Intervertebral prosthetic joint

Abstract

An intervertebral prosthetic joint including a first articular component adapted to engage a first vertebra and a second articular component adapted to engage a second vertebra The articular components include abutting convex and concave articular surfaces that cooperate to permit articulating motion between the articular components. At least one of the convex and concave articular surfaces includes at least one surface depression that is configured to facilitate removal of matter disposed between abutting portions of the articular surfaces. In one embodiment of the prosthetic joint, each of the articular components has a vertebral bearing surface and a flange extending therefrom that is configured to penetrate a corresponding one of the first and second vertebrae, with the flange defining at least one opening extending therethrough to permit bone through-growth.

1 - 40 . (canceled)  
   
   
       41 . An artificial disc replacement (ADR) system, comprising: 
 an intradiscal component, including: 
 an anterior portion,  
 a posterior portion, and  
 a keel adapted to penetrate a vertebral endplate, the keel having an orientation other than anterior-to-posterior when the component is installed; and  
 a screw adapted to penetrate a vertebral body and a portion of the keel.  
   
   
   
       42 . The system of  claim 41 , further including a guide for aligning the ADR prior to insertion.  
   
   
       43 . The system of  claim 41 , wherein the screw and keel converge.  
   
   
       44 . The system of  claim 41 , wherein the screw includes a mechanism providing a locking relationship with the keel.  
   
   
       45 . The system of  claim 41 , wherein the ADR includes a non-symmetrical endplate oriented rightwardly of the disc space to decrease the risk of injuring the great vessels.  
   
   
       46 . An artificial disc replacement (ADR) system, comprising: 
 an intradiscal component, including: 
 an anterior portion,  
 a posterior portion, and  
 a keel adapted to penetrate a vertebral endplate, the keel having an orientation other than anterior-to-posterior when the component is installed.  
   
   
   
       47 . The system of  claim 46 , further including a guide for aligning the ADR prior to insertion.  
   
   
       48 . The system of  claim 46 , further including a screw adapted to penetrate a vertebral body in conjunction with the keel.  
   
   
       49 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein the screw and keel converge.  
   
   
       50 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein the screw penetrates the keel.  
   
   
       51 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein the screw includes a mechanism providing a locking relationship with the keel.  
   
   
       52 . The system of  claim 46 , wherein the ADR includes a non-symmetrical endplate oriented rightwardly of the disc space to decrease the risk of injuring the great vessels.  
   
   
       53 . An artificial disc replacement (ADR) system, comprising: 
 an intradiscal component, including: 
 an anterior portion,  
 a posterior portion, and  
 a keel adapted to penetrate a vertebral endplate, the keel having an orientation other than anterior-to-posterior when the component is installed; and  
 a screw adapted to penetrate a vertebral body and a portion of the intradiscal component.  
   
   
   
       54 . The system of  claim 53 , further including a guide for aligning the ADR prior to insertion.  
   
   
       55 . The system of  claim 53 , wherein the screw is adapted to penetrate the vertebral body in conjunction with the keel.  
   
   
       56 . The system of  claim 55 , wherein the screw and keel converge.  
   
   
       57 . The system of  claim 55 , wherein the screw penetrates the keel.  
   
   
       58 . The system of  claim 55 , wherein the screw includes a mechanism providing a locking relationship with the keel.  
   
   
       59 . The system of  claim 53 , wherein the ADR includes a non-symmetrical endplate oriented rightwardly of the disc space to decrease the risk of injuring the great vessels.