Patent ID: 8932358
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of implanting a vertebral plate and spacer assembly within an intervertebral space between superior and inferior vertebral bodies each having anterior cortex faces and vertebral endplates, comprising: a) providing a U-shaped spacer having two parallel side walls with an internal curved surface, external surfaces, a posterior wall perpendicular to and connecting the side walls, and an open anterior end; b) providing a vertebral plate having c) following a discectomy, d) after drilling the hole, inserting the U-shaped spacer into the rectangular space and hole such that posterior wall of the spacer abuts against the shelf on the superior and inferior endplates to prevent posterior dislodgement of the spacer, and the open anterior end faces the anterior end of the intervertebral space; e) affixing the vertebral plate by inserting the middle member tightly into the hole while concurrently inserting the posterior surface of the outer members into the rectangular space until the anterior surface of the plate is substantially aligned with, or slightly protruding from, the anterior end of the intervertebral space, while the channels abut against the anterior cortex faces; and, f) inserting fastening devices, through the channels and into the superior and inferior vertebral bodies at the junctions and into cortical bone of the vertebral bodies.