| abstract |
Abstract The subject matter of this invention is a spinal prosthesis for the replacement of one or more destroyed vertebrae, with two supporting plates which lie close to the end surfaces of adjacent healthy vertebrae. The supporting plates have spikes for providing an anchorage in these adjacent vertebrae and are connected by a spacer, the length of which can be adjusted. This spacer (9) is arranged off-center relative to the longitudinal axis of the spinal prosthesis (1), which is defined by the centers of the supporting plates (4), and has two rails (7,8) with meshing teeth (14) along the surfaces that face each other. The rails (7,8) are connected to each other by means of a screw (17). Between the supporting plates (4), a recipient site for the implant (32) consisting of a natural and/or artificial material is left open. The subject matter of this invention also includes a device for handling this spinal prosthesis, in particular for inserting the spinal prosthesis into the spinal column. |