Abstract:
Spinal implants for positioning between adjacent vertebrae. Some embodiments may comprise a pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall recessed at least in part and joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces. A fish-tailed structure may be positioned within the second end wall when viewed from one of the opposed frictional surface. The fish-tailed structure may be formed so as to extend at least substantially uninterrupted between at least one of the opposed sidewall surfaces and the opposed frictional surfaces. A retention structure, such as a hole, may be positioned within the fish-tailed structure. The hole may be configured to engage a surgical implantation device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/896,292, filed on Oct. 1, 2010, and titled “INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT DEVICE FOR A POSTERIOR INTERBODY FUSION SURGICAL PROCEDURE,” which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/248,052, filed on Oct. 2, 2009, and entitled “INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT DEVICE FOR A POSTERIOR INTERBODY FUSION SURGICAL PROCEDURE.” Both of the aforementioned applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an intervertebral implant device for a posterior interbody fusion surgical procedure. Advantageously, this intervertebral implant device is designed and configured such that it may be surgically implanted in the spine of a patient through a minimal access window, thereby sparing and preserving the associated facets to the greatest degree possible. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A variety of spinal conditions, such as compression of the spinal cord nerve roots, degenerative disc disease, herniated nucleus pulposus, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis may cause moderate to severe lower back and leg pain. Intervertebral or interbody fusion is a surgical procedure that is used to alleviate such lower back and leg pain. In posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), two adjacent vertebral bodies of the lumbar spine are fused together by removing the affected disc and inserting posteriorly one or more implant devices or cages that allow one or more bone grafts to grow between the two adjacent vertebral bodies to bridge the gap left by the removed disc. Various degrees of distraction may also be provided, as required on a case-by-case basis. 
         [0004]    One variation of the traditional PLIF technique is the transforaminal posterior lumbar interbody fusion (T-PLIF) technique. In this surgical procedure, an implant device or cage is inserted into the affected disc space via a unilateral (or sometimes bilateral) posterior approach, offset from the midline of the spine, by first removing portions of the facets of the vertebrae. Advantageously, the T-PLIF technique avoids damage to nerve structures, such as the dura, cauda equina, and nerve roots, but the resulting transforaminal window available to remove the affected disc, prepare the vertebral endplates, and insert the implant device or cage is limited laterally by soft tissue and medially by the cauda equina. 
         [0005]    A variety of different implant devices and cages typically used for the traditional PLIF procedure have also been used for the T-PLIF procedure with varying degrees of success. These include threaded titanium, ceramic, and polymer cages, allograft (i.e. bone) wedges, rings, etc. However, as these devices and cages are not designed specifically for the T-PLIF procedure, they are not shaped to be easily insertable into the affected disc space through the narrow transforaminal window, and may require additional retraction of the cauda equina and nerve roots. Such retraction may cause temporary or permanent nerve damage. In addition, some of these devices and cages, such as the threaded titanium, ceramic, and polymer cages, suffer from the disadvantage of requiring drilling and tapping of the vertebral endplates prior to insertion. Further, the incidence of subsidence in long term use is not known for such devices and cages. Finally, the restoration of lordosis, i.e. the natural curvature of the lumbar spine, is very difficult to achieve when a cylindrical or square titanium, ceramic, or polymer cage is used. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a need in the art for an intervertebral implant device for a posterior interbody fusion surgical procedure that is configured such that it may be surgically implanted in the spine of a patient through a minimal access window, thereby sparing and preserving the associated facets to the greatest degree possible. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides an intervertebral implant device for a posterior interbody fusion surgical procedure. Advantageously, this intervertebral implant device is configured such that it may be surgically implanted in the spine of a patient through a minimal access window, thereby sparing and preserving the associated facets to the greatest degree possible. 
         [0008]    In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an intervertebral implant device, including: a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces each including a plurality of raised structures; a substantially curved end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; and a substantially recessed end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; wherein the intervertebral implant device defines one or more voids in which a bone graft material is selectively disposed. The substantially recessed end wall is configured to selectively and pivotably receive one or more surgical implantation devices. The substantially curved end wall includes one or more smoothed edges. The substantially recessed end wall includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged at an angle to one another and collectively forming a fish-tailed structure. The substantially recessed end wall includes one or more of a hole and a recess configured to selectively receive a surgical tool. The one or more voids defined by the intervertebral implant device pass through one or more of the pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces and the pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces. The intervertebral implant device is configured to be selectively disposed in an intervertebral space through an access window formed through bony and soft tissue structures to either the left or right of a centerline of a spine. 
