Patent ID: 6641614
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A spinal implant for facilitating fusion between neighboring vertebrae of a spine, comprising:a bracket assembly having a first side edge located opposite a second side edge; a pair of engaging plates configured to fit between and engage the vertebrae to maintain a disc space between the vertebrae during use, each engaging plate of the pair of engaging plates comprising a width substantially between the first side edge and the second side edge, and wherein an engaging plate of the pair of engaging plates is configured to move relative to the bracket assembly; a first alignment device positionable between engaging plates of the pair of engaging plates and coupled to the bracket assembly, wherein activation of the first alignment device moves an engaging plate of the pair of engaging plates relative to the bracket assembly such that a first posterior height of the pair of engaging plates adjacent the first side edge increases and such that a first anterior height of the pair of engaging plates adjacent the first side edge increases; a second alignment device positionable between the engaging plates of the pair of engaging plates and coupled to the bracket assembly, wherein activation of the second alignment device moves an engaging plate of the pair of engaging plates relative to the bracket assembly such that a second posterior height of the pair of engaging plates adjacent the second side edge increases and such that a second anterior height of the pair of engaging plates adjacent the second side edge increases; and wherein the first alignment device and the second alignment device are independently operable during use to establish a desired separation between the vertebrae.