Patent ID: 9034038
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for limiting motion of a previously implanted articulating artificial intervertebral disc in a patient, the artificial disc comprising an upper plate, a lower plate, and a mobile core between the upper and lower plates arranged to permit motion between the upper and lower plates, the method comprising: surgically accessing the previously implanted articulating artificial intervertebral disc; and positioning a spacer arrangement between the upper and lower plates such that articulating motion between the upper and lower plates is at least substantially prevented, wherein positioning the spacer arrangement comprises causing a spacer to cooperate with a corresponding structure on at least one of the upper and lower plates to prevent movement of the spacer relative to the at least one of the upper and lower plates and wherein the spacer arrangement comprises upper and lower components, and inserting a first one of the upper and lower components between the upper and lower plates, subsequently inserting a second one of the upper and lower components between the upper and lower plates in contact with the first component and locking the first and second components relative to each other wherein articulating surfaces between the upper and lower plates include the mobile core, the core having upper and lower articulating surfaces and the upper and lower plates having corresponding articulating surfaces, and the step of positioning the spacer comprises positioning the spacer substantially around the core.