Abstract:
A spinal implant and method of implant use are provided for application about a spinal implant area. The spinal implant is formed of a resilient and/or elastic covering, and first and second bone fasteners for holding the covering in place. An all-in-one deployment instrument is also provided that delivers and installs the spinal implant to the spinal implant site. The spinal implant provides a covering for the spinal implant site such as a spinal disc fissure, about a portion of a spinal disc after a full or partial discectomy or other procedure, and/or over any spinal disc area. The covering is disposed between and held by the first and second bone fasteners. An application instrument for introducing and installing the present spinal implant is also provided. The instrument introduces then applies the covering at the spinal implant site and drives the vertebral body staples into the vertebral body to secure the covering to the spinal implant site. The covering may include a spinal medicament and/or provide a spinal medicament delivery system.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of and/or priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/165,711 filed Apr. 1, 2009, entitled “Spinal Implant For Covering A Spinal Disc Fissure And Deployment Apparatus Therefor” the entire contents of which is specifically incorporated herein by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to materials, devices and/or implants regarding the spine and/or for use in spinal surgery, and particularly, but not necessarily, pertaining to implants regarding a spinal disc. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    There are many instances due to injury/damage, wear and tear, disease and/or the like that cause the hard outer layer (i.e. anulus fibrosis) of a disc of the spine to tear or crack. When this happens, the gelatinous center (i.e. nucleus pulposus) of the disc can be forced out through the tears, cracks or fissures in the anulus fibrosis. This causes the disc to bulge, break open (rupture), or break into pieces. This is generally known as a herniated disc. Additional terms such as ruptured disc, torn disc (or disc tear), slipped disc, collapsed disc, disc protrusion, or disc disease may also be used. A herniated disc may occur in any part of the spine such as the neck (cervical), the upper back (thoracic) and, the lower back (lumbar). 
         [0006]    When a herniated disc bulges out from between the vertebrae, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become pinched. While there is normally a small amount of space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, if enough of the herniated disc is pushed out of place (i.e. protruding from the disc), the spinal cord and spinal nerve structures may be compressed. As such, a herniated disc may cause backache, pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the body where the nerve travels, typically in the buttock and down the leg (known as sciatica). 
         [0007]    Treatment for a herniated disc may include surgery. Spinal surgery may be performed to fix or repair the herniated disc or to remove it. Such surgery is generally known as a discectomy. When aiming to fix or repair a herniated disc, a discectomy results in the removal of tissue that was protruding from fissures in the anulus pulposa of the herniated disc. Thereafter, it is necessary to “bandage” or provide support to the operated disc area (i.e. fissures) in order to promote healing and/or prevent further nucleus pulposus leakage or rupture (herniation). 
         [0008]    Given the above, it would be desirable to have a manner of covering a fissure of a spinal disc having undergone a discectomy. 
         [0009]    Given the above, it would be further desirable to have a manner of providing support to a fissure area of a spinal disc having undergone a discectomy. 
         [0010]    Given the above, it would be even further desirable to have a manner of aiding in the prevention of further nucleus pulposus herniation in a post-discectomy spinal disc. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    A spinal implant and method of implant use are provided for application around (e.g. covering) a spinal disc and/or spinal disc area. The spinal implant is formed of a resilient and/or elastic covering formed as a mesh, netting, fabric or the like and first and second bone fasteners for holding the covering in place. A deployment instrument is also provided that can secure the spinal implant to an implant site. 
         [0012]    The spinal implant provides a covering for an implant site such as a spinal disc fissure, about a portion of a spinal disc after a full or partial discectomy or other procedure, and/or over any spinal disc area. The spinal implant includes first and second fasteners and a resilient or elastic covering disposed between and held by the first and second fasteners. In one form, the first and second fasteners are vertebral body staples. An applicator or deployment instrument for the spinal implant is also provided that applies the covering at the spinal implant site and drives the vertebral body staples into the vertebral body to secure the covering to the spinal implant site. 
         [0013]    In one form, the vertebral body staples are vertebral bone staples which are configured for reception and retention in a vertebra and/or endplate thereof (collectively, vertebral body). The spinal implant may be attached by one or more staples to a vertebra or one or more adjacent vertebrae. The deployment instrument is fashioned to install the spinal implant. Particularly, the deployment instrument allows 1) the placement of the implant covering over the intended implant covering area, and 2) the securing of the vertebral body staples to the vertebral body and relative to the implant covering in order to retain the implant covering relative to the intended implant covering area. 
