Patent ID: 8518116

Claim:
A method of constructing an artificial intervertebral disc, comprising: providing an artificial intervertebral disc, the artificial intervertebral disc including a column comprising a first polymeric material, a column filler comprising a second polymeric material, a first crimped-ring set comprising a first inner ring and a first outer ring, the first crimped-ring set being disposed adjacent a first end of the column, a second crimped-ring set comprising a second inner ring and a second outer ring, the second crimped-ring set being disposed adjacent a second end of the column, and at least a portion of the column being held between the second inner ring and the second outer ring, a first anchor member, and a second anchor member; and assembling the first crimped-ring set and the column such that at least a portion of the column is held between the first inner ring and the first outer ring; wherein at least one of the first inner ring and the first outer ring of the first crimped-ring set provides a mechanism to attach the column to the first anchor member, and at least one of the second inner ring and the second outer ring of the second crimped-ring set provides a mechanism to attach the column to the second anchor member.