Posterior approach implant method for assembly of multi-piece artificial spinal disk replacement device in situ

An implant for relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and surrounding tissues and structures, which implant is positionable between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of the spinal column, wherein the first vertebra is located adjacent to and above the second vertebra, the implant comprising:

• a first end plate having a first support surface and a top surface opposite the first support surface wherein the top surface;
• a second end plate having a second support surface and a lower surface opposite the second support surface;
• and
• a bearing member that is interposed between the first end plate and the second end plate wherein the bearing member has (i) a convex upper surface that is in contact with the first support surface and (ii) an opposite mounting surface that is in contact with the second support surface and wherein the second support surface defines a channel into which the bearing is inserted.

A method of implanting a multiple piece device in situ between an upper and a lower vertebral body in a spine, the method comprising:

• (a) accessing an affected region of the spine posteriorly by performing a minor posterior annulotomy;
• (b) removing at least a portion of the affected region to create an exposed area in the region which is defined by a region length and a region width;
• (c) positioning a first piece of the device into the affected region, wherein the first piece comprises a first plate having a first plate length and a first plate width, with the first plate width being longer than the region length, and wherein the first plate is positioned so that its upper surface contacts the upper vertebral body;
• (d) positioning a second piece of the device into the affected region, wherein the second piece comprises a second plate having a second plate length and a second plate width, with the second plate width being longer than the region length, and wherein the second plate is positioned so that its lower surface contacts the lower vertebral body;
• and
• (e) inserting a third piece of the device between the first and second pieces wherein the third piece comprises an articulating surface that supports the first plate and a lower surface that rests on the second plate.

A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures comprising the steps of:

• (a) posteriority exposing an annulus comprised of fibrous tissue positioned between first and second adjacent vertebrae;
• (b) removing at least a portion of the fibrous tissue from the annulus;
• and
• (c) positioning an implant into the annulus which comprises the steps of:
• (i) inserting a first end plate having a first support surface and a top surface opposite the first support surface wherein the top surface;
• (ii) inserting a second end plate having a second support surface and a lower surface opposite the second support surface wherein the lower surface wherein the second support surface includes a channel;
• and
• (iii) positioning a bearing member between the first end plate and the second end plate wherein the bearing member has (i) a convex upper surface that is in contact with the first support surface and (ii) an opposite mounting surface that is in contact with the second support surface wherein the bearing member is inserted through the channel of the second support surface.