Patent ID: 7736369

Claim:
Spinal apparatus comprising: a reference structure spatially fixed relative to a plurality of pedicle screws that are adapted to be mounted in adjacent vertebrae of a patient; a device connected to said reference structure which is adapted to install an anterior spinal prosthesis, wherein said reference structure defines a spatial relationship between said anterior spinal prosthesis and a posterior spinal prosthesis attached to said pedicle screws; and a positioning adapter attached to a plurality of pedicle screws, said positioning adapter comprising a pair of connecting devices, each connecting device comprising a pair of arms that extend outwards corresponding to a spacing of a pair of pedicle screws mounted on a particular vertebra, said arms being attached to that pair of pedicle screws, wherein said connecting devices are formed with said reference structure; wherein said device comprises a disc implant holder adapted to hold an anterior spinal prosthesis, and further comprising a connecting element adapted to fix said disc implant holder to said positioning adapter with respect to said reference structure.