Patent ID: 6835206
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
An implant apparatus for positioning between adjacent vertebrae and comprising:a) an anterior inserted fusion cage having a pair of legs interconnected at one end each by a posterior wall having a threaded bore, said legs having free ends opposite said wall, said cage being adapted for implanting between said adjacent vertebrae with outer surfaces of said legs engaging said vertebrae respectively; each of said leg free ends including a stop; b) an anterior expansion cap having a wedge member positioned between said free ends of said legs in such a manner that movement of said wedge member toward said wall urges said leg free ends apart; said wedge member having a base sized and shaped to engage said stops of said legs, so as to provide a fixed degree of expansion for said cage when inserted therein; and c) a fastener engaging said wedge member and extending between said wedge member and said wall; said fastener having a shank that is posteriorly threaded so as to be threadedly received in a threaded bore in said wall; said fastener being rotatable so as to advance in said bore to selectively urge said wedge member toward said wall.