Patent ID: 6733535
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within an implantation space formed across the height of a disc space between vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect and a depth therebetween, said implant comprising:a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, said implant having a length from said leading end to said trailing end, said trailing end having a perimeter, said trailing end having a slot with a hole therein adapted to cooperatively engage an insertion device for inserting said implant into the implantation space, said slot having a length intersecting opposite portions of the perimeter of said trailing end, said slot having a width transverse to the length of said slot, the width of said slot being greater than the diameter of said hole; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said implant having a height from said top to said bottom; opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, said implant having a width from one of said sides to the other of said sides; said implant being formed of a material suitable for human implantation; and said implant being configured to be wholly contained within the perimeter of the adjacent vertebral bodies.