Method for inserting an articular disc prosthesis via the transforaminal approach

1. A method for inserting a prosthetic device into an intervertebral space from a transforaminal approach, comprising:

providing a prosthetic device having a first component and a first curved flange extending along a surface of the first component, and a second component and a second curved flange extending along a surface of the second component; and

inserting a portion of the first curved flange into a first vertebra at a starting position and advancing the first curved flange through a curved path in the first vertebra from the starting position to a final position; and

inserting the second component to a position adjacent the first component, whereby the first component engages the second component to provide articulating motion therebetween.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first and second flanges engage and penetrate the first and second vertebra, respectively, during insertion.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first and second flanges are inserted into preformed openings of the first and second vertebra, respectively, during insertion.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein insertion of the first and second components into the first and second vertebrae, respectively, is accomplished at substantially the same time.

5. A method of spinal stabilization, comprising:

providing a spinal implant device having a first articular component and a second articular component, at least one of the first and second articular components having a keel curved along its length for engagement with a vertebral member;

cooperatively assembling the first and second articular components such that the first and the second articular components can pivot and rotate relative to one another in a spinal motion preserving manner;

preparing a transforaminal opening in an endplate of at least one of a pair of adjacent vertebral members, the transforaminal opening curved along its length to substantially match a curve of the keel; and

positioning the assembled spinal implant device in a disc space between adjacent vertebral members from a transforaminal approach to the disc space such that the keel of at least one of the first and second articular components engages the transforaminal opening.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising removing a disc occupying the disc space.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the preparing the transforaminal opening includes positioning a milling guide having a curved opening adjacent the vertebral member and milling the disc with a milling bit that is translated along the curved opening.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein the positioning includes sliding a portion of the assembled spinal implant into the transforaminal opening.

9. The method of claim 5 wherein the assembling includes forming a ball and socket union between the first and the second articular components.

10. A method of spinal stabilization, comprising:

providing a spinal implant device having a first articular component and a second articular component;

cooperatively assembling the first and second articular components such that the first and the second articular components can pivot and rotate relative to one another in a spinal motion preserving manner;

positioning the assembled spinal implant device in a disc space between adjacent vertebral members from a transforaminal approach to the disc space; and

clearing the disc space prior to insertion of the assembled spinal implant device, wherein clearing includes opening a neuroforamen adjacent a disc situated in the disc space followed by a posterior trans-pedicle distraction.

11. A method stabilizing a vertebral joint, comprising:

accessing a vertebral joint;

opening the neuroforamen on one side of the vertebral joint;

removing disc material adjacent the opened neuroforamen;

inserting a motion preserving implant into a disc space previously occupied by the disc material; and

performing a trans-pedicle distraction after opening of the neuroforamen.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the removing includes at least one of chiseling and milling the disc material.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the removing includes milling the disc material, wherein milling includes positioning a milling guide having a curved opening adjacent the vertebral member and milling the disc material with a milling bit that is translated along the curved opening.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein opening includes cutting a transforaminal slot in the neuroforamen and wherein inserting includes lodging a portion of the disc implant in the transforaminal slot.