PROSTHETIC NUCLEUS REPLACEMENT FOR SURGICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS AND TREATMENT METHOD

摘要

A prosthetic nucleus (30) replacement comprises a solid flattened oval disk. The top surface (32) of the disc is domed, and has a crest that is about three times higher than the crest on the domed bottom surface (34). Both top, and bottom surfaces are therefore convex. A peg (36) extends down from the middle of the bottom domed surface (34), and is used to pin the disc to the lower of two vertebrae it fits between. Metal markers are inserted into the peg (36), and an outside edge of the disc (22) so that radiographs can be used to determine the disc's in situ position. The prosthetic nucleus (30) replacement is surgically implanted into the hollowed out intervertebral space through a flap cut in the natural annulus fibrosis. The lower vertebrae (22) is prepared to receive the peg (36) by clearing the material covering the top of the bone matrix. Bone cement is used around the peg (36) to ensure a tight fit, and immobile attachment of the disc to the lower vertebrae (22).