Orthopedic drill guide system with lateral edge guidance, and method of surgery for use therewith

A drill guide system for implanting a screw in bone comprising:

• an implant having a bone facing surface and an opposing top surface and defining a thickness between the bone facing surface and the top surface and first and second edge implant surfaces extending in the direction of the thickness which are spaced apart and a implant rider surface;
• and
• a drill guide comprising a drill guide body having an axis and a bearing surface that cooperates with a surface of the implant to permit the drill guide body to rotate about the axis, an arm which includes a drill guide cannula, and a rider, the rider having a rider surface that cooperates with the implant rider surface so as to secure the drill guide on the implant while allowing the drill guide to rotate, and the drill guide cannula defines an adjustable angle of entry for the screw which can be selected by pivoting the drill guide relative to the implant.

A method of enabling a fusion surgery comprising providing an fusion implant system comprising selecting an implant having a bone facing surface and an opposing top surface and defining a thickness between the bone facing surface and the top surface and first and second edge implant surfaces extending in the direction of the thickness and which are spaced apart;

• and
• using a drill guide with the implant comprising a drill guide body having an axis and a bearing surface that cooperates with a surface of the implant to permit the drill guide body to rotate about the axis, an arm which includes a drill guide cannula, and a rider, the rider having a rider surface that cooperates with the implant rider surface so as to secure the drill guide on the implant while allowing the drill guide to rotate and the drill guide cannula defines an adjustable angle of entry for a fusion screw which can be selected by pivoting the drill guide relative to the implant.