FUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FUSING SPINAL BONES

摘要

This invention relates to a spinal fusion system and method for use as a prosthetic implant. The system and method includes a housing dimensioned to be situated between adjacent spinal bones, such as adjacent vertebrae. The housing cooperates with the spinal bones to define a graft area for receiving graft material, which may be inserted anteriorly into the housing during a surgical operation such as a vertebrectomy or discectomy. A housing may have various features such as migration preventers to prevent the housing from migrating posteriorly towards a spinal column and can be used with a cover that permits the housing to “float” relative thereto. Screws are provided in one embodiment and are dimensioned or configured to lock against each other to retain the screws and, consequently, the cover in place.

主权项

1. A method for fusing spinal bones together, comprising the steps of:
providing a housing for situating between spinal bones, said housing cooperating with said spinal bones to define an opening for introducing graft material into a graft area after said housing; and enabling said graft material to be introduced through said opening and into said graft area after said housing is situated between said spinal bones.