Importance

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Abstract

A spinal prosthesis (1) comprises hollow strut (2) terminated by a pair of end caps (10, 12) which are adapted to engage respective vertebrae. Each end cap (10, 12) may have a flange (20, 22) which is closely received within and supports a respective end (6, 8) of the strut (2). Alternatively, or in addition, each end cap (10, 12) may be substantially kidney shaped and may be provided with a kidney shaped recess (16, 18) which provides access to the interior of the strut (2). Preferably, the end caps (10, 12) are provided with respective shoulders (28, 30) which are adapted to cover the ends of the strut (2) to prevent the strut damaging soft tissue during implantation. A porous titanium plasma coating may be applied to the end caps (10, 12) to enhance bone fixation and to resist anterior translation and rotation of the prosthesis (1).

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First Claim