Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a novel vertebral spacer for supporting adjacent vertebrae. The vertebral spacer has a body having an anterior face and a posterior face extending between an upper surface and a lower surface. The heights of the anterior face and the posterior face may differ, the non-parallel upper and lower surfaces thereby maintaining the curvature of the spine when the vertebral spacer is inserted between two vertebrae. A stabilizing body may be connected to the body of the spacer by an attachment member that optionally allows the body and the stabilizing body to rotate relative to each other. The vertebral spacer may have a locking assembly whereby the body and the stabilizing body may be rigidly locked. The vertebral spacer may include optional channels extending through the body of the spacer that facilitate tissue ingrowth and bony fusion between the adjacent vertebrae. A stabilizing body connected to the body of the vertebral spacer may be formed by delivering a biocompatible liquid polymer material into a liquid receiving bore and a transverse bore. Excess polymer may seep into the intervertebral space where it hardens to form the stabilizing body extending from the body of the spacer. A method of inserting the vertebral spacer into an intervertebral space is also described. The body of the vertebral spacer is rotated so that the lower surface and the upper surface of the body contact the adjacent vertebrae, whereupon the body is secured by attaching (if necessary), and locking, the stabilizing body.

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First Claim