| abstract |
A problem with total disc implant surgery appears to be the positioning of the implant which, if not correct, may lead to pain and eventually new surgery. The present invention relates to an improved disc implant ( 1 ) for total disc replacement, comprising two inter-vertebral elements ( 2 ) which are flexibly connected via coupling means ( 4,5 ). Following surgery, the relative movability of the two inter-vertebral elements is decreased over time, as bone ingrowth occurring around the implant and specifically through osseointegrative sections gradually decrease the movability of the elements relative to each other. Following, the relative movability of the implant elements is replaced by fixation of the elements. The fixation has flowingly occurred in a position affected by the movement of the patient, and is thereby more acceptable to the patient. |