Patent ID: 9283088
Filing Date: 2016-03-15
CPC Classification: A61B,A61F

Claim Text:
1. An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae of a spine, the disc comprising: a superior shell, an inferior shell, and a resilient nucleus, wherein the nucleus is a unitary and generally “U” shaped body; the superior and inferior shells being movable with respect to each other; the inferior shell having a superior surface, the superior surface including an integral convex portion and a generally “U” shaped well, the convex portion being posteriorly positioned on the superior surface of the inferior shell; the superior shell having an inferior surface opposing the superior surface of said inferior shell, the inferior surface including an integral concave portion and a generally “U” shaped recess, the concave portion being posteriorly positioned on said inferior surface, wherein the concave portion is opposite to said convex portion and the recess is opposite the well when the inferior shell and superior shell are aligned; the well and recess combining to form an enclosure to contain said nucleus; the convex portion of the inferior shell and concave portion of the superior shell being in articulating cooperation to form a ball and socket joint wherein said superior shell includes a first wall and said inferior shell includes a second wall, said first and second walls being positioned at an anterior end of the disc, at least a portion of said walls being overlapped wherein said first wall extends downward and said second wall extends upward and is positioned posteriorly of said first wall; and, wherein said inferior shell includes an anteriorly extending lip for limiting anterior movement of said first wall.