Patent ID: 6679915
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A spinal implant, comprising:an articulating means positionable between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, wherein said articulating means permits an articulation of said first vertebra and said second vertebra about an instantaneous axis of rotation; a first element comprising a first articulating surface and a first connection means for engaging said first vertebra; and a second element comprising a second articulating surface and a second connection means for engaging said second vertebra; and wherein said first articulating surface abuts said second articulating surface to form said articulating means; and wherein said articulating means comprises a channel along a length of said second element and a rocker along a length of said first element, at least a portion of said rocker engaged within said channel, said channel along the length of said second element having a channel width at a leading end and a tail end which is greater than the channel width at some point between said leading end and said tail end; and whereby said articulation of said first vertebra and said second vertebra is substantially similar to the bio-mechanical motion of a substantially identical pair of adjacent vertebrae interacting with a natural intervertebral disc.