Patent ID: 7033394
Filing Date: 2006-04-25
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: an interbody spinal fusion implant for surgical implantation at least in part within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a segment of a human spine, said implant comprising an interior, a leading end for entry into the spine, a trailing end opposite said leading end, and a length therebetween, and upper and lower portions for contacting each of the adjacent vertebral bodies when positioned therein, said upper and lower portions having a maximum height therebetween, each of said upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings in said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said trailing end having an interior and an outermost exterior surface opposite said leading end, said implant including at least two vertebral body penetrating member receiving holes passing through said interior of said trailing end, through said interior of said implant, and through each of said upper and lower portions proximate said trailing end, said trailing end having at least one aperture in communication with at least one of said vertebral body penetrating member receiving holes in said upper and lower portions; vertebral body penetrating members adapted for placement through said at least one aperture in said trailing end, through at least a portion of said interior of said trailing end, and through said holes in said upper and lower portions and into each of the adjacent vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused and into which said implant is adapted to be positioned; and a cap adapted to be coupled to said trailing end of said implant to prevent movement of said vertebral body penetrating members in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion of said vertebral body penetrating members into said aperture in said trailing end of said implant, said cap having a maximum dimension being less than the maximum height between said upper and lower portions of said implant.