Patent ID: 7628813
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for implanting prostheses by determining which cervical intervertebral prostheses of a cervical intervertebral prosthesis system comprising a plurality of intervertebral prostheses of different hinge radii are suitable for replacing cervical intervertebral disks, comprising: providing a cervical intervertebral prosthesis system comprising at least first and second different prostheses for replacement of at least first and second intervertebral disks, each of which has a hinge with a predefined center of hinge movement, wherein the different prostheses have different positions of the center of hinge movement, determining the hinge radii of first and second affected joints, the first affected joint being associated with the first intervertebral disk and the second affected joint being associated with a second intervertebral disk, selecting the first prosthesis with a hinge radius approximating the hinge radius of the first affected joint to replace the first intervertebral disk, selecting the second prosthesis with a hinge radius approximating the hinge radius of the second affected joint to replace the second intervertebral disk, the first intervertebral disk lying in a cranial direction relative to the second intervertebral disk, and implanting the selected prostheses into the affected joints, wherein the first prosthesis has a smaller extent in an anterior-posterior direction and slide surface with a greater radius of curvature than the extent in the anterior-posterior direction and radius of curvature of the slide surface of the second prosthesis.