Patent ID: 8062365
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A device for supporting adjacent bony portions, comprising: a body having a first end and an opposite second end, said body positionable in a space between the adjacent bony portions with said first and second ends oriented toward respective ones of the adjacent bony portions, wherein said body includes an outer surface and an opposite inner surface adjacent at least one of said first and second ends and said at least one of said first and second ends including bone engaging surfaces thereon, said bone engaging surfaces being separated from one another by recesses located therebetween that extend between said inner and outer surfaces of said body; and an end member around said at least one of said first and second ends, said end member substantially covering said bone engaging surfaces with a smooth surface profile between said bone engaging surfaces to facilitate insertion of said body in the space between the adjacent bony portions wherein said end member extends from said bone engaging surfaces at said at least one of said first and second ends and along said inner and outer surfaces of said body toward the other of said first and second ends, wherein said end member is configured with respect to said body to prevent said bone engaging surfaces from engaging the respective adjacent bony portion during movement of said body into the space between the adjacent bony portions, and further wherein said end member is composed of material that degrades over time to permit the adjacent bony portions to settle toward said at least one of said first and second ends to position said bone engaging surfaces thereof in engagement with the respective adjacent bony portion.