| 主权项 |
1. A system for stabilizing a superior vertebra relative to an inferior vertebra, the superior vertebra and inferior vertebra having a spacer positioned therebetween, the system comprising:
a plate having a first surface configured for mating with the superior and inferior vertebra, a second surface generally opposite the first surface, and opposed exterior surfaces on an outer periphery of the plate, the opposed exterior surfaces extending between the first and second surfaces, the plate having a first hole that extends from the first surface to the second surface and a second hole that extends from the first surface to the second surface, the first and second holes being configured to simultaneously overlay the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra, respectively, the plate further having a third hole disposed between the first surface and the second surface; and an alignment instrument having a leading portion and a trailing portion, the leading portion comprising a securing mechanism configured to be inserted into the third hole along an insertion direction so as to removably attach the alignment instrument directly to the plate, the alignment instrument further including an aiming device that is removably attachable to the leading portion, wherein the aiming device includes a guide groove, the alignment instrument further including a locating guide carrying a pair of opposed alignment prongs that are elongate along a first direction, the locating guide defining a base arm extending between the alignment prongs in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, the base arm being sized and configured for insertion into the guide groove of the aiming device along the second direction such that an aperture of the base arm is aligned with the securing mechanism and configured to receive the securing mechanism, the alignment prongs extending axially from the leading portion of the alignment instrument such that the alignment prongs extend past the first surface of the plate so as to abut the opposed exterior surfaces when the plate is attached to the securing mechanism, the alignment prongs being configured to extend along the insertion direction into respective slots in the spacer, the alignment prongs providing tactile information to the trailing portion of the alignment instrument for use in positioning the plate with respect to the superior and inferior vertebra. |
