Abstract: Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials and a dynamic trial for determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, static trial holders for manipulating the static trials, inserter/impactors for inserting and removing the static trials and for inserting the artificial intervertebral discs, repositioners/extractors for repositioning and extracting the static trials or the artificial intervertebral discs, and a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc. Methods for using the same are also disclosed. Features for artificial intervertebral discs and intervertebral spacer devices useful for manipulation by the instrumentation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc, the leveler including at least two tines extending parallel to one another from the leveler shaft distal end, wherein the tines are spaced and sized to be insertable and fittable between baseplates of the disc and to substantially fill at least a height of a separation space volume between the baseplates, and to straddle a central coupling of the baseplates during the insertion and when so fitted, such that when the baseplates are substantially non-parallel to one another in the intervertebral space, insertion of the tines into the intervertebral space between the baseplates and straddling the central coupling forces the baseplates into a substantially parallel orientation relative to one another.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for a joint includes a support structure for engaging a first part a joint, an adapter for engaging a second part of the joint, a load assembly coupled with the adapter for applying a load onto the adapter and a drive assembly coupled with the adapter. Operation of the drive assembly causes angulation and rotation of the adapter relative to the support structure, which in turn causes angulation and rotation of the first and second parts of the joint relative to one another.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing an intervertebral segment includes an intervertebral implant having a first plate, a second plate, and an articulating joint coupling the first and second plates, whereby at least one of the plates has an inner surface having at least one hole. The system includes an instrument for holding the implant, the system having a shaft with a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, a body attached to the distal end of the shaft, and a pin having a hooked end that is extendable from the body for being inserted into the at least one hole of the implant so as to couple the implant with the distal end of the holding instrument.

Abstract: Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials and a dynamic trial for determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, static trial holders for manipulating the static trials, inserter/impactors for inserting and removing the static trials and for inserting the artificial intervertebral discs, repositioners/extractors for repositioning and extracting the static trials or the artificial intervertebral discs, and a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc. Methods for using the same are also disclosed. Features for artificial intervertebral discs and intervertebral spacer devices useful for manipulation by the instrumentation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral device includes a first plate having an outer face and an inner face, and a second plate juxtaposed with the first plate, the second plate having an outer face, an inner face that opposes the first plate and a concavity that opposes the first plate. The device includes an elongated member extending from the first plate toward the second plate, the elongated member having a distal end with a spherical surface that is engageable with the concavity of the second plate for providing an articulating joint between the first and second plates. The device also includes a resilient member extending at least partially around and being in contact with the elongated member for counteracting compressive loads on the plates, the resilient member being surrounded by the concavity of the second plate.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for holding, inserting, repositioning, removing, impacting, extracting, and otherwise manipulating an artificial intervertebral disc having features suitable for being manipulated thereby. A spring-loaded holding pin on the instrument can be used to engage a corresponding hole on the disc and confront the angled surfaces of the disc to enable the holding and manipulation of the disc. A forward wedge extension on the instrument has upper and lower surfaces that engage inwardly facing surfaces of the disc to hold the baseplates of the disc at a preferred lordosis angle with respect to one another. The instrument can engage the disc from a variety of surgical approach angles.

Abstract: A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for a joint includes a support structure for engaging a first part a joint, an adapter for engaging a second part of the joint, a load assembly coupled with the adapter for applying a load onto the adapter and a drive assembly coupled with the adapter. Operation of the drive assembly causes angulation and rotation of the adapter relative to the support structure, which in turn causes angulation and rotation of the first and second parts of the joint relative to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an articulating implant includes a support structure in contact with a first part of the implant, an adapter coupled to a second part of the implant, a load assembly coupled with the adapter for applying a load onto the adapter, and a drive assembly coupled with the adapter. Operation of the drive assembly causes angulation and rotation of the adapter relative to the support structure, which in turn causes angulation and rotation of the first and second parts of the implant relative to one another.

Abstract: A wedge plate inserter/impactor instrument is provided primarily for holding, inserting, repositioning, removing, impacting, extracting, and otherwise manipulating an artificial intervertebral disc having features suitable for being manipulated thereby. A spring-loaded holding pin of the instrument can be used to engage a corresponding hole on the disc and confront the angled surfaces of the disc to enable the holding and manipulation of the disc. A forward wedge extension of the inserter/impactor has upper and lower surfaces that engage inwardly facing surfaces of the disc to hold the baseplates of the disc at a preferred lordosis angle with respect to one another. The instrument can engage the disc from a variety of surgical approach angles.

