Patent ID: 8454699
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for implanting an intervertebral disc prosthesis in a portion of a spine, the method comprising: securing a first bone engagement surface of a first end plate to a first vertebral body, the first end plate comprising a first articular surface that is planar, the first articular surface extending across the coronal plane of the vertebral body; securing a second bone engagement surface of a second end plate to a second vertebral body, the second end plate comprising a second articular surface that is planar, the second articular surface extending across the coronal plane of the vertebral body; and positioning a nucleus between the first and second end plates such that a third articular surface of the nucleus articulates with the first articular surface and a fourth articular surface of the nucleus articulates with the second articular surface, wherein the nucleus is formed separately from the first and second end plates, wherein the third articular surface comprises at least two planar portions connected by a curvate transition portion which defines an acute angle between the planar portions, wherein the third articular surface further comprises a third planar portion, wherein each planar portion is not coplanar with the other planar portions, wherein positioning the nucleus further comprises positioning the nucleus such that each planar portion of the third articular surface extends across a sagittal plane of the first and second vertebral bodies.