Intervertebral implant, insertion tool and method of inserting same

摘要

An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.

主权项

1. An intervertebral implant configured to be inserted along an insertion direction into an intervertebral space defined between a first vertebra and a second vertebra adjacent to the first vertebra, the intervertebral implant comprising:
an upper part having an outer side adapted to engage the first vertebra; and a lower part having an outer side adapted to engage the second vertebra; wherein each of the upper and lower parts define a leading portion with respect to the insertion direction, and an opposed trailing portion; wherein the upper and lower parts are separate parts not integrally connected to each other; the upper part having an inner side generally opposite the outer side of the upper part, the upper part having a concave portion formed on the inner side of the upper part for providing movement relative to the lower part, and the upper part comprising a keel extending from the outer side of the upper part and extending longitudinally in a direction from the trailing portion of the upper part toward the leading portion of the upper part, the upper part defining a recess disposed at least partially in the keel of the upper part, the recess of the upper part being adapted to removably receive at least a portion of an implant insertion instrument that inserts the implant into the intervertebral space, the recess of the upper part 1) is open at least in a direction toward the trailing portion of the upper part, 2) extends in a direction from the trailing portion toward the leading portion of the upper part, and 3) has at least a portion that is closed in the direction toward the inner side of the upper part.