Patent ID: 7481840
Filing Date: 2009-01-27
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of implanting a multiple piece device in situ between an upper and a lower vertebral body in a spine, the method comprising: (a) accessing an affected region of the spine posteriorly by performing a minor posterior annulotomy; (b) removing at least a portion of the affected region to create an exposed area in the region which is defined by a region length and a region width; (c) positioning a first piece of the device into the affected region, wherein the first piece comprises a first plate having a first plate length and a first plate width, with the first plate width being longer than the region length, wherein the first plate comprises two or more first segments that are joined side by side in situ and wherein the first plate is positioned so that its upper surface contacts the upper vertebral body; (d) positioning a second piece of the device into the affected region, wherein the second piece comprises a second plate having a second plate length and a second plate width, with the second plate width being longer than the region length, wherein the second plate comprises two or more second segments that are joined side by side in situ and wherein the second plate is positioned so that its lower surface contacts the lower vertebral body, wherein one of the first and second pieces comprises a groove; and (e) inserting a third piece of the device between the first and second pieces wherein the third piece comprises an articulating surface having a convex contour that supports one of the first plate and the second plate and a lower surface that rests on the other of the first plate and the second plate, wherein at least a portion of the convex contour is arranged to articulate relative to one of the first and second pieces and arranged to be fixed relative to the other of the first and second pieces.