Method and apparatus for intervertebral implant anchorage

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for intervertebral implant anchorage. An implantable device for insertion into an intradiscal section between adjacent vertebrae is provided. The implantable device includes at least one anchor plate which comprises a plate member sized to be positioned within an intradiscal section between adjacent vertebrae and a plurality of anchoring elements extending from a surface of the plate member, each anchoring element including a distal—portion capable of being introduced into the vertebra through the vertebral end plate; and an intradiscal component coupled to the anchor plate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for treating intervertebral disc diseases and more particularly to intervertebral prostheses for positioning in an intervertebral space to treat intervertebral disorders. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Back pain remains a major public health problem, especially among aged people. Persistent and severe back pain often causes debility and disability, and such a pain is closely associated with intervertebral disc abnormalities of the spine. [0003] The human spine is a flexible structure comprised of thirty-three vertebrae. Intervertebral discs separate and cushion adjacent vertebrae, and act as shock absorbers and allow bending between the vertebrae. An intervertebral disc comprises two major components: the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosis. The nucleus pulposus is centrally located in the disc and occupies 25-40% of the disc's total cross-sectional area. The annulus fibrosis surrounds the n...

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