Method and apparatus for delivering an intervertebral disc implant

Abstract

A method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus in an intervertebral disc nucleus space includes providing a disc nucleus implant instrument having a passageway for passing a prosthetic disc nucleus and a dilator for dilating an opening in a disc annulus. The prosthetic disc nucleus has a first configuration and a second configuration, and is positioned in its second configuration in the passageway of the disc nucleus implant instrument and passed through the dilator and into the disc nucleus space while in its second configuration. The disc nucleus implant is caused or allowed to assume its first configuration when implanted.

1 - 58 . (canceled) 
     
     
         59 . A spinal instrument assembly comprising:
 an elongated channel member with a sidewall defining a passageway extending from a proximal end to a distal end of said channel member;   a dilator at the distal end of said channel member forming an extension of said passageway, said dilator being effective for dilating an opening in a disc annulus when said dilator is activated; and   a spinal nucleus replacement implant in said passageway, wherein said implant is movable along said passage toward said dilator, wherein activation of said dilator permits passage of said implant from said passageway and through said dilator for implantation into a spinal disc space.   
     
     
         60 . The assembly of  claim 59 , wherein said sidewall of said elongate channel member defines a sidewall opening into said passage to receive said implant therethrough and into said passageway. 
     
     
         61 . The assembly of  claim 59 , wherein said elongated channel member further includes an activator for causing said dilator to dilate. 
     
     
         62 . The assembly of  claim 61 , wherein said activator includes a lever for activating said dilator. 
     
     
         63 . The assembly of  claim 61 , wherein said activator includes an inclined plane for activating said dilator. 
     
     
         64 . The assembly of  claim 61 , wherein said activator includes a screw for activating said dilator. 
     
     
         65 . The assembly of  claim 59 , wherein:
 said dilator comprises at least two arms for dilating a hole in a disc annulus; and   at least one of said at least two arms is fixed with respect to said passageway.   
     
     
         66 . The assembly of  claim 59 , wherein:
 said dilator comprises at least two arms for dilating a hole in a disc annulus; and   at least two of said at least two arms are movable with respect to said passageway.   
     
     
         67 . The assembly of  claim 66 , wherein said implant activates said dilator to separate said at least two arms as said implant passes through said dilator. 
     
     
         68 . The assembly of  claim 59 , wherein said elongated channel member further includes a locking mechanism for holding said dilator in a dilating position. 
     
     
         69 . The assembly of  claim 59 , wherein said implant includes a body with a shape memory so that said implant passes through said dilator in an unfolded configuration of said implant and returns to a folded configuration of said implant as said implant passes through said dilator. 
     
     
         70 . The assembly of  claim 70 , wherein said dilator returns to an undilated configuration after said implant passes therethrough. 
     
     
         71 . The assembly of  claim 59 , wherein:
 said channel member includes an activator handle connected at said proximal end of said dilator to an elongate arm extending along said channel member;   said dilator extends from said elongate arm and moves with said arm; and   activating said handle moves a pin along a groove in said arm to cause said arm to dilate said dilator.