Abstract: A method for implanting an articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis into an intervertebral disc space comprises surgically accessing the intervertebral disc space through an opening on a first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and inserting a first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening and into the intervertebral disc space. The method further comprises inserting a second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and positioning the first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on a second lateral side of the intervertebral disc space. The method also comprises positioning the second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing a stabilized implant at a site of implantation include providing locking members on faces of the implant and applying bone cement to the implant faces. The locking members secure the bone cement so that the bone cement will not be substantially displaced when the implant is inserted at an implantation site.

Abstract: Embodiments for a spinal implant having elements that are accessible by a surgical approach and releasably engagable by a surgical tool for improved revision of the spinal implant about a patient's spine.

Abstract: Methods for forming a shaped surface, for example, a shaped end plate between adjacent vertebral bodies, and a bone removal device for use in such methods. The device includes a contour having a predetermined profile corresponding at least in part to an implant, and a cutting element following the contour and having a cutting edge having a profile corresponding to the contour profile.

Abstract: A spacer for inserting between vertebral members. The spacer has a non-spherical shape with an anterior section having a first shape and a posterior section having a different shape. An attachment means is positioned within the posterior section, and may include a receiver for attachment with an insertion device, and an anti-rotation mechanism for assistance in removing the spacer from the insertion device. Embodiments of using the spacer is also disclosed which may include inserting the spacer between the vertebral members in a generally posterior approach. Once inserted, the insertion device acts with the anti-rotation device to remove a connection mechanism from the receiver. The spacer remains between the vertebral members and provides relief to the patient.

Abstract: A system for removing an implant from between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises a removal shaft. The removal shaft includes a threaded shaft portion and is coupled to a spreader block. A connector body is threadedly coupled to the threaded shaft portion. The system further includes a first removal blade having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is attached to the connector body and the distal end is attachable to the implant. A first spreader brace is attached to the spreader block. Rotation of the threaded shaft removes at least a portion of the implant from between the pair of vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is described having a pair of opposed shells and a central body disposed between the opposed shells wherein the central body and the shells cooperate to limit the motion of the central body with respect to the shells. An assembly for preparing a disc space for the implantation of a prosthesis is further described having a plurality of instruments cooperating to guide a tool associated with the assembly.

Abstract: An vertebral implant is interposed between two vertebral endplates and comprises a first endplate assembly having a first restraint mechanism extending from a first exterior surface for engaging a first vertebral endplate The implant further comprises a second endplate assembly having a second restraint mechanism extending from a second exterior surface for engaging a second vertebral endplate and a central body articulable between the first and second endplate assemblies. The first restraint mechanism has a shape that matches a contour in the first vertebral endplate.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first member for engaging a first vertebral body and a second member for engaging a second vertebral body. The first member has a first surface with a first curve, and the second member has a second surface with a second curve. The first member is translatable with respect to the second member and the second curve is positioned within the first curve to bias the first and second curved surfaces towards central alignment along a longitudinal axis passing through the first and second vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises a first member for engaging a first bone portion and a second member for engaging a second bone portion. The first member comprises a first surface with a first curve and the second member comprises a second surface with a second curve. The first member is translatable with respect to the second member and the second curve is positioned within the first curve to bias the first and second curves towards alignment along a first axis passing through the first and second bone portions.

Abstract: A motion-preserving implant device for insertion between two bones is disclosed. The motion-preserving implant includes a first plate for engaging with a first bone and a second plate for engaging with a second bone. An articulation member is positioned between the two plates and a motion-controlling member attached to one or both of the plates. In some embodiments, the motion-controlling member is configured to constrain, dampen, and/or bumper the relative motion between the two plates.

Abstract: A prosthetic device according to which a time-dependent degree of resistance is provided to at least one predetermined type of relative directional motion between first and second components of the device.

Abstract: An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra comprises an articulating joint replacement assembly. The articulating joint replacement assembly comprises an anterior joint replacement component extending into an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a first posterior joint replacement component, and a first bridge component coupled between the anterior joint replacement component and the first posterior joint replacement component. The artificial spinal joint further comprises a support joint replacement assembly. The support joint replacement assembly comprises an anterior support component extending into an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a second posterior joint replacement component, and a second bridge component coupled between the anterior support component and the second posterior joint replacement component.

Abstract: An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra is disclosed. The artificial spinal joint comprises a first arthroplasty half comprising a first articulating joint replacement component for placement in an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a first posterior joint replacement component, and a first bridge component coupled between the first articulating joint replacement component and the first posterior joint replacement component. The artificial spinal joint further comprises a second arthroplasty half comprising a second articulating joint replacement component for placement in an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a second posterior joint replacement component, and a second bridge component coupled between the second articulating joint replacement component and the second posterior joint replacement component.

Abstract: An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra comprises a first joint half comprising a first intervertebral articulating assembly, a first rostral connection assembly, and a first caudal connection assembly. The joint further comprises a second joint half comprising a second intervertebral articulating assembly, a second rostral connection assembly, and a second caudal connection assembly. The joint further comprises a constraint component extending between the first rostral connection assembly and the first caudal connection assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for preparing a vertebral disc space to receive a prosthesis comprises a support frame having a base and a pair of guide tracks extending from the base. The base is adapted to attach to a plurality of vertebral bodies. The assembly further includes a guide block operatively connected to at least one of the guide tracks and having an opening disposed there through. The assembly further includes a position control mechanism corresponding to the at least one of the guide tracks. The position control mechanism has a plate extending there from for coupling to the guide track and the guide block and an actuating knob for adjusting the position of the plate and therefore the guide block. The assembly further includes a bone-removal device positioned through the opening of the guide block and operatively connected to the guide block.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is described having a pair of opposed shells and a central body disposed between the opposed shells wherein the central body and the shells cooperate to limit the motion of the central body with respect to the shells. An assembly for preparing a disc space for the implantation of a prosthesis is further described having a plurality of instruments cooperating to guide a tool associated with the assembly.