Artificial spinal disc, insertion tool, and method of insertion

An artificial spinal disc for insertion between a first vertebra and an adjacent second vertebrae, said first and second vertebra presenting opposed, first and second, spaced apart surfaces cooperatively defining an intervertebral disc-receiving space and normally engaging corresponding surfaces of a natural intervertebral disc, and outwardly and generally posteriorly extending processes spaced from said intervertebral disc-engaging surfaces, said artificial spinal disc comprising:

• a first plate member configured for location within said disc-receiving space and having a first surface oriented for engagement with said first disc-engaging surface;
• a second plate member configured for location within said disc-receiving space in opposed relationship with said first plate member and having a second surface oriented for engagement with said second disc-engaging surface;
• said first and second plate members complementally configured in order to permit limited relative movement therebetween;
• and
• an outrigger including first and second elongate elements respectively coupled with said first and second plate members, and each extending generally posteriorly therefrom and diverging from each other, and a coupling assembly operably interconnecting each of said elements at a posterior location remote from said plates, said outrigger remaining coupled with said first and second plate members upon implacement and use of said artificial spinal disc between said first and second vertebrae.