Multiple-State Geometry Artificial Disc With Compliant Insert and Method

An apparatus to restore a spinal segment mobility comprising, said apparatus comprising:

• a first plate comprising flexible material;
• a second plate comprising flexible material;
• and
• a compliant load bearing spacer element positioned between said first plate and said second plate, wherein said compliant load bearing spacer element comprises an upper curved portion, a middle cylindrical portion, and a lower curved portion,
• wherein each of said first plate and said second plate comprises:
• a top surface comprising at least one spike extending outwardly from said top surface;
• a bottom surface;
• a wall configured around a circumference of said first plate and said second plate such that said wall separates said top surface from said bottom surface;
• and
• at least one gap dispersed along said wall,
• wherein said first plate and said second plate transition from a convex configuration to a concave configuration, and
• wherein said compliant load bearing spacer element causes said transition of said first plate and said second plate from a convex configuration to a concave configuration to occur in-situ in a vertebral disc space.

A method of implanting an artificial vertebral disc, said method comprising:

• inserting a first plate comprising outwardly protruding spikes in a vertebral space and adjacent to a first endplate of a first vertebral body, wherein said first plate is in a convex configuration;
• inserting a second plate comprising outwardly protruding spikes in said vertebral space and adjacent to a second endplate of a second vertebral body such that a gap exists between said first plate and said second plate, wherein said second plate is in a convex configuration;
• and
• inserting a compliant load bearing spacer element in between said fist plate and said second plate in said vertebral space causing said first plate and said second plate to each transition into a concave configuration.