Artificial spinal ligament

Abstract

Abstract A simple and flexible artificial ligament which easily conforms to a patient's anatomy and can be used independently or in combination with an intervertebral graft, implant or prosthesis to return stability to the spine subsequent to a surgical spinal procedure is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the artificial ligament (100) is in the form of a flexible conformable plate (102) dimensioned to span adjacent vertebrae and having openings (108) for reception of bone screws, fasteners (110), etc. to mount the plate to the vertebrae. The biomechanical supporting characteristics of the plate approximate the characteristics of the ligament (e.g., anterior spinal) which it replaces thereby providing appropriate support to the spine in extension which also permitting normal spine mobility. A method of supporting adjacent vertebrae with the artificial ligament is also disclosed.

Inventors

• 👤 Lance Middleton
• 👤 Nabil L. Muhanna

Bibliographic Details