Abstract: An apparatus useful to replace at least a portion of a vertebra in a spinal column associated with a spinal cord which comprises a plurality of elements sized and adapted to be fitted together in a position to substantially surround the spinal cord and to act as at least a portion of the naturally occurring vertebra located in the position an assembly acting to secure the fitted together elements in place in the spinal column.

Abstract: A replacement disc for use between adjacent vertebrae comprising:a body portion having substantially opposing first and second surfaces and being adapted to fit and be held between the adjacent vertebrae; first securement means extending out from the first surface and acting to secure the replacement disc to the first adjacent vertebrae; and second securement means extending out from the second surface and acting to secure the replacement disc to the second adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An apparatus useful to separate adjacent first and second vertebrae during surgery comprising: a support, first and second grips associated with the support and being sized and structured to grip the first and second vertebrae, respectively; and a first movement assembly associated with the first grip and being capable of being operated to move the first grip to a desired position and to hold the first grip in the desired location.

Abstract: A replacement disc for use between adjacent vertebrae comprising:a body portion having substantially opposing first and second surfaces and being adapted to fit and be held between the adjacent vertebrae; first securement means extending out from the first surface and acting to secure the replacement disc to the first adjacent vertebra; and second securement means extending out from the second surface and acting to secure the replacement disc to the second adjacent vertebra.