System and methods for inserting a spinal disc device into an intervertebral space

摘要

A system for replacing a natural nuclear disc in an intervertebral space has a spinal device configured for placement in the intervertebral space. An insertion tool is configured for holding the spinal device while the spinal device is inserted into the intervertebral space. A gripping member of the insertion tool has an end for adjustably holding the spinal device within the intervertebral space. A steering actuator of the insertion tool is operably connected to the spinal device and configured for pivoting the adjustably held spinal device within the intervertebral space while the steering actuator is controlled remotely from the intervertebral space.

主权项

1. A method of inserting a motion-preserving artificial disc device between superior and inferior vertebrae, comprising:
independently mounting an upper artificial disc member of the artificial disc device to the distal end of an inserter tool to be held thereby; independently mounting a lower artificial disc member of the artificial disc device distinct from the upper artificial disc member to the distal end of the inserter tool to be held thereby; placing the artificial disc device between the vertebrae and into a nuclear space; actively pivoting the artificial disc device relative to the distal end of the inserter tool while the artificial disc device is disposed between the vertebrae; and releasing the distinct upper and lower artificial disc members from the distal end of the inserter tool within the nuclear space so that the upper and lower artificial disc members are positioned to articulate polyaxially with respect to one another within the nuclear space.