METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPLACING A DAMAGED SPINAL DISC

摘要

A method for replacing a damaged spinal disc (10) between first and second vertebrae of a spinal column includes connecting a first mounting member (100) with the first vertebra of the spinal column. An artificial disc (10) is moved between the first and second vertebrae and into engagement with the first mounting member (100) to guide the artificial disc into position between the first and second vertebrae. The artificial disc includes a resilient core (90) having a first surface and a second surface, a first retaining member (20) connected to the first surface of the resilient core (90), and a second retaining member (60) connected to the second surface of the resilient core (90). The first retaining member (20) has an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core (90). The second retaining member (60) has an outer surface engageable with the second verteb ra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilien t core (90). An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a first retaining device (20) connected to the first surface of the resilient core (90). A second retaining device (60) is connected to the second surface of the resilient core (90). T he second retaining device (60) has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core (90). The inner surface of the first retaining device is spaced from the core (90). The core (90) deflects into engagement with the inner surface of the first retaining device (20) upon relative movement between the first and second retaining devices (20&60).