# US 2014/0156008 A1 · Spinal implant alignment guide systems

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- Number: US 2014/0156008 A1
- Document ID: US20140156008A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 14/095,636
- Filed: 2013-12-03
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Earliest claimed: 2012-12-03
- Assignees: Meditech Spine, LLC
- Applicants: MediTech Spine, LLC
- Inventors: Eric Flickinger; Adam Sclafani; Jason Gromek; Sangwook Tim Yoon
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140156008A1

## CPC

- A61F 2/4611: {of spinal prostheses}
- A61F 2/4465: {having a circular or kidney shaped cross-section substantially perpendicular to the axis of the spine}
- A61F 2002/2835: {Bone graft implants for filling a bony defect or an endoprosthesis cavity, e.g. by synthetic material or biological material}
- A61F 2002/30383: {made by laterally inserting a protrusion, e.g. a rib into a complementarily-shaped groove}
- A61F 2002/30617: {Visible markings for adjusting, locating or measuring}
- A61F 2002/30784: {Plurality of holes}
- A61F 2002/30904: {serrated profile, i.e. saw-toothed}
- A61F 2002/4629: {connected to the endoprosthesis or implant via a threaded connection}
- A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C)

## Abstract

Systems for improved methods of performing a spinal fusion procedure that include an implant having an alignment guide system. The alignment guide system may include one or more guide lines configured to provide a visual indication when the implant is properly aligned within the disc space. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more tamp levelers that also aid with the proper alignment of the implant within the disc space.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A spinal implant comprising a body comprising:
a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface;
a first end comprising an arcuate surface and a channel that is recessed relative to the arcuate surface; and
at least one alignment guide that provides a visual indication when the spinal implant is properly aligned within a disc space.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The spinal implant of claim 1, wherein the implant is generally kidney-shaped.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The spinal implant of claim 1, wherein the alignment guide comprises a first marking, a second marking, and a third marking, wherein the second marking is recessed relative to the first and third markings.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The spinal implant of claim 3, wherein the first and third markings are positioned along the arcuate surface and the second marking is positioned along the recessed channel.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The spinal implant of claim 3, wherein the first, second, and third markings are configured such that they align along a single axis when the implant is oriented in a predetermined manner and such that they do not align along the single axis when the implant is not oriented in the predetermined manner.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The spinal implant of claim 1, further comprising an aperture within the channel.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The spinal implant of claim 1, further comprising at least one window along either the rear surface or the front surface.

### Claim 8 (depends on 5)

The spinal implant of claim 5, wherein the first, second, and third markings are lines.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

A kit comprising:
the spinal implant of claim 6; and
a tamp leveler comprising:
a shaft and an engagement head extending from the shaft;
wherein the engagement head comprises a protrusion or hook for engaging with the aperture of the implant.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The kit of claim 9, wherein a surface of the engagement head is configured to be received within the channel of the implant.

### Claim 11 (depends on 9)

The kit of claim 9, wherein the engagement head further comprises a ledge configured to be received within the channel of the implant.

### Claim 12 (depends on 9)

The kit of claim 9, wherein the engagement head further comprises a notch that extends from an end of the engagement head and that is configured to rest within the channel of the implant.

### Claim 13 (depends on 7)

A kit comprising:
the spinal implant of claim 7; and
a tamp leveler comprising:
a shaft and an engagement head extending from the shaft;
wherein the engagement head comprises a feature for cooperating with the at least one window.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The kit of claim 13, wherein the feature is configured to rest within the at least one window.

### Claim 15 (depends on 13)

The kit of claim 13, wherein the feature is configured as a hook that hooks into the at least one window.

### Claim 16 (depends on 13)

The kit of claim 13, wherein the feature is a protrusion that hooks into the at least one window.

### Claim 17 (depends on 13)

The kit of claim 13, wherein the engagement head further comprises a ledge configured to be received within the channel of the implant.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The kit of claim 17, wherein the protrusion extends from the ledge.