Method and apparatus for spine joint replacement

摘要

A prosthesis for the replacement of the cartilaginous structures of a spine motion segment is described. The prosthesis comprises an intervertebral disc prosthesis in combination with a facet joint prosthesis.

主权项

1. A method for replacing a portion of a mammalian spine comprising a spinal motion segment comprising a vertebra, the method comprising:
implanting an artificial disc adjacent to the vertebra to incorporate the artificial disc into the spinal motion segment; and implanting a prosthesis on the vertebra such that the prosthesis is discrete from the artificial disc to incorporate the prosthesis into the spinal motion segment, wherein the prosthesis is capable of articulation after implantation; wherein the artificial disc and the prosthesis are configured for complementary interoperation to restore natural biomechanics of the spinal motion segment.