Method and apparatus for intervertebral implant anchorage

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for intervertebral implant anchorage. An implantable device for insertion into an intradiscal section between adjacent vertebrae is provided. The implantable device includes at least one anchor plate which comprises a plate member sized to be positioned within an intradiscal section between adjacent vertebrae and a plurality of anchoring elements extending from a surface of the plate member, each anchoring element including a distal—portion capable of being introduced into the vertebra through the vertebral end plate; and an intradiscal component coupled to the anchor plate.

1 - 40 . (Canceled)  
   
   
       41 . A method of implanting an intervertebral device, comprising: 
 accessing an implantation site:    attaching a first anchor plate to an end plate of a first vertebrae:    attaching a second anchor plate to an end plate of a second vertebrae; and    detachably securing an intervertebral device to the implanted first and second anchor plates.    
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 41  further comprising accessing the implantation site via an anterior approach.  
   
   
       43 . A method  claim 42  further comprising: 
 anteriorly exposing the implantation site:    identifying a vertebrae to be removed from the implantation site:    surgically removing the vertebrae to be removed: and    preparing the end plates of the first and second vertebrae to receive the intervertebral device.    
   
   
       44 . A method of implanting an intervertebral device, comprising: 
 accessing an implantation site:    removing a dysfunctional vertebrae:    attaching a first anchor plate to an end plate of a first vertebrae:    attaching a second anchor plate to an end plate of a second vertebrae, and    detachably securing an intervertebral device to the implanted first and second anchor plates.    
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 44  further comprising anteriorly accessing the implantation site.