Method for inserting and positioning an artificial disc

A method of inserting intervertebral prosthetic disc assemblies from a posterior approach comprising:

• accessing an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies;
• and
• positioning the intervertebral prosthetic disc between the adjacent vertebral bodies,
• wherein the intervertebral prosthetic disc comprises:
• a first endplate having a plurality of protrusions for attaching to a first adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards a second adjacent vertebrae, the extension portion being spaced apart from a base of the first endplate when assembled;
• a second endplate having a plurality of protrusions for attaching to the second adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards the first adjacent vertebrae, the extension portion being spaced apart from a base of the second endplate when assembled;
• a resilient member having an upper portion and a lower portion;
• a slider plate having an upper and lower surface positioned and enclosed within a first cavity in the upper portion of the resilient member, wherein the upper surface of the slider plate is configured to a contact a lower surface of the extension portion of the first end plate;
• and,
• wherein the extension portion of the first endplate is adapted to fit within the first cavity in the upper portion of the resilient member and the extension portion of the second endplate is adapted to fit within a second cavity in the lower portion of the resilient member,
• wherein the extension portion of the first endplate engages with the upper surface of the slider plate to allow translation or rotation of the extension portion relative to the slider plate,
• wherein a length of the extension portion of the first endplate is smaller than a length of the slider plate.