Patent ID: 8562649
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: connecting a fixation member to a first vertebra; non-rigidly coupling at least one of a superior articular surface and an inferior articular surface to the connected fixation member such that an orientation of a superior articular surface and an inferior articular surface can be polyaxially adjusted relative to the connected fixation member, polyaxially adjusting the orientation of the at least one of a superior articular surface and an inferior articular surface to provide a selected orientation with respect to a first vertebra; rigidly attaching the superior articular surface to the first vertebra such that the superior articular surface is positioned to articulate with an adjacent inferior articular surface; and rigidly attaching the inferior articular surface to the first vertebra, independently of attachment of the superior articular surface to the first vertebra, such that the inferior articular surface is positioned to articulate with an adjacent superior articular surface; wherein the rigid attachment of the at least one of the superior and inferior articular surfaces substantially preserves the selected orientation, wherein the rigid attachment can independently lock out rotational and translation motion of the at least one of the superior and inferior articular surfaces relative to the fixation member.