Prosthesis holder and application thereof

Abstract

Prosthesis holder ( 1 ) made of a radiolucent material for a disc prosthesis ( 2 ) constituted by at least two parts which are mobile in relation to each another, including, on one side an element ( 9 ) for coupling to a sleeve and on the other side, an element for reversible coupling to a disc prosthesis, the reversible coupling element is arranged in order to allow decoupling, by simple traction exerted perpendicularly to a spinal column when the disc prosthesis has been correctly impacted between two vertebrae and the retention force of the reversible coupling element on the disc prosthesis is adjusted so as not to allow decoupling by simple traction when the disc prosthesis has not been correctly impacted, and an assembly including a prosthesis holder and a disc prosthesis.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A prosthesis holder ( 1 ) for a disc prosthesis ( 2 ) constituted by at least two parts which are mobile in relation to each other, said prosthesis holder being made of radiolucent material, and comprising, on one side an element ( 9 ) for coupling to a sleeve and on the other side, an element for reversible coupling to a disc prosthesis, wherein the reversible coupling element is arranged in order to allow decoupling by simple traction exerted perpendicularly to a spinal column when the disc prosthesis is stable between two vertebrae, wherein the retention force of the reversible coupling element on the disc prosthesis is adjusted so as not to allow decoupling by simple traction when the disc prosthesis is not stable in the intervertebral space, and which is arranged so as to firmly couple the mobile parts of the disc prosthesis. 
     
     
         12 . The prosthesis holder according to  claim 11 , wherein the arrangement for firmly coupling the mobile parts of the disc prosthesis comprise grooves or ribs ( 7 ,  21 ). 
     
     
         13 . The prosthesis holder according to  claim 11 , further comprising a follower device ( 8 ) of a cam ( 21 ) provided on the prosthesis, said follower device ( 8 ) being elastically mounted on the prosthesis holder. 
     
     
         14 . The prosthesis holder according to  claim 13 , wherein the follower device ( 8 ) is a bulge provided on U-shaped arms ( 3 ,  4 ) of the prosthesis holder, said arms ( 3 ,  4 ) being arranged in order to grip a disc prosthesis ( 2 ) and said bulge ( 8 ) being directed towards the inside of the U. 
     
     
         15 . The prosthesis holder according to  claim 11 , further comprising a separate sleeve and retaining part ( 1 ) as well as a system for the reversible coupling of the sleeve to the retaining part ( 1 ). 
     
     
         16 . The prosthesis holder according to  claim 11 , which is made of thermoplastic resin. 
     
     
         17 . An assembly comprising a prosthesis holder as defined in  claim 11  and a disc prosthesis ( 2 ). 
     
     
         18 . The assembly according to  claim 17 , said assembly being pre-mounted. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein the arrangement for firmly coupling the mobile parts of the disc prosthesis comprise grooves or ribs ( 7 ,  21 ). 
     
     
         20 . The assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein the prosthesis holder ( 1 ) further comprises a follower device ( 8 ) of a cam ( 21 ) provided on the prosthesis, said follower device ( 8 ) being elastically mounted on the prosthesis holder. 
     
     
         21 . The assembly according to  claim 20 , wherein the follower device ( 8 ) is a bulge provided on U-shaped arms ( 3 ,  4 ) of the prosthesis holder, said arms ( 3 ,  4 ) being arranged in order to grip a disc prosthesis ( 2 ) and said bulge ( 8 ) being directed towards the inside of the U. 
     
     
         22 . The assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein the prosthesis holder further comprises a separate sleeve and retaining part ( 1 ) as well as a system for the reversible coupling of the sleeve to the retaining part ( 1 ).