Abstract: The present invention provides novel spinal disc prosthesis comprising two solid compressible cylinders and methods. A method of the invention for placing the solid compressible cylinders between adjacent spinal vertebrae comprises the steps of forming an enlarged partially circular space from the back and to one side of the space between adjacent spinal vertebrae previously occupied by a degenerated disc, forming additional spaces within the interiors of the adjacent vertebrae, placing a solid compressible cylinder in the spaces within the interiors of the adjacent vertebrae and repeating the above procedure on the other side of the space between the vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal disc prosthesis and method of placing a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The inventive spinal disc prosthesis can comprise one or more solid, compressible prosthesis elements that are formed prior to the method of placing the prosthesis, or one or more solid prosthesis elements that are formed in situ. The inventive method of placing a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent vertebrae of a patient is based on a posterior approach. The invention also includes a spinal disc prosthesis insertion apparatus and specially constructed surgical instruments for use in carrying out the method.

Abstract: A wheel assembly having multiple small rotatable wheels mounted laterally thereon whereby lateral movement as well as forward and backward movement is provided. A pair of the wheel assemblies are utilized on a hand-propelled wheelchair that can be moved laterally as well as in the standard forward-reverse motion. The wheelchair comprises a frame, one or more axles, a pair of main wheels rotatable on the one or more axles, and a plurality of small rotatable outer wheels positioned laterally on the main wheels.