METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROSTHESIS
A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device.
1 . A device for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, the device comprising:
an elongate rigid shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;
an adjustable grasping member coupled with the distal end for releasably grasping endplates of the intervertebral prosthesis such that the endplates are constrained from articulating and such that an outer diameter of the grasping member does not extend beyond a largest diameter of the endplates; and
an actuator disposed near the proximal end of the shaft and coupled with the grasping member for adjusting the grasping member to grasp and release the prosthesis, wherein the grasping member is adapted for pushing the prosthesis into the space between the two vertebrae either while grasping the prosthesis or after releasing the prosthesis.