Patent ID: 8795372
Filing Date: 2014-08-05
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A disc implant, comprising: a first inter-vertebral element having a first outer fusion surface and a first internal coupling surface, a second inter-vertebral element having a second outer fusion surface and a second internal coupling surface, a keel extending outward from at least one of the first outer fusion surface and the second outer fusion surface to prevent rotation of the disc implant, and a coupling mechanism for movably connecting said first and second elements, the coupling mechanism being positioned in an intermediate space between the first inter-vertebral element and the second inter-vertebral element and allowing movement of the'first and second elements relative to each other in the absence of bone ingrowth into the intermediate space, wherein the keel is vertically aligned with the coupling mechanism, and wherein each of the first inter-vertebral element and the second inter-vertebral element includes osseointegrative openings or incisions passing therethrough and circumferentially spaced around the keel that occupy at least 10% of the surface area of the outer fusion surfaces, thereby facilitating fixation of the first and second inter-vertebral elements relative to each other over time in response to bone ingrowth into the intermediate region through the osseointegrative openings or incisions.