Patent ID: 7811325
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of implanting an intervertebral implant between adjacent vertebrae, the intervertebral implant having an upper part and a lower part, each of the upper part and lower part having an inner surface, an outer surface and a convexo-concave or kidney-shape, the adjacent vertebrae having cortical rims with left and right lateral walls, a posterior wall and an anterior wall, the convexo-concave or kidney-shape of each of the upper and lower parts defining first and second opposed lateral ends and a posterior nose, the method comprising the steps of: a) creating a small incision to gain access to an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae proximate the anterior walls and one of the left and right lateral walls; b) engaging the intervertebral implant with an instrument; c) inserting the intervertebral implant into the intervertebral space along an arc-shaped anterolateral path; and d) positioning the implant in the intervertebral space such that the first lateral ends engage left lateral-anterior points of the left walls, the second lateral ends engage right lateral-anterior points of the right walls and the posterior noses engage posterior points of the posterior walls thereby defining three points of contact between each of the upper and lower parts and the cortical rim of each of the adjacent vertebrae, a footprint of the outer surface of each part of the intervertebral implant positioned within the adjacent cortical rim, the three points of contact defining the only engagement between each of the upper and lower parts and the cortical rim of the adjacent vertebrae, respectively.