Patent ID: 8066742
Filing Date: 2011-11-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of implanting a prosthetic device comprising: inserting a single-piece spacer between a superior vertebra and an adjacent inferior vertebra; the spacer having a center and comprising: receiving a spinous process of the superior vertebra in the first notch and receiving a portion of the inferior vertebra in the second notch such that the first and second notches extend through a sagittal plane defined by the superior and inferior vertebrae; wherein, after the receiving step and when the spacer is viewed normal to the sagittal plane, the minimum point of the groove is disposed along an upper perimeter profile of the spacer at a point closest to the center of the spacer and the minimum point of the groove is positioned vertically above the minimum point of the first notch; wherein the anterior portion is disposed more anteriorly than the posterior portion.