SPINAL IMPLANT APPARATUS AND METHODS

摘要

A method of inserting and positioning an intervertebral spacer is provided. The spacer includes a longitudinal axis, an on-axis interface coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis, and an off-axis interface angled to the longitudinal axis. The spacer's front end may be curved. The method may include inserting the spacer into the disc space utilizing a tool to engage an on-axis interface and then to engage one or more of the off-axis interfaces, which may be used for further modification of the spacer. The tool is moved substantially along a single insertion direction, which may be substantially parallel to a posterior-anterior axis of the disc space. The method may result in the longitudinal axis of the spacer being perpendicular to the insertion direction, or substantially parallel to a medial-lateral axis of the disc space. The spacer may also be positioned in an anterior aspect of the disc space.

主权项

1. A method of inserting and positioning a prosthetic intervertebral spacer in the intervertebral disc space between two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a spacer including a longitudinal axis, an on-axis interface, and an off-axis interface, the on-axis interface being coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the off-axis interface being angled with respect to the longitudinal axis; engaging a tool to the on-axis interface; inserting the spacer at least partially into the intervertebral disc space by moving the tool substantially along an insertion direction; engaging the tool to the off-axis interface; inserting the spacer further into the intervertebral disc space by moving the tool substantially along the insertion direction, such that the longitudinal axis of the spacer is angled with respect to the insertion direction; and modifying the shape of the spacer by expanding the spacer.