Patent ID: 8057549
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A prosthetic device for treating first and second intervertebral discs, the prosthetic device comprising: a first compressible member sized to substantially replace the nucleus pulposus of the first intervertebral disc and to be surrounded by and substantially maintain the annulus fibrosis of the first intervertebral disc so that the annulus fibrosis can retain the first compressible member in place; a second compressible member sized to substantially replace the nucleus pulposus of the second intervertebral disc, that is separated from the first intervertebral disc by a vertebral body, and to be surrounded by and substantially maintain the annulus fibrosis of the second intervertebral disc so that the annulus fibrosis can retain the second compressible member in place; a fixation member sized to fit within a cavity in the vertebral body between the first and second compressible members and configured to maintain a fixed length after implantation; and a releasable connection that connects at least one of the first and second compressible members to the fixation member, wherein the fixation member comprises a plurality of adjustable members and a wedge-shaped member.