Spinal column retaining apparatus

An apparatus for use in retaining a first vertebra of the spinal column in a desired spatial relationship with the second vertebra of the spinal column with a graft between the vertebra, said apparatus comprising:

• a plate adapted to be fastened with the vertebra, the plate including a body and a lip projecting from the body, the lip being adapted to engage a surface of the first vertebra, face toward the second vertebra, and extend around the graft;
• the body being formed to include first and second openings;
• a first fastener extendable through the first opening to couple the body with the first vertebra, the first fastener having a first longitudinal axis;
• and
• a second fastener extendable through the second opening to couple the body to the first vertebra, the second fastener having a second longitudinal axis;
• the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis converging at an acute angle.

An apparatus for use in retaining a first vertebra of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship with the second vertebra of the spinal column with a graft between the vertebra, said apparatus comprising:

• a longitudinal member positionable along the spinal column;
• a plate coupled to the longitudinal member and adapted to be fastened with the first vertebra, the plate being formed to include a body and a lip projecting from the body and being adapted to engage a surface of the first vertebra;
• the body including first and second sides and the lip including a first segment adjacent to the first side;
• the lip including a second segment adjacent to the second side.

An apparatus for use in retaining a first vertebra of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship with a second vertebra of the spinal column with a graft between the vertebra, said apparatus comprising:

• a plate adapted to be fastened to the first vertebra, the plate including a body formed to include an opening therethrough and a lip projecting from the body, the lip being adapted to engage a surface of the first vertebra,
• a fastener formed for extension through the opening into the first vertebra;
• and
• a substantially rigid member positionable along the spinal column coupled to the plate.

An apparatus for use in retaining a first vertebra of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship with a second vertebra of the spinal column with a graft between the vertebra, said apparatus comprising:

• a plate adapted to be fastened with the first vertebra, the plate including a body formed to include an opening therethrough and a lip projecting from the body, the lip being adapted to engage a surface of the first vertebra;
• and
• a fastener formed for extension through the opening into the first vertebra;
• the body having first and second ends and the opening being formed adjacent to the second end;
• the lip projecting from the second end of the body;
• the body including first and second sides and the lip extending between the first and second sides.