Patent ID: 8197548

Claim:
A spinal prosthesis, comprising: an implant strip made of metal and configured for insertion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra; the implant strip forming a first inner coil and a second outer coil that coils around the first inner coil; the implant strip including a varying lateral dimension extending from a first lateral side portion to a second lateral side portion, and a longitudinal dimension extending down the length of the implant strip; wherein, when the implant strip is in a coiled configuration between the first vertebra and the second vertebra, the first lateral side portion of the implant strip is configured to engage the first vertebra and the second lateral side portion of the implant strip is configured to engage the second vertebra; the implant strip including a first surface between the first lateral side portion and the second lateral side portion, and a second surface opposite to the first surface and between the first lateral side portion and the second lateral side portion; a separating strip made of a polymer and disposed at the first surface of the implant strip, wherein the separating strip and the implant strip are distinct portions of the spinal prosthesis; wherein, in the coiled configuration, the separating strip is disposed between the first inner coil and the second outer coil; wherein the separating strip contacts the first inner coil and the second outer coil; wherein the implant strip comprises a first portion having a first lateral dimension and a second portion having a second lateral dimension; wherein the first lateral dimension is greater than the second lateral dimension; and wherein, when the implant strip is in the coiled configuration, the separating strip is recessed from the first lateral side portion of the implant strip so as to provide gaps between coils of the first lateral side portion of the implant strip.