Patent ID: 7811329
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of inserting an intervertebral prosthetic disc assembly along a transforaminal pathway comprising: removing a portion of a facet joint of a spine to create a transforaminal pathway; inserting a trial into an intervertebral space through the transforaminal pathway; creating an intervertebral pathway into an intervertebral space through the transforaminal pathway with a cutting instrument, wherein the location of the intervertebral pathway is determined by the position of the trial; inserting the prosthetic disc assembly as a single assembly through the transforaminal pathway into the intervertebral space, wherein the intervertebral pathway determines the position of the prosthetic disc assembly, the prosthetic disc assembly having an upper endplate with an extension portion and a lower endplate having first and second side rails positioned along and above the length of the lower endplate and defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the lower endplate wherein the extension portion of the upper endplate substantially contacts an upper surface of the lower endplate and wherein the first and second side rails are curved to match the curvature of the upper surface of the lower endplate thereby creating the first and second windows having an upper border that is defined by the curved rails and a lower border that is defined by the curvature of the lower endplate, wherein the prosthetic disc assembly is configured and dimensioned to be inserted into the intervertebral space transforaminally.