Patent ID: 7048763
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An intervertebral spacer device comprising: first and second plate members, each having first and second plate surfaces thereof, said plate members being disposed in a spaced apart relationship such that said first plate surfaces oppose one another, and said second plate surfaces face in opposite directions; and at least one subassembly disposed between said first plate surfaces of said first and second plate members, and disposed such that at least a portion of a compressive load applied to said second plate surfaces of said plate members is transmitted to said at least one subassembly, said subassembly including a ball captured in a curvate volume, at least a portion of said curvate volume being formed in a convex element that is maintained against said first plate member by a retaining wall and a retaining ring, the retaining ring being circumferentially adjacent a large end of said convex element, the retaining wall being on the first plate member and engaged with the retaining ring to hold said convex element against said first plate member, wherein said convex element is movable relative to said first plate member after said intervertebral spacer device is fully assembled for insertion into an intervertebral space, said subassembly establishing a center of rotation between said first and second plate members and about which said first and second plate members rotate relative to one another.