Patent ID: 6972019
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A spinal implant for insertion at least in part across at least the height of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, said implant comprising: opposed upper and lower surfaces adapted to be placed toward and in contact with each of the adjacent vertebral bodies, respectively, from within the disc space; a leading end for insertion into the disc space and between the adjacent vertebral bodies; a trailing end opposite said leading end, said trailing end having an exterior surface and an outer perimeter with an upper edge and a lower edge adapted to be oriented toward the adjacent vertebral bodies, respectively, said trailing end having a maximum height as measured from said upper edge to said lower edge along the longitudinal axis of the human spine, said maximum height being adapted to fit within the disc space and between the vertebral bodies adjacent to the disc space; a bone screw having a leading end for placement in the vertebral body and a trailing end opposite said leading end adapted to cooperatively engage said implant so as to prevent further advancement of said bone screw into the bone; and a plurality of bone screw receiving holes in said trailing end, at least one of which is adapted to only partially circumferentially surround said a trailing end of said bone screw adapted to be received therein, at least one of said bone screw receiving holes passing through said exterior surface and one of said edges so as to permit said trailing end of said bone screw to protrude beyond said one of said edges of said implant and overlie at least in part one of the adjacent vertebral bodies when said bone screw is inserted into said at least one bone screw receiving hole.