         [0009]    In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a surgical method for implanting an intervertebral implant device, including: providing an intervertebral implant device, including: a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces each including a plurality of raised structures; a substantially curved end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; and a substantially recessed end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; wherein the intervertebral implant device defines one or more voids in which a bone graft material is selectively disposed; and disposing the intervertebral implant device within an intervertebral space through an access window formed adjacent to a facet joint of a spine of a patient. The substantially recessed end wall is configured to selectively and pivotably receive one or more surgical implantation devices. The substantially curved end wall includes one or more smoothed edges. The substantially recessed end wall includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged at an angle to one another and collectively forming a fish-tailed structure. The substantially recessed end wall includes one or more of a hole and a recess configured to selectively receive a surgical tool. The one or more voids defined by the intervertebral implant device pass through one or more of the pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces and the pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces. The intervertebral implant device is configured to be selectively disposed in an intervertebral space through the access window formed through bony and soft tissue structures to either the left or right of a centerline of a spine. 
         [0010]    In a further exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a surgical method for implanting an intervertebral implant device, including: forming an access window through bony and soft tissue structures to either the left or right of a centerline of a spine; passing bone graft material through the access window and into an adjacent intervertebral space; disposing bone graft material in an intervertebral implant device; passing the intervertebral implant device through the access window and into the adjacent intervertebral space; and positioning the intervertebral implant device within the intervertebral space. The intervertebral implant device includes: a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces each including a plurality of raised structures; a substantially curved end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; and a substantially recessed end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces. The intervertebral implant device defines one or more voids in which the bone graft material is selectively disposed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like device components/method steps, as appropriate, and in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the intervertebral implant device of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a planar diagram also illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the intervertebral implant device of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a placement device for use with the intervertebral implant device of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a positioning device for use with the intervertebral implant device of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a tamping device for use with the intervertebral implant device of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—illustrating the removal of a small amount of bony material adjacent to a facet joint of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—again illustrating the removal of a small amount of bony material adjacent to a facet joint of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—again illustrating the removal of a small amount of bony material adjacent to a facet joint of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—illustrating the removal of a small amount of soft tissue material adjacent to a facet joint of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—again illustrating the removal of a small amount of soft tissue material adjacent to a facet joint of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—again illustrating the removal of a small amount of soft tissue material adjacent to a facet joint of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—illustrating the sizing of the intervertebral space prior to the insertion of the intervertebral implant device of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—illustrating the insertion of bone graft material into the intervertebral space prior to the insertion of the intervertebral implant device of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—illustrating the insertion of the intervertebral implant device of the present invention into the intervertebral space using the placement device of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—illustrating the insertion and positioning of the intervertebral implant device of the present invention into and within the intervertebral space using the positioning device of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—again illustrating the insertion and positioning of the intervertebral implant device of the present invention into and within the intervertebral space using the positioning device of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—illustrating the insertion and positioning of the intervertebral implant device of the present invention into and within the intervertebral space using the tamping device of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—again illustrating the insertion and positioning of the intervertebral implant device of the present invention into and within the intervertebral space again using the tamping device of the present invention; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a final perspective drawing illustrating a continuing successive step in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device of the present invention—illustrating the final placement of the intervertebral implant device in the intervertebral space, along with the associated bone graft material. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides an intervertebral implant device for a posterior interbody fusion surgical procedure. Advantageously, this intervertebral implant device is configured such that it may be surgically implanted in the spine of a patient through a minimal access window, thereby sparing and preserving the associated facets to the greatest degree possible. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the intervertebral implant device  10  includes a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces  12  and a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces  14  including a plurality of raised structures  16 , such as teeth, grooves or the like. The pair of opposed arcuate surfaces  12  and the pair of opposed frictional surfaces  14  together form a prismatic structure that has a slight curve in one plane. This prismatic structure has overall dimensions on the order of tens of mm in length, tens of mm in width, and several mm in thickness, such that it may be disposed in a range of intervertebral spaces and provide a range of distraction, if so desired. Preferably, the prismatic structure defines one or more voids  18  in which a bone graft material or the like may selectively be disposed. These voids  18  may be internal to the prismatic structure, pass through the pair of opposed arcuate surfaces  12 , pass through the pair of opposed frictional surfaces  14 , and/or be in communication with one or more recesses  19  manufactured into the exterior of the pair of opposed arcuate surfaces  12  and/or the pair of opposed frictional surfaces  14 . These voids  18  and/or recesses  19  help promote bony ingrowth that eventually fuses the intervertebral implant device  10  in the intervertebral space. One end of the intervertebral implant device  10  includes a rounded or partially-rounded end wall  20 , that preferably has smoothed edges  21  to prevent it from catching on or damaging any anatomical structures during insertion. The other end of the intervertebral implant device  10  includes a recessed or fish-tailed end wall  22 . The fish-tailed end wall  22  defines a hole and/or other retention structures  24  for selectively and pivotably receiving one or more surgical implantation devices. In this exemplary embodiment, the fish-tailed end wall  22  includes a pair of angularly disposed walls  23 ,  25  joined by a central flat wall  27 . The first of the pair of angularly disposed walls  23  protrudes from the prismatic structure to a greater degree than the second of the pair of angularly disposed walls  25 , although other suitable configurations may be utilized. In this exemplary embodiment, the retention structures  24  for selectively and pivotably receiving one or more surgical implantation devices are coextensive with the one or more recesses  19  manufactured into the exterior of the pair of opposed arcuate surfaces  12  and/or the pair of opposed frictional surfaces  14 . The intervertebral implant device  10  may be made of any suitable surgically-implantable material, such as a metallic material, a ceramic material, a polymeric material, or an allograft material, and may have any suitable dimensions such that it may be disposed within an intervertebral space of the spine of a patient while providing a desired degree of distraction. 
         [0033]    Advantageously, the configuration of the pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces  12  and the pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces  14  provides a surgical implant that may be placed into the intervertebral space through a narrow transforaminal window or the like that is disposed either to the left or the right of the spinal centerline. This is due to the fact that the prismatic structure is symmetric top-to-bottom. Once placed, the plurality of raised structures  16  of the pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces  14  engage the intervertebral endplates, securing the intervertebral implant device  10  snugly in place. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a planar diagram also illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention. Again, in this exemplary embodiment, the intervertebral implant device  10  includes a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces  12  and a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces  14  including a plurality of raised structures  16 , such as teeth, grooves or the like. The pair of opposed arcuate surfaces  12  and the pair of opposed frictional surfaces  14  together form a prismatic structure that has a slight curve in one plane. This prismatic structure has overall dimensions on the order of tens of mm in length, tens of mm in width, and several mm in thickness, such that it may be disposed in a range of intervertebral spaces and provide a range of distraction, if so desired. Preferably, the prismatic structure defines one or more voids  18  in which a bone graft material or the like may selectively be disposed. These voids  18  may be internal to the prismatic structure, pass through the pair of opposed arcuate surfaces  12 , pass through the pair of opposed frictional surfaces  14 , and/or be in communication with one or more recesses  19  ( FIG. 1 ) manufactured into the exterior of the pair of opposed arcuate surfaces  12  and/or the pair of opposed frictional surfaces  14 . These voids  18  and/or recesses  19  help promote bony ingrowth that eventually fuses the intervertebral implant device  10  in the intervertebral space. One end of the intervertebral implant device  10  includes a rounded or partially—rounded end wall  20 , that preferably has smoothed edges  21  to prevent it from catching on or damaging any anatomical structures during insertion. The other end of the intervertebral implant device  10  includes a recessed or fish-tailed end wall  22 . The fish-tailed end wall  22  defines a hole and/or other retention structures  24  ( FIG. 1 ) for selectively and pivotably receiving one or more surgical implantation devices. In this exemplary embodiment, the fish-tailed end wall  22  includes a pair of angularly disposed walls  23 ,  25  joined by a central flat wall  27  ( FIG. 1 ). The first of the pair of angularly disposed walls  23  protrudes from the prismatic structure to a greater degree than the second of the pair of angularly disposed walls  25 , although other suitable configurations may be utilized. In this exemplary embodiment, the retention structures  24  for selectively and pivotably receiving one or more surgical implantation devices are coextensive with the one or more recesses  19  manufactured into the exterior of the pair of opposed arcuate surfaces  12  and/or the pair of opposed frictional surfaces  14 . The intervertebral implant device  10  may be made of any suitable surgically-implantable material, such as a metallic material, a ceramic material, a polymeric material, or an allograft material, and may have any suitable dimensions such that it may be disposed within an intervertebral space of the spine of a patient while providing a desired degree of distraction. