Abstract: An artificial disc (10) to replace a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column (16) includes a resilient core (60) having an upper surface (62) and a lower surface (64). An upper retaining member (20) has an outer surface (22) engageable with a first vertebra (12) of the spinal column (16) and an inner surface (24) affixed to the upper surface (62) of the resilient core (60). A lower retaining member (40) has an outer surface (42) engageable with a second vertebra (14) of the spinal column (16) and an inner surface (44) affixed to the lower surface (64) of the resilient core (60). One of the upper and lower retaining members (20, 40) has an opening (30, 50) extending through the outer and inner surfaces into which the resilient core (60) deflects upon relative movement of the upper and lower retaining members (20, 40).

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a cranial flap (20) to a skull (10) comprises an attachment device (40) having relatively movable first and second members (42 and 44). The first member (40) has first and second surfaces (56 and 58) for engaging first and second kerf edges (24 and 26), respectively, of a kerf (22). The second member (44) has third and fourth surfaces (120 and 122) for engaging the first and second kerf edges (24 and 26), respectively. A shaft (46) connects the first and second members (42 and 44). The shaft (46) is attached to the second member (44) and extends through an opening (114) in the first member (42).