Motion segment repair systems and methods

1. A method for implanting a motion segment repair system, comprising:

inserting a guide device into a disc space between adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae using a substantially posterior surgical approach, the guide device having a disc implant removably coupled to a pivoting member formed on a distal end thereof;

rotating an actuation mechanism formed on a proximal end of the guide device to actuate a gear assembly disposed within the guide device to pivot the disc implant within the disc space and thereby position the disc implant between adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae;

actuating a release mechanism to release the implant from the pivoting member; and

coupling a posterior stabilization device to the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the disc implant and the posterior stabilization device has a floating center of rotation to allow the posterior stabilization device to be positioned at various locations relative to the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the disc implant has a floating center of rotation.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein implanting the disc implant comprises implanting first arid second end plates with a central core moveably disposed therebetween between the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae.

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the posterior stabilization device has a floating center of rotation.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein coupling the posterior stabilization device to adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae comprises coupling a first connector of the posterior stabilization device to the superior vertebra and coupling a second connector of the posterior stabilization device to the adjacent inferior vertebrae, the first and second connectors being movably mated to one another by a flexible member to allow motion between the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae.

7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the posterior stabilization device has a floating center of rotation.

8. The method of claim 2 , wherein the posterior stabilization device has a fixed center of rotation.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein coupling the posterior stabilization device to adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae comprises coupling a first connector of the posterior stabilization device to the superior vertebra and coupling a second connector of the posterior stabilization device to the adjacent inferior vertebrae, the first and second connectors being slidably coupled to one another to allow at least some flexion and extension between the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae.

10. The method of claim 2 , wherein the floating center of rotation is adapted to allow at least some flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation between the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae.

11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, prior to inserting the disc implant, distracting the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae using one or more distraction anchors disposed in a posterior side of the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae.

12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, prior to coupling a posterior stabilization device, measuring a distance between the disc implant and at least one anchoring element implanted in a posterior surface of the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae, and using the measured distance to select a posterior stabilization device having an appropriate size.

13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising actuating a release mechanism on the guide device to release the disc implant from the guide device.

14. A method for implanting a motion segment repair system, comprising:

distracting a first side of a disc space formed between adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae;

inserting a disc implant into an opposed second side of the disc space using a substantially posterior approach, the disc implant being removably coupled to a pivoting member formed on a distal end of a guide device;

rotating an actuation mechanism formed on a proximal end of the guide device to actuate a gear assembly disposed within the guide device to pivot the disc implant within the disc space and thereby position the disc implant between the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae;

actuating a release mechanism to release the implant from the pivoting member; and

removing the distractor tool.

15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising coupling a posterior stabilization device to the adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae.

16. A method for implanting a motion segment repair system, comprising:

introducing a guide device into a disc space using a posterior surgical approach to insert a disc implant coupled to a pivoting member formed on a distal end of the guide device in a first lateral side of the disc space;

actuating a rotatable actuation mechanism on a proximal end of the guide device to pivot the disc implant within the disc space by actuating a gear assembly disposed within the guide device; and

actuating a release mechanism on the guide device to release the disc implant from the distal end of the guide device.

17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising coupling a posterior dynamic stabilization device to a posterior side of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae surrounding the disc space.