Patent ID: 7867277
Filing Date: 2011-01-11
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of fusing adjacent first and second vertebral bodies separated by an intervertebral space, each vertebral body having a cancellous bone interior bounded by a cortical bone exterior wall, and a generously curved anterior portion and a slightly curved posterior portion, said posterior portion adjacent to a spinal canal, and a midline extending through said anterior and posterior portions, said method comprising: inserting a spinal fusion implant into the intervertebral space, the spinal fusion implant having opposing first and second engagement surfaces, and opposing first and second lateral surfaces extending along a longitudinal axis, said first and second engagement surfaces situated at generally right angles to said first and second lateral surfaces, a proximal surface extending between said first and second lateral surfaces and said first and second engagement surfaces, said first lateral surface being longer than said second lateral surface such that said proximal surface is non-perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, and at least one radiographic marker situated between said first and second engagement surfaces, and wherein said spinal fusion implant is inserted such that said proximal surface is positioned on a first side of said midline and a distal surface is positioned on a second side of said midline such that said longitudinal axis is non-parallel to said midline and said proximal surface is generally perpendicular to said midline, said first and second engagement surfaces immediately adjacent said distal surface being in contact with an anterior portion of said cortical bone wall, said first and second engagement surfaces immediately adjacent said proximal surface being in contact with a posterior portion of said cortical bone wall without said proximal surface encroaching into said spinal canal, wherein said step of inserting said spinal fusion implant includes the step of inserting said spinal fusion implant into the intervertebral space such that said first and second lateral surfaces are facing said first and second vertebral bodies, and thereafter rotating said spinal fusion implant ninety degrees such that said first and second engagement surfaces engage said first and second vertebral bodies.