SPINAL FIXATION PLATES

摘要

Spinal fixation plates for maintaining adjacent vertebrae in and fixed position are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate includes opposed superior and inferior portions that are angled in a direction anterior to an anterior face of a mid-portion of the plate. The plate also includes a curvature formed therein about a longitudinal axis in a sagittal plane thereof. In use, when the plate is attached to adjacent vertebrae, the angle of the superior and inferior portions and the curvature in the plate are effective to position one or more thru-bores formed in the superior and inferior portions at the anterior rims of the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a spinal fixation plate is provided that is adapted to engage and mate to a fusion cage or other vertebral implant disposed between adjacent vertebra. The present invention also provides spinal fixation kits or assemblies, and methods for implanting the same.

主权项

1. A method for implanting a spinal fixation plate, comprising:
positioning a spinal fixation plate to extend between adjacent vertebrae; and inserting at least one fastening element through at least one thru-bore formed in the spinal fixation plate and through an anterior rim of at least one of the adjacent vertebrae to attach the spinal fixation plate to at least one of the adjacent vertebra.