Inventors:
Kari B. Zimmers - Solon OH, US
James E. Barber - Avon OH, US
Keith Duke - Cleveland OH, US
James M. Kuras - Macedonia OH, US
Rebecca Blice - Akron OH, US
Tawny Bragg - Chicago IL, US
Edward Benzel - Gate Mills OH, US
Isador Lieberman - Plano TX, US
E. Raymond Ross - Cheshire, GB
Assignee:
Axiomed Spine Corporation - Garfield Heights OH
International Classification:
A61F 2/44
Abstract:
An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a first retaining device having an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface. A second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface. A resilient core has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface engages the inner surface of the first retaining device. The second surface engages the inner surface of the second retaining device. The resilient core has a tapered radially outer surface extending from adjacent the first surface to adjacent the second surface. The first retaining device may have a flange extending toward the second retaining device. A concave surface may extend between the first surface and the radially outer surface. The concave surface of the core may engage the flange when the apparatus is free of a load.