Patent ID: 7303584
Filing Date: 2007-12-04
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for fusing vertebrae, comprising the steps of: providing an implant member for positioning between opposed bone structures, the implant member having a first end and a second end, and a segmentable portion having an outer wall defining an internal cavity for reception of bone growth inducing substances, the outer wall having at least one groove which extends substantially continuously about the outer wall to define a plurality of discrete ring-like segments, each ring-like segment including a plurality of apertures extending therethrough in communication with the internal cavity to permit fusion of vertebral bone tissue; accessing the vertebral space defined between adjacent vertebral bodies; determining the desired implant member length for insertion into the space between the adjacent vertebral bodies by using one of the grooves as a cutting guide; and advancing the implant member within the vertebral space between the adjacent vertebral bodies.