| abstract |
A spinal prosthesis for insertion during surgery in a space between first and second vertebrae of a spine includes a central support sized and shaped for insertion between the first and second vertebrae. The support has a height measured between a top and a bottom approximately equal to a selected spacing between the first and second vertebrae. Upper and lower flex members extend from the top and bottom of the central support, respectively, for engaging the first and second vertebrae. The upper and lower members have a stiffness sufficiently small to permit the members to flex elastically toward each other under loading from the first and second vertebrae. |