Patent ID: 7695515

Claim:
An artificial disc prosthesis system comprising: (a) a stabilizing element; and (b) a scaffold assembly comprising: (i) a first base adapted to attach to a first vertebrae; (ii) a second base adapted to attach to a second vertebrae; and (iii) at least one appendage removably attached to the first or the second base, such that the first base, the second base and the at least one appendage define a cage between the first and second vertebrae; wherein the at least one appendage is inflexible and defines a lateral boundary of the cage, wherein the at least one appendage, when attached, prevents movement of the stabilizing element beyond the lateral boundary of the cage, wherein the stabilizing element is retained in the cage without being rigidly attached to the scaffold assembly, and wherein the stabilizing element may be removed from the cage through an opening created by removing at least one of the appendages.