Patent ID: 8372149
Filing Date: 2013-02-12
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An artificial disc implant system comprising: a first implant including a first helically threaded upper shell with curved outer and inner surfaces, a first helically threaded lower shell with curved outer and inner surfaces, and a first compressible spacer with a curved upper surface and a curved lower surface, wherein the curved upper surface of the first compressible spacer is movably engaged with the inner surface of the first upper shell and the curved lower surface of the first compressible spacer is movably engaged with the inner surface of the first lower shell such that the first upper shell is spaced apart from the first lower shell, and the threads on the first upper shell are aligned with the threads on the first lower shell when the first compressible spacer is engaged with the first upper shell and the first lower shell; and a second implant including a second helically threaded upper shell with curved outer and inner surfaces, a second helically threaded lower shell with curved outer and inner surfaces, and a second compressible spacer with a curved upper surface and a curved lower surface, wherein the curved upper surface of the second compressible spacer is movably engaged with the inner surface of the first upper shell and the curved lower surface of the second compressible spacer is movably engaged with the inner surface of the first lower shell such that the second upper shell is spaced apart from the second lower shell, and the threads on the second upper shell are aligned with the threads on the second lower shell when the second compressible spacer is engaged with the second upper shell and the second lower shell, wherein the first and second implants are sized for side by side and separated placement within an intervertebral space and threaded for attachment to bony structures of two adjacent vertebrae.