         [0014]    A vertebral body staple is formed as a generally U-shaped member defined by two legs joined via a crossbar. The legs are configured to be anchored into the vertebral body while the crossbar is configured to retain the implant covering. Length of the crossbar defines width of the staple (i.e. the distance between the two legs). The present vertebral body staples may be made in narrow through wide widths. Length of the legs determines vertebral body penetration depth. 
         [0015]    Each leg of a staple has an end that defines a configured tip. The configured tip is formed to pierce and penetrate the vertebral body for anchoring the leg into the vertebral body. In one form, the configured tip is shaped as a conical point, while in another form the configured tip is shaped as an angled chisel. Other tip variations and/or shapes are contemplated and may be used. 
         [0016]    Additionally, one or both legs may include configurations formed to aid in anchoring the legs, and thus the staple, to the vertebral body. The leg configurations are preferably, but not necessarily, formed integral with the leg/staple. In one form, the leg configurations may be formed on the inside area of a leg such as by one or more teeth, serrations, juts, ledges, cutouts or the like. In another form, the leg configurations may be formed about the area of the leg such as by conical sections, tapered annular ledges, juts, serrations cutouts or the like. Other configurations and/or shapes are contemplated and may be used. Given the above, it can be appreciated that the present vertebral body staple may thus be formed in various dimensions for various applications. 
         [0017]    The resilient and/or elastic implant covering may be a mesh, netting, fabric, man-made or natural material that may or may not be woven such as is bio-compatibly suitable for the present application. In one form, the covering is made from polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In addition to PET, the covering may be formed of another biocompatible material, including, but not limited to, polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene. All coverings provide resiliency, flexibility, elasticity and/or fluid porosity at the surgical site. 
         [0018]    The implant covering may be secured to the first and second fasteners prior to implanting such as by adhesive, stitching, mechanical, or other means. The implant covering may be held in place by the staples. 
         [0019]    The implant covering may also be used along with a medicament delivery system while in situ, whereby the covering is either impregnated with a medicament or medicaments, or is mechanically utilized to release medicament(s) from the mesh, or as a primary delivery vehicle for the medicament. Such medicaments, therapeutic agents, include but are not limited to, one or more of the following: culture media, growth factors, differentiation factors, morphogenic proteins, hydrogels, polymers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressive medications, therapeutically enhanced cells, genetic agents, stem cells, resorbable culture medium, tissue growth or differentiation factors (recombinant generated morphogenetic proteins, PDGF, TGF-.beta., EGF/TGF-.alpha., IGF-I, .beta.FGF), hydrogels, resorbable or nonresorbable synthetic or natural polymers (collagen, fibrin, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.). The implant covering may also or additionally be formed of a bioresorbable material in addition to providing medicament(s) delivery and/or any other uses. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the inventions will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a spinal disc fissure covering implant or device fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a spinal disc fissure covering implant fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for deploying, implanting and/or installing a spinal disc fissure covering implant as provided herein; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of the tips or ends of the deployment apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of a human spine showing two adjacent vertebrae with another exemplary embodiment of a spinal disc fissure covering implant fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for deploying, implanting and/or installing a spinal disc fissure covering implant as provided herein; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the apparatus of the deployment apparatus of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of the tip or end of the deployment apparatus of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a fastening device for the spinal disc fissure covering implants of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a fastening device for the spinal disc fissure covering implants of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of a yet further exemplary embodiment of a fastening device for the spinal disc fissure covering implants of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for deploying, implanting and/or installing a spinal disc fissure covering implant as provided herein, the deployment instrument having a spinal disc fissure covering implant thereon ready for installation; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged perspective view of the tip or end of the deployment instrument of  FIG. 12  shown without a spinal disc fissure covering implant thereon; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged perspective view of the tip of the deployment instrument of  FIG. 12  showing the mesh portion of a spinal disc fissure covering implant thereon ready for installation; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is the enlarged perspective view of  FIG. 14  showing a fastener of the spinal disc fissure covering implant protruding from the mesh as part of the installation of the spinal disc fissure covering implant installation. 
