Abstract: Instrument set for fitting an intervertebral prosthesis, comprising a guide device (4) for an instrument or a prosthesis part, which guide device (4) is to be secured on at least one vertebral body (2). To be able to attach the guide device (4) precisely on the vertebral bodies despite the difficult operating conditions, an adjustment instrument (10) is provided which positions the guide device when this is being arranged on the vertebral body (2). This adjustment instrument (10) expediently comprises an intervertebral plate (11) which is fitted into the intervertebral space so as to be positioned exactly in relation to the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A cervical intervertebral prosthesis includes two cover plates which are each configured to be connected to adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of the two cover plates has a toothed portion which faces toward the vertebral body and whose teeth have a steep, ventrally directed flank and a less steep, dorsally directed flank. When the prosthesis is fitted with sufficient pressing between its adjacent vertebral bodies, the combination of the serrated toothed portion and the abutment surface is sufficient to hold the prosthesis securely in the desired position. In many cases this makes it possible to dispense with additional screw fixation. The flange carrying the abutment surface is in this case expediently shortened so that it can be accommodated in a recess of the bone so that the prosthesis does not protrude ventrally beyond the ventral alignment surface of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A cervical intervertebral prosthesis includes at least one cover plate that is configured to be connected to one of its two adjacent vertebral bodies and a securing plate which secures this cover plate and is configured to be fastened to the ventral surface of the vertebral body. The securing plate may be a separate part that is unconnected to the cover plate and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis, in particular for the cervical spine, includes a first cover plate to be connected to a first vertebral body, a second cover plate to be connected to the second vertebral body, and a prosthesis core which forms an articulation with the second cover plate. The prosthesis core is held by a seat of the first cover plate which is designed as a guide device. The core can be pushed into the guide device from the ventral side in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction relative to the first cover plate. A limit-stop plate is provided on the ventral edge of the first cover plate. This limit-stop plate is displaceable in a slide guide between a locking position and a nonlocking position.

Abstract: Cervical intervertebral disk prosthesis with a cover plate (1) having a connection surface (10) which is provided for connection to a vertebral body and which is wider than it is deep. The limit (24) of the connection surface (10) is set back in the dorsolateral region compared to the limit (14) in the anterolateral region. The set-back limit (24) of the connection surface (10) can be connected to an edge (14), protruding above it, via a rounding or bevel (25).

Abstract: Instrument set for fitting an intervertebral prosthesis, comprising a guide device (4) for an instrument or a prosthesis part, which guide device (4) is to be secured on at least one vertebral body (2). To be able to attach the guide device (4) precisely on the vertebral bodies despite the difficult operating conditions, an adjustment instrument (10) is provided which positions the guide device when this is being arranged on the vertebral body (2). This adjustment instrument (10) expediently comprises an intervertebral plate (11) which is fitted into the intervertebral space so as to be positioned exactly in relation to the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A spinal rod sleeve system comprises attachment anchors having a plastic (preferably UHMWPE) sleeve which at least partially encircles a spinal rod, so as to allow a vertebra to slide cephalad or caudad along the spinal rod sleeve system. Preferably, said sleeve has a metal backed exterior surface, said rod has a hard outer surface suitable for gliding within said sleeve. The system helps preserve range of motion following spinal surgery.

Abstract: Intervertebral prosthesis, in particular for the cervical spine, consisting basically of a first cover plate (1) to be connected to a first vertebral body, a second cover plate (2) to be connected to the second vertebral body, and a prosthesis core (10) which is held by a seat (5, 6, 7) of the first cover plate (1) and forms an articulation (20, 21) with the second cover plate (2). The core (10) is movable in the AP direction relative to the first cover plate (1). Mobility can also be provided in the lateral direction and rotational direction.

Abstract: Cervical intervertebral prosthesis with two cover plates which are to be connected in each case to one of the adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of the two cover plates (1, 3) has a toothing (9) which faces toward the vertebral body (7) and whose teeth have a steep, ventrally directed flank (10) and a less steep, dorsally directed flank (11). When the prosthesis is fitted with sufficient pressing between its adjacent vertebral bodies, the combination of the serrated toothing and the abutment surface is sufficient to hold the prosthesis securely in the desired position. In many cases this makes it possible to dispense with additional screw fixation. The flange (15) carrying the abutment surface (16) is in this case expediently shortened so that it can be accommodated in a recess of the bone (7) and the prosthesis does not protrude ventrally beyond the ventral alignment surface of the adjacent vertebral bodies (7).

Abstract: A series of instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are provided for direct anterior and oblique-anterior disc space and end plate preparation. The instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) provide precise guidance for channel formation in the vertebral endplates by guiding rotating and bladed cutting instruments (122, 250, 580). Instrumentation (550) for oblique-anterior disc space preparation includes compound angulation to account for the angle of approach to the spine and the angulation between adjacent vertebrae. Methods and techniques for use of the instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are also described.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis, in particular for the cervical spine, consisting basically of a first cover plate (1) to be connected to a first vertebral body, of a second cover plate (2) to be connected to the second vertebral body, and of a prosthesis core (10) which forms an articulation with the second cover plate (2). The prosthesis core (10) is held by a seat (9, 5) of the first cover plate (1), which seat is designed as a guide device (7, 11, 12). The core (10) can be pushed into the guide device from the ventral side in the AP direction (A) relative to the first cover plate (1). A limit-stop plate (14) is provided on the ventral edge of the first cover plate. This limit-stop plate (14) is displaceable in a slide guide (18) between a locking position and a nonlocking position.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for performing endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery on a patient's spine is provided. The apparatus includes a trochar which is specifically design for spinal applications. The trochar includes of a first transparent tubular member of a predetermined diameter and a second transparent tubular member of a slightly larger diameter than the first transparent tubular member. The first transparent tubular member fits slidingly within the second transparent tubular member in a telescoping manner. The first transparent tubular member has two ends: an end for remaining in side-to-side contact with said second tubular member and a free end which has an attached metal fitting with serrated teeth for anchoring in the patient's vertebrae when the trochar is inserted through a incision made in the patient's abdomen or chest. The trochar also includes a collar and set screw arrangement. The collar is made up of a short tubular portion having a flanged end.