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a perspective diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a placement device  30  for use with the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention. The placement device  30  includes a handle portion  32  and an engaging portion  34 . Preferably, the engaging portion  34  includes a pillar and/or fin structures for selectively engaging the hole and/or other retention structures  24  ( FIG. 1 ) of the intervertebral implant device  10 , such that the intervertebral implant device  10  is selectively held by the placement device  30  while being inserted into the intervertebral space. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  is a perspective diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a positioning device  40  for use with the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention. The positioning device  40  includes a handle portion  42  and an engaging portion  44 . Preferably, the engaging portion  44  includes a fish-tailed feature for selectively engaging the fish-tailed end wall  22  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the intervertebral implant device  10 , such that the intervertebral implant device  10  is selectively guided by the positioning device  40  once inserted into the intervertebral space. Accordingly, the shaft  46  of the positioning device  40  includes a curved portion  48 , allowing the positioning device  40  to be guided through a narrow transforaminal window (either left or right) and into the intervertebral space while in contact with the intervertebral implant device  10 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is a perspective diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a tamping device  50  for use with the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention. The tamping device  50  includes a handle portion  52  and an engaging portion  54 . Preferably, the engaging portion  54  includes one or more friction structures for selectively engaging the fish-tailed end wall  22  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the intervertebral implant device  10 , such that the intervertebral implant device  10  is selectively driven by the tamping device  50  while being positioned and seated in the intervertebral space. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention-illustrating the removal of a small amount of bony material  60  adjacent to a facet joint  100  of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention—again illustrating the removal of a small amount of bony material  70  adjacent to a facet joint  100  of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space. 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention—again illustrating the removal of a small amount of bony material  80  adjacent to a facet joint  100  of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space. 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention—illustrating the removal of a small amount of soft tissue material  90  adjacent to a facet joint  100  of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space. 
         [0042]      FIG. 10  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention—again illustrating the removal of a small amount of soft tissue material  110  adjacent to a facet joint  100  of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space. 
         [0043]      FIG. 11  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention—again illustrating the removal of a small amount of soft tissue material  111  adjacent to a facet joint  100  of the spine in order to form an access portal through which the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention may be inserted into an intervertebral space. 
         [0044]      FIG. 12  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the present invention—illustrating the sizing of the narrow transforaminal window  119  and intervertebral space  200  using a sizing device  120  prior to the insertion of the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention. 
         [0045]      FIG. 13  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention—illustrating the insertion of bone graft material  130  into the intervertebral space  200  prior to the insertion of the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the intervertebral implant device is also packed with bone graft material  130 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 14  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention—illustrating the insertion of the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention into the intervertebral space  200  using the placement device  30  ( FIG. 3 ) of the present invention, for example. 
         [0047]      FIG. 15  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention—illustrating the insertion and positioning of the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention into and within the intervertebral space  200  using the positioning device  40  of the present invention. 
         [0048]      FIG. 16  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention—again illustrating the insertion and positioning of the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention into and within the intervertebral space  200  using the positioning device  40  of the present invention. 
         [0049]      FIG. 17  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention—illustrating the insertion and positioning of the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention into and within the intervertebral space  200  using the tamping device  50  of the present invention. 
         [0050]      FIG. 18  is a series of perspective drawings illustrating continuing successive steps in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention—again illustrating the insertion and positioning of the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention into and within the intervertebral space  200  again using the tamping device  50  of the present invention. 
         [0051]      FIG. 19  is a final perspective drawing illustrating a continuing successive step in one exemplary embodiment of a method for surgically implanting the intervertebral implant device  10  of the present invention—illustrating the final placement of the intervertebral implant device  10  in the intervertebral space  200 , along with the associated bone graft material  130 . 
         [0052]    Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims. In this respect, this specification is intended to be exemplary and non-limiting to the greatest extent possible.