Patent ID: 8328870
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A stand-alone interbody fixation system comprising: a cage having an annular side wall with an open interior and upper and lower surfaces, the cage being configured to fit between end plates of adjacent vertebrae; an anterior fixation blade having an anterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending anterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage, the anterior alignment boss having first and second ends, the first end of the anterior alignment boss being rotatably coupled with a first opening in the annular side wall; and a posterior fixation blade having a posterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending posterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage, the posterior alignment boss having first and second ends, the first end being rotatably coupled to the second end of the anterior alignment boss and the second end of the posterior alignment boss being rotatably coupled with a second opening in the annular side wall opposite the first opening; wherein when coupled, the anterior and posterior fixation blades are movable from a fixation blade insertion position for positioning the coupled anterior and posterior blades in the cage to a fixation blade retention position in which the coupled anterior and posterior fixation blades are moved apart and the first end of the anterior alignment boss is within the first opening in the annular side wall and the second end of the posterior alignment boss is within the second opening in the annular side wall; and a C-clip positioned between the anterior and posterior fixation blades configured to keep the anterior and posterior fixation blades in the fixation blade retention position in the cage; wherein the anterior and posterior fixation blades are counter-rotating blades and the anterior alignment boss and posterior alignment boss are configured to receive or engage a deployment instrument having an anterior engagement portion and a posterior engagement portion configured to rotate the anterior and posterior fixation blades from a stowed position to a deployed condition.