US Patent 7261738 C-shaped disc prosthesis

Exemplary implants and methods are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae. In one embodiment, an implant is provided having a shape that allows the implant to be positioned between adjacent vertebrae using a posterior approach while avoiding contact with the spinal cord. For example, the implant can include an anterior portion that is adapted to be positioned between adjacent vertebrae, and a posterior portion that is adapted to extend around a spinal cord. In certain exemplary embodiments, the implant can also be configured to allow motion between the adjacent vertebrae.