Multiple axis intervertebral prosthesis

Abstract

The present invention relates to an intervertebral prosthetic disk. The prosthesis includes a male component with a support plate, an attachment element allowing fixation to a vertebra, and an articulating projection defining a concave lower surface. The prosthesis also includes a female component with a support plate, an attachment element allowing fixation to a vertebra, and a circular pocket with a flat bottom and angled walls suitable for receiving the articulating projection. A generally hemispheric bearing is provided between the male and female components. The hemispheric bearing includes an upper convex surface for cooperating with the concave lower surface of the articulating projection of the male component and a flat lower surface for cooperating with the flat bottom surface of the circular pocket of the female component. The male component is placed inside the female component with the hemispheric bearing between the two components and the male and female components are attached to adjacent vertebrae and act as a replacement for a disk. The prosthesis allows for a natural range of motion for the patient.