VERTEBRAL FUSION DEVICE AND METHOD

摘要

A device (10) for facilitating bone fusion of two vertebrae (5a, 5b). The device (10) is sized and shaped to at least extend between the two vertebrae (5a, 5b) to be fused, and includes an outer wall member (15) disposed about an inner portion (20). A space (30) between the outer wall member (15) and the inner compartment (76) is adapted to contain an osteogenic bone fusion material. The inner portion (20) includes a compartment adapted to contain an inner fill material (80), such as a bone cement or an in situ curable polymer. The inner portion (20) may operate as a structural member to maintain a desired amount of spacing between the vertebrae (5a, 5b) to be fused, and to support the spinal column (2) prior to formation of the fused bone joint. The device (10) is also configured to locate the osteogenic material away from the centers of the vertebrae (5a, 5b) to be fused, providing a fused joint with high bending and torsional rigidity.