Patent ID: 7662173
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for supporting the spine, comprising: providing an implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus having an intermediate body having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least one flexible element positioned between the proximal end and the distal end, a proximal body having a first retention structure, the proximal body secured to the proximal end of the intermediate body, and a distal body having a second retention structure, the distal body secured to the distal end of the intermediate body; forming an axial bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the spine through a caudad vertebral body, an intervertebral disc and a cephalad vertebral body wherein the axial bore is positioned completely within the caudad vertebral body, the intervertebral disc and a cephalad vertebral body; removing at least a portion of a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the axial bore to form a disc space; and axially inserting the implantable spinal mobility preservation apparatus through the axial bore; securing the distal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the cephalad vertebral body; and securing the proximal body of the implantable mobility preservation apparatus in the caudad vertebral body.