Patent ID: 7645301

Claim:
An intervertebral prosthetic structure for replacement of at least a portion of an intervertebral disc nucleus, comprising: a bag structure made from a semi-permeable flexible material having a cavity therein; wherein the bag structure has an upper surface and a lower surface adapted to be positioned adjacent respective upper and lower opposing vertebral bodies and side connecting structure between the upper and lower surfaces; an opening in the bag structure in communication with the cavity, wherein the opening is adapted to allow an interior implant structure to be placed into the cavity; an interfacing layer attached to one or both of the upper and lower surfaces of the bag structure without extending to the side connecting structure; a fixation component made from a flexible material attached to one or both of the upper and lower surfaces of the bag structure without extending to the side connecting structure, wherein the interfacing layer acts as an adhesive between the flexible bag material of the bag structure and the fixation component to reduce contact therebetween; and at least one fixation member extending exteriorly from the fixation component.