Patent ID: 6241769
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An implant for mechanically attaching to the ends of and promoting bony fusion of at least two vertebrae adjacent to a space left by surgically removed spinal tissue, comprisinga. a load-sharing body comprising a structure havingi. a combination of structural elements fabricated from at least one inanimate or manmade material, the combination comprising at least a top surface and a bottom surface;ii. said combination of structural elements establishing for the structure as a whole a composite substantial elastic compliance at least in compression in directions generally axial to said top surface and said bottom surface;iii. said combination of structural elements further comprising at least one cavity communicating with both said top surface and said bottom surface in a configuration suitable as a receptacle for bone implant and growth material; andb. located on each of said top surface and said bottom surface at least one first component of a locking joint, said locking joint comprising at least two components and being capable when all components are mated of mechanically anchoring the body to said adjacent vertebrae so as to transmit tensile and torsional loads to and from said adjacent vertebrae, said first component of the locking joint being configured to mate with at least a second component of the locking joint comprising a geometrically complementary element specially formed in the adjacent vertebra for mating attachment.