Importance

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Abstract

An artificial intervertebral disc having a pair of opposing plate members for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by a spring mechanism. The preferred spring mechanism is at least one spirally slotted belleville washer having radially extending grooves. The preferred attachment device for securing each plate member to a vertebral bone surface is a convex metal mesh that is laser welded at its perimeter to the plate member. The metal mesh deflects as necessary during insertion of the artificial intervertebral disc between vertebral bodies, and, once the artificial intervertebral disc is seated between the vertebral bodies, deforms as necessary under anatomical loads to reshape itself to the concave surface of the vertebral endplate. The metal mesh therefore provides superior gripping and holding strength upon initial implantation and an osteoconductive surface through which the vertebral bone may ultimately grow.

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First Claim