Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of implanting same
View Patent ↗A prosthetic device for insertion in a spinal column includes a first, second, and third members. The first member includes an inferiorly extending tab and is of a relatively flexible material. The second member includes a superiorly extending tab and is of a relatively flexible material. The third member defines a superior opening for receiving the inferiorly extending tab and an inferior opening for receiving the superiorly extending tab and is of a relatively stiff material. The device also includes a means for providing a rigid connection of the third member to a vertebra.
1. A prosthetic device for insertion in a spinal column, the device comprising:
a first member of a relatively flexible material, the first member having a superior end having a first notch formed therein sized to cradle a spinous process of an upper vertebra;
a second member of a relatively flexible material, the second member having an inferior end having a second notch formed therein sized to cradle a spinous process of a lower vertebra;
a third member of a relatively stiff material and having a greater stiffness than the first member and the second member, the third member being located between the first member and the second member;
first protrusion extending outwardly from a first lateral side of the third member and a second protrusion extending outwardly from a second opposite lateral side of the third member, the first and second protrusions configured to provide a rigid connection of the third member to a vertebra located between the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra;
wherein a theoretical plane extends through the first, second, and third members, and extends through a first intersection between the first protrusion and the third member a second intersection between the second protrusion and the third member.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the means for providing the rigid connection comprises two screws extending through openings defined at lateral end portions of the third member.
3. The device of claim 1 further comprising means on the third member for receiving a cable to tether the device to at least one of the vertebrae.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the superior end of the first member and the inferior end of the second member are spaced a sufficient distance apart to cradle the spinous processes of the upper and lower vertebrae when the upper and lower vertebrae are not adjacent.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the first member has an inferior end defining an inferiorly extending tab, the second member has a superior end defining a superiorly extending tab, and the third member defines a superior opening for receiving the inferiorly extending tab of the first member and an inferior opening for receiving the superiorly extending tab of the second member.