Abstract: An artificial disc having a pair of opposing baseplates, for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by a ball and socket joint that includes a solid ball mounted to protrude from one of the baseplates. The ball is captured within a curvate socket formed in a peak of a convex structure integral with the other of the baseplates. The socket is formed by opposing curvate pockets, one on the convex structure and one on a cap secured to the other of the baseplates. While the ball angulates in the socket, its rotation in the socket has a limited range due to interference between a protrusion on the convex structure that extends into the socket and a curvate recess on the ball. The ball and socket joint therefore permits the baseplates to rotate relative to one another through a limited range and also angulate relative to one another.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral implant including a first baseplate having a top surface, a bottom surface, an aperture extending therethrough and a strap attached to the bottom surface of the first baseplate and underlying the aperture. The implant further includes a second baseplate juxtaposed with the first baseplate. The second baseplate includes a top surface with a cavity exposed therein. An articulating element is attached to a pair of opposing sidewalls of the cavity for retaining the strap within the cavity.

Abstract: A method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a spinal column includes: removing the portion of the intervertebral disc from the spinal column; and inserting an apparatus for replacing the portion of the intervertebral disc into an intervertebral disc space defined substantially between adjacent vertebral bones of the spinal column, and positioning the apparatus between the vertebral bones, wherein the apparatus is operable to permit the adjacent vertebral bones to articulate relative to one another about at least one of: (i) a first center of rotation for at least one of flexion and extension that is located outside the intervertebral disc space, and (ii) a second center of rotation for lateral bending that is located outside the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: A method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a spinal column includes: removing the portion of the intervertebral disc from the spinal column; and inserting an apparatus for replacing the portion of the intervertebral disc into an intervertebral disc space defined substantially between adjacent vertebral bones of the spinal column, and positioning the apparatus between the vertebral bones, wherein the apparatus is operable to permit the adjacent vertebral bones to articulate relative to one another about at least one of: (i) a first center of rotation for at least one of flexion and extension that is located outside the intervertebral disc space, and (ii) a second center of rotation for lateral bending that is located outside the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: A method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a spinal column includes: removing the portion of the intervertebral disc from the spinal column; and inserting an apparatus for replacing the portion of the intervertebral disc into an intervertebral disc space defined substantially between adjacent vertebral bones of the spinal column, and positioning the apparatus between the vertebral bones, wherein the apparatus is operable to permit the adjacent vertebral bones to articulate relative to one another about at least one of: (i) a first center of rotation for at least one of flexion and extension that is located outside the intervertebral disc space, and (ii) a second center of rotation for lateral bending that is located outside the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: An intervertebral device includes a first plate having an outer face and an inner face, and a second plate juxtaposed with the first plate, the second plate having an outer face, an inner face that opposes the first plate and a concavity that opposes the first plate. The device includes an elongated member extending from the first plate toward the second plate, the elongated member having a distal end with a spherical surface that is engageable with the concavity of the second plate for providing an articulating joint between the first and second plates. The device also includes a resilient member in contact with the elongated member for counteracting compressive loads on the plates, the resilient member being surrounded by the concavity of the second plate.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc having a pair of opposing baseplates, for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, uses a semispherical, bored bearing that is secured to the baseplates with compression locking posts and one or more retaining caps. The compression locking posts extend through the bearing bore and baseplate apertures such that the bearing is between the baseplates' inwardly facing surfaces. Retaining caps are attached to the compression locking posts, securing the baseplates to the bearing. Bearing surfaces on the inwardly facing side of each baseplate allow each baseplate to rotate relative to the bearing, however, rotation of each baseplate is limited by the interference of each baseplate and its respective retaining cap. Rotation of the baseplates about the longitudinal axis of the spine can be limited via a notch in the retaining caps and a groove in the baseplates, or vice versa.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for distracting an intervertebral space and inserting and impacting artificial intervertebral discs. A parallel distractor comprising a plying device with attached opposing forks operable to distract an intervertebral space. A method of distracting an intervertebral space comprising the steps of inserting a distractor having opposing forks into an intervertebral space and inserting an inserter/impactor between the opposing ramped surfaces of the distractor to insert/impact an artificial implant in the intervertebral space. A system for distracting an intervertebral space employing a parallel distractor, inserter/impactor and artificial intervertebral implant.