Patent ID: 7887589
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An intervertebral implant comprising: a first assembly comprising at least a first elongate element and a second elongate element contacting the first elongate element; a second assembly contacting the first assembly comprising at least a third elongate element and a fourth elongate element contacting the third elongate element; and a vertebral contact surface area; wherein the first assembly is adapted to articulate relative to the second assembly, wherein the first elongate element and second elongate element define a clearance therebetween to enable a limited range of motion between the first elongate element and second elongate element in an interlocked arrangement, wherein the first elongate element is on a first plane, wherein the second elongate element is on a second plane positioned below the first plane, wherein the third elongate element is on a third plane positioned below the second plane, wherein the fourth elongate element is on a fourth plane positioned below the third plane, and a locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between the first elongate element and second elongate when in a locked configuration and allowing relative movement when in an unlocked configuration.