       
    
    
       [0036]    Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
         [0037]    A description of the features, functions and/or configuration of the present invention depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the spine plates of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 1  there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a spinal implant or device  10  fashioned in accordance with the present principles for the covering of or placement over an intended spinal implant site or area of a spine, such as a fissure of a spinal disc or an area having undergone a spinal surgery. As an example, the spinal implant  10  may be used on a spinal disc having a fissure that has not undergone a discectomy or on a spinal disc having a fissure that has undergone a discectomy. No matter for what purpose, the present spinal implant  10  consists of a covering, layer, overlay or the like defined by a mesh, net, web, lattice, netting, fabric or the like  12  (collectively, “covering”) suspended, held, retained and/or restrained between a first fastener  14  and a second fastener  16 . The first and second fasteners  14 ,  16  are preferably, but not necessarily, fashioned as bone staples such as shown in  FIG. 1 , but may take other forms as appropriate. It should be appreciated that the bone staples  14 ,  16  may be identical as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , but may also be different depending on the application. 
         [0039]    The bone staples  14 ,  16  are fashioned for reception in one or more vertebrae. Particularly, each bone staple  14 ,  16  is fabricated to be attached, anchored, affixed or fastened to one or more vertebral bodies/endplates (vertebrae) as appropriate. With respect to a fissure, particularly on the superior and inferior ends of the fissure. The bone staples  14 ,  16  are made from a biocompatible material such as an implantable grade titanium alloy (e.g. Ti 6Al-4V ELI) and are formed as generally U-shaped members. 
         [0040]    Bone staple  14  is defined by a crossbar  1405  with a first leg  1401  and a second leg  1403 , the first and second legs  1401 ,  1403  being generally transverse to the crossbar  1405 . The first and second legs  1401 ,  1403  and the crossbar  1405  are formed having a generally annular cross section. 
         [0041]    The first end  1402  of the first leg  1401  has an angled tip defining a chisel tip. The point of the chisel tip  1402  is angled so as to be a lateral point or edge. Likewise, the second end  1404  of the second leg  1403  has an angled tip defining a chisel tip. Again, the point of the chisel tip  1404  is angled so as to be a lateral point or edge. Other configurations are contemplated and capable of use. 
         [0042]    Bone staple  16  is defined by a crossbar  1605  with a first leg  1601  and a second leg  1603 , the first and second legs  1601 ,  1603  being generally transverse to the crossbar  1605 . The first and second legs  1601 ,  1603  and the crossbar  1605  are formed having a generally annular cross section. 
         [0043]    The first end  1602  of the first leg  1601  has an angled tip defining a chisel tip. The point of the chisel tip  1602  is angled so as to be a lateral point or edge. Likewise, the second end  1604  of the second leg  1603  has an angled tip defining a chisel tip. Again, the point of the chisel tip  1604  is angled so as to be a lateral point or edge. Other configurations are contemplated and capable of use. 
         [0044]    The covering  12  is made from a body  1201  of a biocompatible, generally resilient and/or elastic material such as a polyester and particularly, but not necessarily, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The covering  12  is also preferably, but not necessarily, woven. Other biocompatible materials, both natural and man-made and/or covering configurations may be used. The covering may be a rigid or mesh type polyglycolic or polylactic acid that provides a shell covering that is resorbable by the body over time. 
