A prototype artificial disc to be used with surgical intervention for replacement of injured intervertebral disc.

Disc disease is a degenerative disease of the intervertebral disc characterized by chronic and disabling spine and upper extremity pain or sensory deficits. When non-surgical treatment fails, discectomy is necessary. UNMC researchers have developed a prototype artificial disc to be used with surgical intervention for replacement of injured intervertebral disc. The invention is an inexpensive, effective artificial disc that preserves the spacing between vertebrae, while providing adequate support without undue compression or slippage long term. Once inserted into the intervertebral disc space, the inventive device aids in reconstruction of the disc space resulting from the removal of a single damaged or diseased disc or multiple damaged or diseased discs from any location in the spine.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0277940

(TID - 10)

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