Interbody fusion device with snap on anterior plate and associated methods

摘要

A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An interbody fusion device has a first piece that is a load bearing device designed to bear the axial loading from the end plates of adjacent vertebrae. A second piece of the interbody fusion device is a retention device whose function is to prevent migration of the load bearing device. One or more fasteners secure the retention device to the vertebrae above and below the load bearing device. The fasteners cause the end plates of the vertebrae to compress the end plates to the load bearing device to facilitate proper fusion. The device includes a snap in mechanism for coupling the first piece to the second piece.

主权项

1. A spinal fusion device comprising: a fusion component configured to fit between two adjacent vertebrae, wherein the fusion component is a load bearing device; a stress shielded anterior plate configured to couple the fusion component using mated snap on members located where the fusion component and anterior plate meet to couple and wherein the anterior plate is to be secured to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae to prevent migration of the fusion component, wherein a height of the anterior plate is less than a height of the fusion component, wherein the anterior plate does not contact end plates of the vertebrae, and wherein the spinal fusion device has a shape that is zero-profile anteriorly, and further wherein the fusion component has a groove around its interior surface and the anterior plate has a tongue around its outside surface such that, when the anterior plate is inserted within an open end of the fusion component, the tongue and groove hold the anterior plate in a desired position, relative to the fusion component; one or more fasteners for securing the anterior plate to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae; and an anti-backout mechanism coupled to the anterior plate to prevent fastener migration, wherein the anti-backout mechanism comprises a locking plate and said locking plate comprises at least two opposing protrusions that extend outward from the plate and are positioned over the ends of the one or more fasteners and prevent the one or more fasteners from backing out.