PROSTHETIC INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS IMPLANTABLE BY MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

摘要

Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower end plates (110, 120) separated by a compressible core member (130). Fibres (140) or a fibrous material extend between the endplates and hold them together. The core member may be tillable or may be slidably introduced between the endplates. The distance between the endplates may be varied by a threaded mechanism or by shifting the endplates or the core member with respect to each other.