core assembly, the method including:
forming an opening in a vertebral disc annulus; removing damaged vertebral disc material through the opening; inserting the artificial disc between through the opening between a pair of adjacent vertebral bodies; and securing the artificial disc between the vertebral bodies wherein securing the artificial disc between the vertebral bodies includes securing a cover plate to at least one of the vertebral disc annulus and the inner circumference of one of the vertebral bodies to cover the opening.