Patent ID: 7887597
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A spinal nucleus replacement system for spinal nucleus replacement, said system comprising: a first cannulated screw adapted to be inserted through a vertebral body, said first screw having a first proximal end portion, an opposing first distal end portion, and a shank between said first proximal and distal end portions defining a longitudinal axis, a first cannulation extending from said first proximal end portion to said first distal end portion of said first screw along said longitudinal axis; a second cannulated screw adapted to be inserted through a vertebral body, said second screw having a second proximal end portion, an opposing second distal end portion, and a shank between said second proximal and distal end portions defining a longitudinal axis, a second cannulation extending from said second proximal end portion to said second distal end portion of said second screw along said longitudinal axis; a first replacement spinal nucleus insertable into a disc space, said first replacement spinal nucleus having at least one opening adapted to receive a suture element and positioned between said first and second screws and adjacent to said first and second distal end portions; at least one cannula dimensioned to receive said first replacement spinal nucleus and to pass said first replacement spinal nucleus into said disc space; said suture element extending through said at least one opening in said first replacement spinal nucleus and through said first and second cannulations of said first and second screws; wherein said first replacement spinal nucleus further comprises a base plate positioned on a first side of said first replacement spinal nucleus; and wherein said first replacement spinal nucleus includes opposing distal and proximal ends, said distal end of said first replacement spinal nucleus receives said suture element and is positioned adjacent said first and second distal end portions of said first and second screws, respectively, and said proximal end of said first replacement spinal nucleus is positioned adjacent said first and second proximal end portions of said first and second screws, respectively.