Patent ID: 6241770
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A manufactured preformed interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion at least in part across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect, a posterior aspect, and to each side a lateral aspect, said implant comprising:a leading end for insertion into the disc space and an opposite trailing end, said trailing end being at least in part non-linear and configured to generally conform to at least a portion of the natural anatomical curvature of at least one of the anterior and lateral aspects of the vertebral bodies;opposed arcuate convex portions adapted for placement toward and into the adjacent vertebral bodies; said implant having a height between said opposed arcuate portions defining an implant height greater than the normal height of the disc space into which said implant is to be implanted, each of said opposed arcuate convex portions having at least one opening, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant; andopposed first and second side walls connecting said opposed arcuate portions, said implant having a mid-longitudinal axis and a maximum distance from a plane perpendicular to and bisecting a length along the mid-longitudinal axis of said implant to said trailing end of said implant that is greater than the distance from said perpendicular plane to said trailing end of at least one of said first and second side walls,whereby when said implant is inserted between two adjacent vertebral bodies, said implant may be properly aligned so that the junction of at least one of said first and second side walls and said trailing end does not substantially protrude from the spine.