Methods and apparatus for intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion

1. A method of inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising:

sliding the prosthesis partway into the space between the vertebrae between two opposing jaws of a spacing device, wherein endplates of the prosthesis are constrained from articulating when disposed between the jaws;

removing the spacing device from the space to release the prosthesis from constraint while partway into the space; and

pushing the unconstrained prosthesis from partway into the space farther into the space while allowing endplates of the prosthesis to articulate.

2. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the endplates of the constrained prosthesis are prevented from articulating about a core of the prosthesis, and wherein the endplates of the unconstrained prosthesis are free to articulate about the core to help the prosthesis conform to the space between the two vertebrae.

3. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising:

inserting the spacing device at least partway into the space; and

manipulating the spacing device to increase a height of the space.

4. A method as in claim 3 , wherein sliding the prosthesis partway into the space comprises sliding at least one fin on at least one outer surface of the prosthesis through at least one corresponding slot in the opposing jaws.

5. A method as in claim 4 , wherein pushing the prosthesis farther into the space comprises sliding the at least one fin into at least one corresponding slot formed in at least one of the two vertebrae.

6. A method as in claim 1 , wherein sliding the prosthesis partway into the space comprises inserting the prosthesis less than halfway into the space before removing the spacing device.

7. A method as in claim 1 , wherein sliding the prosthesis partway into the space comprises:

grasping the endplates with an insertion tool such that they cannot move relative to the core; and

pushing the prosthesis between the jaws using the insertion tool.

8. A method as in claim 7 , further comprising releasing the prosthesis from the insertion tool before removing the spacing device.

9. A method as in claim 8 , wherein pushing the prosthesis farther into the space is performed using the insertion tool.

10. A method as in claim 8 , wherein pushing the prosthesis farther into the space is performed using a separate pusher tool.

11. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the prosthesis is inserted in approximately an anterior-to-posterior direction.

12. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the prosthesis is inserted in approximately a lateral-to-lateral direction.

13. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the prosthesis is inserted in an anterolateral-to-posterior direction.

14. A method as in claim 1 , wherein pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises positioning a center of rotation of the prosthesis closer to posterior edges of the two vertebrae than to anterior edges of the vertebrae.

15. A method as in claim 1 , wherein pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises individually pushing upper and lower endplates of the prosthesis.

16. A method as in claim 1 or 15 , wherein pushing the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space comprises simultaneously pushing upper and lower endplates of the prosthesis.

17. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising, before sliding the prosthesis partway into the space:

locating a midpoint of at least one of the two vertebrae using a vertebral midpoint indicator device; and

marking the midpoint on one of the two vertebrae.

18. A method as in claim 17 , wherein locating the midpoint comprises:

inserting the vertebral midpoint indicator device into the space between the vertebrae; and

imaging the midpoint indicator device using a radiographic imaging device.