Abstract: An artificial disc to replace a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a resilient core which is fixedly connected to first and second plates. The first and second plates engage upper and lower vertebra in the patient's spine. The inner side of at least one of the first and second plates has an array of recesses into which said resilient core extends. The array of recesses includes a plurality of recesses. Each of the recesses of the plurality of recesses has surfaces which are integrally formed as one piece with the plate.

Abstract: An artificial disc to replace a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a resilient core which is fixedly connected to first and second plates. The first and second plates engage upper and lower vertebra in the patient's spine. The inner side of at least one of the first and second plates has an array of recesses into which said resilient core extends. The array of recesses includes a plurality of recesses. Each of the recesses of the plurality of recesses has surfaces which are integrally formed as one piece with the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a spinal disc which has a rail extending from the outer surface to connect the apparatus to the first vertebra. The rail extends a first distance from the outer surface adjacent a first end. The rail extends a second distance from the outer surface adjacent a second end. The second distance is greater than the first distance. In another aspect of the apparatus, the first rail extends generally transverse to the first and second ends. The second rail extends generally transverse to the first rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes an artificial disc. The artificial disc includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface, a first retaining member connected to the first surface of the resilient core, and a second retaining member connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The first retaining member has an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. A first mounting member is connectable with the first vertebra and the artificial disc to position the artificial disc between the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: A method for replacing a damaged spinal disc between first and second vertebrae of a spinal column includes connecting a first mounting member with the first vertebra of the spinal column. An artificial disc is moved between the first and second vertebrae and into engagement with the first mounting member to guide the artificial disc into position between the first and second vertebrae. The artificial disc includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface, a first retaining member connected to the first surface of the resilient core, and a second retaining member connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The first retaining member has an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. The second retaining member has an outer surface engageable with the second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface. A first retaining device is connected to the first surface of the resilient core. The first retaining device includes an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. A second retaining device is connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. The inner surface of the first retaining device is spaced from the core. The core deflects into engagement with the inner surface of the first retaining device upon relative movement between the first and second retaining devices.

Abstract: A method for replacing a spinal disc between first and second vertebrae of a spinal column includes determining a reference point on the spinal column. A marker is connected to a vertebra of the spinal column at the reference point. The marker is engaged with a guide assembly for guiding insertion of a surgical instrument between the first and second vertebrae to prepare the space between the first and second vertebrae for receiving an apparatus between the first and second vertebrae. The apparatus is inserted between the first and second vertebrae. The apparatus has a first end, a second opposite end, and first and second lateral sides extending between the first and second ends. An outer surface is engageable with the first vertebra of the spinal column. A rail extending from the outer surface is engageable with the first vertebra to connect the apparatus to the first vertebra. The rail extends a first distance from the outer surface adjacent the first end.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes an artificial disc. The artificial disc includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface, a first retaining member connected to the first surface of the resilient core, and a second retaining member connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The first retaining member has an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. A first mounting member is connectable with the first vertebra and the artificial disc to position the artificial disc between the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface. A first retaining device is connected to the first surface of the resilient core. The first retaining device includes an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. A second retaining device is connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. The inner surface of the first retaining device is spaced from the core. The core deflects into engagement with the inner surface of the first retaining device upon relative movement between the first and second retaining devices.