Importance

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Abstract

An implantable vertebral motion preservation system has upper and lower parts that are inserted into a vertebral space, wherein the upper part or lower part has a generally arcuate raised ridge that forms an arcuate shape and the other of the upper or lower part has a corresponding generally arcuate groove that receives the ridge. The ridge and groove are positioned with respect to the upper and lower parts, as well as the adjacent vertebrae, to share a common imaginary central axis such that during twisting motion of the body the upper and lower parts rotate relative to each other about said axis which sliding relative to each other along the ridge and groove contact areas. The cross-sectional geometry of the groove portion is curved so that during lateral bending movement of the vertebral column the ridge portion and attached upper or lower part follows a path of rotation and arcuate translation that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the groove portion, resulting in ease of movement and recoverable motion that improves return to the original position. During rotational movement of the vertebral column, as may result from typical twisting movement of the body, the adjacent upper and lower parts, as well as the adjacent vertebrae engaged to each, undergo relative rotational movement about the imaginary axis to result in ease of movement and recoverable motion that improves return to the original position.

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First Claim