Posterior stabilization for fixed center of rotation anterior prosthesis of the intervertebral disc

An assembly for use in conjunction with an artificial disc for securing the artificial disc, the assembly comprising:

• a first stabilization member attachable to a posterior side of vertebrae on a first lateral side of a spine, the first stabilization member having a first endpoint for securing to a vertebra above and an artificial disc and having second endpoint for securing to a vertebra below the artificial disc, wherein the stabilization member is curved in shape forming an arc having a fixed radius with respect to a center of rotation point for the artificial disc, wherein the stabilization member is adapted to compress and expand while retaining its curved shape and the fixed radius, when there is either posterior flexion and posterior extension of the spine, respectively.

A method for stabilizing a spine having a fixed center of rotation anterior prosthesis of an intervertebral disc, the method comprising:

• securing a stabilization member to a posterior side of vertebrae above and below an artificial disc on a first lateral side of a spine, wherein the stabilization member is curved in shape in the form of an arc and wherein the stabilization member includes a first endpoint and a second endpoint;
• and
• adjusting the stabilization member such that a first fixed radius is measured from a center of rotation point of the anterior prosthesis to the first endpoint, and a second fixed radius is measured from the center of rotation point to the second endpoint of the stabilization member.