Patent ID: 6478823
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within an implantation space formed across the height of a disc space between vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect and a depth therebetween, said implant comprising:a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, said implant having a length from said leading end to said trailing end; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said implant having a height from said top to said bottom; opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, said implant having a width from one of said sides to the other of said sides; the width of said implant being greater than one-half the width of those vertebral bodies that are adjacent the implantation space into which said implant is adapted to be inserted, the height of said implant being less than the width of said implant; said implant being formed at least in part of a material other than bone; and said implant being configured to be wholly contained within the perimeter of the adjacent vertebral bodies.