DYNAMIC TRIAL IMPLANTS

摘要

A trial implant system including a trial implant configured to be temporarily inserted into an intervertebral space defined by a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body is disclosed. The trial implant may include a superior plate and an inferior plate coupled to the superior plate. The superior plate may have a first mating portion that defines a first articulating interface and the inferior plate may have a second mating portion that defines a second articulating interface. The second articulating interface may be configured to interact with the first articulating interface of the superior plate such that at least one of the superior plate and the inferior plate is capable of movement relative to the other. The first and second articulating interfaces may be primary or auxiliary articulating interfaces. For example, the first and second articulating interfaces may be corresponding curved surfaces or they may be corresponding engagement features.

主权项

1. A method of determining optimal dimensions of a permanent articulating total disc replacement implant or static interbody spacer, the method comprising:
coupling an inserter instrument to a trial implant, the trial implant including a superior plate coupled to an inferior plate; temporarily restricting movement of the superior plate relative to the inferior plate; inserting the trial implant into an intervertebral space; unrestricting movement of the superior plate relative to the inferior plate; and determining the optimal dimensions of the permanent articulating total disc replacement implant.