Patent ID: 8172903
Filing Date: 2012-05-08
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An intervertebral implant for a human spine, comprising: an upper body comprising an inferior surface and a superior surface, wherein the superior surface of the upper body is configured to engage a first vertebra of the human spine; a lower body comprising a superior surface and an inferior surface, wherein the inferior surface of the lower body is configured to engage a second vertebra of the human spine; an insert configured to be positioned between the superior surface of the lower body and the inferior surface of the upper body before insertion of the intervertebral implant between the first vertebra and the second vertebra of the human spine, wherein the insert is configured to be engaged to increase a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body after insertion of the intervertebral implant between the first vertebra and the second vertebra of the human spine, and wherein the insert comprises a recess in a superior surface of the insert; and a spacer configured to be inserted between the lower body and the upper body to maintain at least a portion of the increased separation distance between the upper body and the lower body, wherein the spacer comprises a substantially planar inferior surface, wherein the substantially planar inferior surface of the spacer comprises a protrusion that extends outward from the substantially planar surface, and wherein the protrusion of the spacer is configured to substantially mate with the recess of the insert to inhibit unintentional removal of the spacer from the intervertebral implant during use.