Patent ID: 6136031
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An intervertebral prosthesis, comprising a disc member dimensioned for insertion within an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae to replace at least a portion of an intervertebral disc removed therefrom, the disc member defining a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, the disc member including an exterior wall defining an interior cavity therein, the exterior wall having a first slit with a longitudinal component of direction and a plurality of second slits each with a lateral component of direction, the second slits being arranged in spaced relation along the longitudinal axis and extending to communicate with the interior cavity, the first and second slits dimensioned within the exterior wall portion and being arranged whereby upon insertion of the disc member within the intervertebral space forces exerted on the disc member are transferred along the exterior wall portion.