         [0045]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the spinal implant  10  is formed as a pre-assembled implant. Particularly, the covering  12  is pre-attached to each bone staple  14 ,  16 . One end of the covering  12  is retained or held onto the bone staple  14  by a clip or similar device  18  that extends about the crossbar  1405  of the bone staple  14 , while the other end of the covering  12  is retained or held onto the bone staple  16  by a clip or similar device  20  that extends about the crossbar  1605  of the bone staple  16 . The clips  18 ,  20  fix the covering relative to the bone staples  14 ,  16 . In use, the covering  12  is stretched taught over an intended spinal disc area (implant area such as a spinal disc fissure) and held in place by the bone staples  14 ,  16 . In this manner, the covering  12  is held taught by and between the bone staples  14 ,  16  and provides a cover, covering, layer or overlay over the implant area. It also provides support to the annulus and preventing the nucleus pulposus from protruding from the spinal disc onto a nerve structure when so implanted. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 2  there is depicted a version of the spinal implant  10  of  FIG. 1  (labeled  FIG. 10   a  in  FIG. 2 ) and which is shown implanted or deployed relative to a spinal disc D 1  that is disposed between adjacent vertebrae V 1  and V 2  of a spine and, particularly, relative to a fissure or crack  13  (representing one or more fissures or cracks) in the disc D 1 . The disc D 1  may or may not have undergone a discectomy or other spinal disc procedure. The spinal implant  10   a  consists of first and second bone staples  14   a ,  16   a  and a covering  12   a . The covering  12   a  is like covering  12  described above but is shown disposed over or covers the fissure  13  in the disc D 1 . The first and second bone staples  14   a ,  16   a  are like bone staples  14 ,  16  described above, but do not include a clip or other mesh fastening device. Rather, the body  1201   a  is captured beneath or under the respective crossbars  1405   a ,  1605   a  of bone staples  14   a ,  16   a , while leg pairs  1401   a ,  1403   a  and  1601   a ,  1603   a  of bone staples  14   a  and  16   a , respectively, are anchored, implanted, affixed, installed, attached or otherwise connected to the vertebral bodies. In this manner, the covering  12   a  is held, retained or captured taught over the fissure  13  and between the staples  14   a ,  16   a.    
         [0047]    It should be appreciated that other manners or methods of holding or retaining the covering relative to a staple may be used. For instance, the ends of the covering may be formed into each one of the staples. The covering may alternately be adhered to each staple, or threaded, stitched or similarly fastened to the staples. Other manners of holding the covering relative to the staples, as well as other types of clips for holding the covering onto the staples are envisioned. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of an instrument, device or apparatus, generally designated  30 , for deploying, placing, installing and/or implanting (collectively, “deployment instrument  30 ”) the spinal implants of the present invention. The deployment instrument  30  is configured, adapted and/or operable to place, install or implant the bone staples  14 / 14   a ,  16 / 16   a  or other bone fasteners of the spinal implants  10 / 10   a  or similar spinal implant fashioned in accordance with the present principles, into a vertebrae (e.g. V 1  and V 2 ) or into an endplate of a vertebrae. The deployment instrument  30  is formed of a suitable material such as a metal and, particularly but not necessarily, a titanium based metal. 
         [0049]    The deployment instrument  30  is defined by a handle  32  and plunger or driver  44 . The handle  32  carries the staples for implanting while the plunger  44 , aided by an externally applied mallet or the like, deploys the staples (i.e. implants them into the vertebrae/vertebrae endplate). The handle  32  is defined by a hollow tube that is open at one end to receive the plunger  44 , and which has an end structure  34  on the other end thereof. The end structure  34  includes a first opening  40  and a second opening  42  separated by a middle structure  38 . The first and second openings  40 ,  42  are each configured to receive and hold a staple therein (with the legs of a staple extending axially out of corners of the particular opening) and to allow the staple to be driven out of the opening by the plunger  44 . The two openings  40 ,  42  allow for two staples to be held and implanted. The end structure  34  may have more or less openings, the number of which corresponds to the number of staples (or other fasteners) that may be implanted by the deployment instrument  30 . 
         [0050]    The plunger  44  is defined by a tubular (preferably, but not necessarily solid) rod that is sized to be received in the hollow handle  32 . The plunger  33  is rotatable and axially movable in and relative to the handle  32 . The end  45  of the plunger  44  is configured to allow striking thereof for driving a staple held by the end structure  34  into the vertebra. Striking of the end  45  of the plunger  44  while holding the handle  32 , axially moves the plunger  44  relative to the handle  32  to impact against a staple for driving the staple into the vertebra. As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the other end of the plunger  44  has a flat  46  defined adjacent a taper  49  of the plunger  44  and defining a driving end  48 . The driving end  48  is configured in similar manner to an opening ( 40 ,  42 ) in order to fit therein and extend therethrough for contacting (impacting) and driving a staple from the opening into a vertebra. Rotation of the plunger  44  rotates the flat  46  and thus the driving end  48  into alignment with an opening  40 ,  42 . The driving end  48  can be seen in  FIG. 3  within the opening  42 . It can be appreciated that the staple may or may not have a covering associated therewith. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is depicted another exemplary embodiment of a spinal implant, generally designated  50 , fashioned in accordance with the present principles and shown deployed relative to the spinal disc D 1 . The spinal implant  50  is defined by a first fastener  52 , a second fastener  54 , and a cover/covering  56 . The first fastener  52  is configured as a bone staple made from a suitable biocompatible material, such as titanium, and includes a first leg  5201 , a second leg (not seen), and a connecting crossbar  5202 . The second fastener  54  is likewise configured as a bone staple made from a suitable biocompatible material, such as titanium, and includes a first leg  5401 , a second leg (not seen), and a connecting crossbar  5402 . Other biocompatible materials and fastener configurations may be used and are envisioned. The first fastener  52  is shown implanted in the lower or inferior vertebra or endplate thereof V 1 , while the second fastener  54  is shown implanted in the upper or superior vertebrae or endplate thereof V 2 . The covering  56  is retained or held by and between the first and second fasteners  52 ,  54 . 
         [0052]    The covering  56  is preferably made from a biocompatible, generally elastic material such as a polyester (e.g. PET). Rather than being a mesh as described above, the covering  56  may be sponge-like, gel-like or cellular in form. The covering  56  could be rigid in form such as a plate or the like. The mesh may be a rigid or mesh type polyglycolic or polylactic acid that provides a shell covering that is resorbable by the body over time. However, general resiliency and/or elasticity of the material should allow for the covering  56  to be retained or stretched taught over a fissure in the spinal disc D 1  (or other spinal implant site or area). The covering  56  defines a contact or intermediate portion  57  that overlays or covers a fissure (not seen) in the spinal disc D 1  or other spinal implant site or area. The covering  56  also defines a first (inferior) end  59  and a second (superior) end  58  of the intermediate portion  57 . The first (inferior) end  59  of the intermediate portion  57  extends under and over (about) the crossbar  5202  of the inferior (first) fastener  52 , while the second (superior) end  58  of the intermediate portion  57  extends under and over (about) the crossbar  5402  of the superior (second) fastener  54 . The covering  56  may be inserted with a posterior approach through a hemilaminectomy. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , there is depicted another exemplary embodiment of an instrument, device or apparatus, generally designated  60 , for deploying, placing, installing and/or implanting (collectively, “deployment instrument  60 ”) the spinal implants of the present invention. The deployment instrument  60  is configured, adapted and/or operable to place, install or implant the staples  14 / 14   a ,  16 / 16   a , and  52 / 54  or similar fasteners of the spinal implants  10 / 10   a / 50  or similar spinal implant fashioned in accordance with the present principles, into a vertebrae or an endplate of a vertebrae. The deployment instrument  60  is formed of a suitable material such as a metal and, particularly but not necessarily, a titanium based metal. 
         [0054]    The deployment instrument  60  is defined by a handle  64  connected via a neck or stem  66  to a driver  62 . The driver  64  carries the staples for implanting while a plunger  70  of the driver  64 , aided by an externally applied mallet or the like to the head of the plunger  70 , deploys the staples (i.e. implants them into the vertebrae/vertebrae endplate). The driver  64  is defined by a hollow and generally rectangular body or tube  68  that is open at one end to receive the plunger  70 , and which has a fastener holding structure  72  on the other end thereof. 
         [0055]    The plunger  70  is defined by a generally rectangular rod that is sized to be received in the hollow driver  68 . The plunger  70  is axially movable in the driver  68  and relative to the handle  64 . The end of the plunger  70  extending from a distal end of the driver  68  (relative to the tip  72 ) is configured to allow striking thereof for driving the plunger  70  into one or more staples held by the end structure  72 . Striking of the exposed end (head) of the plunger  70  while holding the handle  64 , axially moves the plunger  70  relative to the handle  64  to impact against a staple for driving the staple into the vertebra/endplate. 
         [0056]    The end structure  72  is configured to install a spinal implant of the present invention (fasteners and covering) onto an intended spinal area. The end structure  72  defines first and second side ends  74 ,  76  separated by a bar  78 . A first elongated opening or slot  80  is situated on one side of the bar  78  while a second elongated opening or slot  84  is situated on another side of the bar  78 . For implantation of the spinal implant, a first staple (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) is situated in the opening  80 , while a second staple (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) is situated in the opening  82 . Since the first and second openings  80 ,  82  are in communication with the interior of the driver  68 , the end  88  of the plunger  70  can impact the staples held therein. The legs of one staple extends from opposite sides  83 ,  84  of the slot  80  with the legs of the second staple extends from opposite sides  85 ,  86  of the slot  82  to allow the staple to be driven out of the respective slot  80 ,  82  by the plunger  70 . 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the end structure  72  also holds a covering  90  of the spinal implant for implanting thereof along with the fasteners. This may be simultaneous. In this manner, the end structure  72  is sized accordingly. The covering  90  extends over the bar  78  with one end thereof situated within a first pocket  89  with the other end thereof situated within a second pocket (not seen in  FIG. 8 ). As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the ends of the covering  90  are reduced or configured to allow the legs of the staple in the slot  80 ,  82  to extend thereabout. During installation, the cross-member of the staple is impacted by the plunger  70  to drive the staple into the vertebra/endplate to thereby hold the end of the covering onto the spinal area. 
         [0058]    It should be appreciated that the deployment instrument  50  (preferably, but not necessarily, as well as the deployment instrument  30 ) is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to fit through a tissue retractor used for microdiscectomy procedures as well as the hemilaminectomy while providing maximum line of sight. 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is depicted another exemplary embodiment of a bone fastener, generally designated  100 , for use by the present spinal implants. The bone fastener  100  is fashioned as a bone staple configured for reception and retention in a vertebra. Particularly, the bone staple  100  is fabricated to be attached, anchored, affixed or fastened to one or more vertebral bodies/endplates (vertebrae) as appropriate. The bone staple  100  is made from a biocompatible material such as an implantable grade titanium alloy (e.g. Ti 6Al-4V ELI). 
         [0060]    The bone staple  100  is formed as a generally U-shaped member  102  having a generally annular cross section. The bone staple  100  is defined by a crossbar  104  with a first leg  106  and a second leg  108 , the first and second legs  106 ,  108  being generally transverse to the crossbar  104 . A first end  107  of the first leg  106  has a conical shaped tip  107  that defines a point. The point of the tip  107  is in the middle of the annulus of the cone so as to be a center point. Likewise, a second end  109  of the second leg  108  has a conical shaped tip that defines a point. The point of the tip  109  is in the middle of the annulus of the cone so as to be a center point. Other configurations are contemplated and capable of use. The first and second legs  106 ,  108  are spaced a wide width apart and thus the staple  100  may be considered a wide bone staple  100 . The outer surface of the legs  106 ,  108  are smooth, but may include a texture if desired. The staple  100  may also have a coating of a texture, medicament, or mixture thereof. It should be appreciated that the staple  100  is contemplated for use in the present various deployment instruments and spinal implants. 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is depicted another exemplary embodiment of a bone fastener, generally designated  200 , for use by the present spinal implants. The bone fastener  200  is fashioned as a bone staple configured for reception and retention in a vertebra. Particularly, the bone staple  200  is fabricated to be attached, anchored, affixed or fastened to one or more vertebral bodies/endplates (vertebrae) as appropriate. The bone staple  200  is made from a biocompatible material such as an implantable grade titanium alloy (e.g. Ti 6Al-4V ELI). 
         [0062]    The bone staple  200  is formed as a generally U-shaped member  202  having a generally rectangular cross section. The bone staple  200  is defined by a crossbar  204  with a first leg  206  and a second leg  208 , the first and second legs  206 ,  208  being generally transverse to the crossbar  204 . A first end  207  of the first leg  206  has a chisel shaped tip  207  that defines a pointed edge. The pointed edge of the first tip  207  extends the width of the first leg  206  in the direction transverse to the direction of the second leg  208 . A second end  209  of the second leg  208  has a chisel shaped tip  209  that defines a pointed edge. The pointed edge of the second tip  209  extends the width of the second leg  208  in the direction transverse to the direction of the first leg  206 . Other configurations are contemplated and capable of use. The first and second legs  206 ,  208  are spaced a narrow width apart and thus the staple  200  may be considered a narrow bone staple  200 . 
         [0063]    In addition to the features of the bone staple  100 , the bone staple  200  further includes leg configurations that aid in insertion and/or anchoring of the bone staple  200  into a vertebra. Particularly, the first leg  206  includes an anchoring element  210 , while the second leg  208  includes an anchoring element  212 . The anchoring element  210  is formed as one or more steps, ledges, cutouts, notches, protrusions, teeth, serrations, juts or the like, that extend from an inside lateral face or side of the first leg  206  so as to extend toward the second leg  208 . By its design, the anchoring element  210  provides easy insertion of the first leg  206  of the bone staple  200  into a vertebral body and resistance to the backing out of the first leg  206  from the vertebral body. The anchoring element  212  is formed as one or more steps, ledges, cutouts, notches, protrusions, teeth, serrations, juts or the like, that extend from an inside lateral face or side of the second leg  208  so as to extend toward the first leg  206 . By its design, the anchoring element  212  provides easy insertion of the second leg  208  of the bone staple  200  into a vertebral body and resistance to the backing out of the second leg  208  from the vertebral body. 
         [0064]    The outer surface of the legs  206 ,  208  are smooth, but may include a texture if desired. The staple  200  may also have a coating of a texture, medicament, or mixture thereof. It should be appreciated that the staple  200  is contemplated for use in the present various deployment instruments and spinal implants. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is depicted another exemplary embodiment of a bone fastener, generally designated  300 , for use by the present spinal implants. The bone fastener  300  is fashioned as a bone staple configured for reception and retention in a vertebra. Particularly, the bone staple  300  is fabricated to be attached, anchored, affixed or fastened to one or more vertebral bodies/endplates (vertebrae) as appropriate. The bone staple  300  is made from a biocompatible material such as an implantable grade titanium alloy (e.g. Ti 6Al-4V ELI). 
         [0066]    The bone staple  300  is formed as a generally U-shaped member  302  having a generally annular cross section. The bone staple  300  is defined by a crossbar  304  with a first leg  306  and a second leg  308 , the first and second legs  306 ,  308  being generally transverse to the crossbar  304 . A first end  307  of the first leg  306  has a conical shaped tip  307  that defines a point. The point of the tip  307  is in the middle of the annulus of the cone so as to be a center point. Likewise, a second end  309  of the second leg  308  has a conical shaped tip that defines a point. The point of the tip  309  is in the middle of the annulus of the cone so as to be a center point. Other configurations are contemplated and capable of use. The first and second legs  306 ,  308  are spaced a narrow width apart and thus the staple  300  may be considered a narrow bone staple  300 . 
         [0067]    The bone staple  300 , in like manner to the bone staple  200 , further includes leg configurations that aid in insertion and/or anchoring of the bone staple  300  into a vertebra. Particularly, the first leg  306  includes an anchoring element  310 , while the second leg  308  includes an anchoring element  312 . The anchoring element  310  is formed as one or more annular and/or conical or frusto-conical steps, ledges, cutouts, notches, protrusions, teeth, serrations, juts or the like, that extend about the first leg  306 . By its design, the anchoring element  310  provides easy insertion of the first leg  306  of the bone staple  300  into a vertebral body and resistance to the backing out of the first leg  306  from the vertebral body. The anchoring element  312  is formed as one or more annular and/or conical or frusto-conical steps, ledges, cutouts, notches, protrusions, teeth, serrations, juts or the like, that extend about the second leg  308 . By its design, the anchoring element  312  provides easy insertion of the second leg  308  of the bone staple  300  into a vertebral body and resistance to the backing out of the second leg  308  from the vertebral body. 
         [0068]    The outer surface of the legs  306 ,  308  are smooth, but may include a texture if desired. The staple  300  may also have a coating of a texture, medicament, or mixture thereof. It should be appreciated that the staple  300  is contemplated for use in the present various deployment instruments and spinal implants. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 12-15 , there is depicted another exemplary embodiment of an instrument, device or apparatus, generally designated  400 , for deploying, placing, installing and/or implanting (collectively, “deployment instrument  400 ”) the spinal implants of the present invention. The deployment instrument  400  is configured, adapted and/or operable to place, install or implant the bone staples presented herein or similar fasteners of the various spinal implants presented herein or similar spinal implants fashioned in accordance with the present principles, into a vertebral body. The deployment instrument  400  is formed of a suitable material such as a metal and, particularly but not necessarily, a titanium based metal. 
         [0070]    The deployment instrument  400  is defined by a driver  402  that is adjustably carried on a handle  404 . The driver  402  is defined by a generally tubular body  410  to which is connected a stem or neck  411  formed as a rod, plunger or the like that extends into an elongated bore  408  in the body  406  of the handle  404 . Axial movement of the stem  411  and thus the body  410 , provide adjustment of the driver  402  relative to the handle  404 . Adjustment pegs  409 , operatively connected to the stem  411  of the driver  402 , extend through the handle body  406  to provide releasable axial adjustment of the driver body  410  relative to the handle  404 . 
         [0071]    The driver  402  carries bone staples in an axial bore  412  that extends from the tip  424  of the head  416  of the driver body  410  to the distal end  414  of the driver body  410 . The bore  412  is configured to accept two bone staples and a staple plunger/driver. The plunger (not seen, but see, e.g. plunger  44  of  FIG. 4 ), aided by an externally applied mallet or the like to the head of the plunger, deploys the staples (i.e. implants them into the vertebral body). The driver  402  is thus defined by a hollow and generally oblate, ovoid, annular, rectangular or otherwise shaped body  410  that is open at one end ( 414 ) to receive the plunger, and which has a fastener holding structure/tip  422  on the other end ( 416 ) thereof. The plunger is configured and operates in the same manner as plunger  70 . Other configurations and operation may be used. 
         [0072]    The tip  422  of the end  416  is configured to install a spinal implant of the present invention (fasteners and covering) onto and/or over an intended spinal implant site or area. The end  416  is thus configured to hold and temporarily retain a covering and covering fasteners (the present spinal implant) while the spinal implant is being installed on the spine. As such, the end  416  has a first tang  418  that extends axially along the outer surface of a side of the end  416  of the body  410 , and a second tang  420  that extends axially along the outer surface of another side of the end  416  of the body  410 . Preferably, and as shown, but not necessarily, the tangs  418 ,  420  are disposed on opposite sides of the end  416 . The first tang  418  defines an open pocket or area  419  between the end  416  and the first tang  418 , while the second tang  420  defines an open pocket or area  421  between the end  416  and the second tang  420 . The pockets  419 ,  421  provide covering retention areas for retaining ends of a covering while the covering is being installed such as shown in  FIG. 12  (see also  FIG. 14  where the ends  504  and  506  of the covering  500  are held by the first and second tangs  418 ,  420 ). The covering  500  is thus held onto the tip  422  of the instrument  400  while the spinal implant is being installed. 
         [0073]    The end  416  holds one or two bone staples for fastening the covering  500  onto a vertebra. As such, the tip  422  has a first elongated opening, bore or slot  430  and a second elongated opening, bore or slot  432  each of which is in communication with the bore  412  of the driver  402  and spaced from each other so as to define a middle portion or face  428 . The slots  430 ,  432  allow the reception and retention of a bone staple such as one of those presented herein. The tip  422  is generally rectangular/ovoid in shape to define a first rounded side  424 , a second rounded side  425  opposite to the first rounded side  424 , a first flat side  426 , and a second flat side  427  opposite to the first flat side  426 . For implantation of the spinal implant, a first staple (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) is situated in the opening  430 , while a second staple (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) is situated in the opening  432 . Since the first and second openings  430 ,  432  are in communication with the interior of the driver  402 , the end of the plunger can impact the staples held therein. 
         [0074]    The legs of one staple extends from opposite sides of the slot  430 , with the legs of the second staple extends from opposite sides of the slot  432  to allow the staple to be driven out of the respective slot. The slot  430  includes a rounded groove or channel  431   a  on a first outer edge thereof, and a rounded groove or channel  431   b  on a second outer edge thereof. Likewise, the slot  432  includes a rounded groove or channel  433   a  on a first outer edge thereof, and a rounded groove or channel  433   b  on a second outer edge thereof. During installation, and as shown in  FIG. 14 , a covering  500  is situated on the tip  422  of the instrument  400  ready for installation. As shown in  FIG. 15 , ends  307 ,  309  of the staple  300  are protruding from a face, side or area  502  of the covering  500  waiting to be driven into the vertebral body for anchoring the covering  500  to the spinal implant site or area. 
         [0075]    It should be appreciated that the deployment instrument  400  (preferably, but not necessarily, as well as the other deployment instruments herein) is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to fit through a tissue retractor used for microdiscectomy procedures as well as the hemilaminectomy while providing maximum line of sight. 
         [0076]    It should be appreciated that the above figures and descriptions are only exemplary of the many spinal implant (fastener and covering) configurations and dimensions possible in accordance with the present principles. 
         [0077]    While this invention has been described as having preferred designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, of adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.