Spinal fusion device and method of using same
OwnerRaymond J. Quinlan, Michael J. Halperininventors
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Abstract
A spinal fusion device having a spacer and a fastener and an associated method of use are disclosed. The spinal fusion device preferably has features to prevent excessive insertion of the spacer between two adjacent vertebra; to ensure proper fenestration, to ensure tight engagement between the spacer and the fastener and between the spinal fusion device and two adjacent vertebrae, to hinder back-out of screws used by the fastener, and to promote compaction and displacement of bone graft material to enhance the fusion process.
Claims12
A spinal fusion device kit comprising:
- a back-fillable spacer, having a posterior portion and an anterior portion, the back-fillable spacer configured to fit between two adjacent vertebrae;
- a fastener, having a posterior side and an anterior side, the fastener configured to engage the anterior portion of the spacer and configured to be fastened to two adjacent vertebrae;
- and
- a plurality of spacer protrusions coupled to the anterior portion of the spacer and extending in at least one of a superior and an inferior direction, wherein the plurality of spacer protrusions are configured to engage an anterior portion of two adjacent vertebrae.
2-9. (canceled)
A method for fusing adjacent vertebrae comprising the steps of:
- inserting a back-fillable spacer having a posterior portion and an anterior portion between two adjacent vertebrae comprising a superior vertebra having an inferior endplate and an inferior vertebra having a superior endplate;
- inserting bone graft material between the two adjacent vertebrae and into a cavity defined by the spacer;
- engaging a fastener having a posterior side and an anterior side with the anterior portion of the spacer;
- and
- fastening the fastener to the two adjacent vertebrae;
- wherein the spacer has a plurality of spacer protrusions, protruding from the anterior portion of the spacer and extending in at least one of a superior and an inferior direction, and wherein the plurality of spacer protrusions are configured to engage an anterior portion of the two adjacent vertebrae.
The method according to claim 9 wherein the fastener is fastened to at least one of the two adjacent vertebrae using a fastening device inserted through one of the through-holes of the fastener, and wherein the method further comprises the step of rotating an anti-backout device into a position over the fastener device after the fastening device has been inserted into the body of the at least one vertebra.
A spinal fusion device kit comprising:
- a back-fillable spacer, having a posterior portion and an anterior portion, the back-fillable spacer configured to fit between two adjacent vertebrae;
- and
- a fastener, having a posterior side and an anterior side, the fastener configured to engage the anterior portion of the spacer and configured to be fastened to two adjacent vertebrae;
- wherein the fastener has at least one fastener protrusion, protruding from the posterior side of the fastener, and configured to displace fusion material within a cavity defined by the spacer.
19-21. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.