Patent ID: 7927374
Filing Date: 2011-04-19
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising: a first end plate securable to a first vertebral body of a portion of a spine, the first end plate comprising a first articular surface; a second end plate securable to a second vertebral body of the portion of the spine, the second end plate comprising a fourth articular surface; and a nucleus positioned between the first and second end plates, the nucleus formed separately from the first and second end plates, the nucleus comprising a second articular surface that articulates with the first articular surface and a third articular surface that articulates with the fourth articular surface; wherein the nucleus comprises an asymmetrical shape across a coronal plane of the first and second vertebral bodies, the asymmetrical shape tending to urge the first and second end plates to remain in a relative orientation that provides a preferred lordotic or kyphotic angle between the first and second vertebral bodies; wherein line contact is provided between the first and second articular surfaces when the first articular surface articulates relative to the second articular surface in the anterior/posterior direction; and wherein the third and fourth articular surfaces are substantially entirely planar to permit translational movement in at least one of the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions.