Stand alone anterior cage

摘要

The present invention teaches an improved spinal fusion implant and method of implanting same. The implant includes a shell and an insert, the insert capable of situating first and second plates of the shell with respect to each other and of preventing unwanted loosening of fasteners placed through the shell and into the adjacent vertebral bodies. The method includes implanting a shell, selecting an insert from a plurality of inserts, and placing an insert between first and second plates of the shell.

主权项

1. A method of fusing together first and second vertebral bodies, the method comprising:
preparing a space between the first and second vertebral bodies to accept a spinal implant; implanting a shell including,
a first plate having a first end, a second end, a first length between the first and second ends, and a first aperture,a second plate having a third end, a fourth end, a second length between the third and fourth ends, and a second aperture, anda living hinge connecting the first and second plates at the second and fourth ends; placing a first screw through the first plate and into the first vertebral body; placing a second screw through the second plate and into the second vertebral body; and after the implanting and placing steps, inserting an insert between the first and second plates such that the insert extends along a majority of the first and second lengths, wherein the insert prevents back out of the first and second screws and the insert includes a third aperture aligned with the first and second apertures.