Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of implanting same

US8029550B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Inventors

• Jonathan M. Dewey · Memphis, US
• Fred J. Molz, IV · Collierville, US
• Aurelien Bruneau · Memphis, US
• Eric C. Lange · Collierville, US
• Matthew M. Morrison · Cordova, US
• Thomas A. Carls · Memphis, US
• Kent M. Anderson · San Jose, US
• Jean Taylor · Cannes, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 5, 2009
• Grant date: Oct 4, 2011
• Expiry date: Apr 7, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B17/7067
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of implanting a spinal prosthesis comprises inserting a first member between superior and inferior spinous processes associated with respective superior and inferior vertebrae. The superior and inferior vertebrae are separated by an intermediate vertebra. The method further includes inserting a second member through a channel in the first member. After the second member is inserted, the method requires removing the second member from the channel and inserting a third member through the channel. The third member has a different stiffness than the second member. Finally, the method requires anchoring the third member to the intermediate vertebra, while the third member is inserted through the channel. The third member is anchored at first and second locations disposed on respective first and second lateral sides of the intermediate vertebra.