US6447547B1 — Artificial spinal fusion implants

Claim 1

Independent Claim 218 words

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 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.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 218 words

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 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.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top and said bottom further comprise at least a second opening.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said openings are approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said openings is macroscopic in size.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said openings is micro-sized.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 25 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least some of said openings in said top and said bottom form a channel through said implant.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end includes at least one perforation.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 26 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein the junctions of said sides and at least one of said trailing end and said leading end are rounded.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said sides are generally parallel to one another.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said sides are generally flat.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 45 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is configured for anterior insertion into the disc space and has a width that is at least equal to one-half of the width of the disc space into which said implant is adapted to be inserted.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a width that is approximately 32 mm for use in the lumbar spine.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a generally rectangular cross section along at least a portion of its length.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said leading end is at least in part non-linear.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 29 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said leading end is tapered for facilitating insertion of said implant between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said leading end is curved.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 16 , wherein said leading end is convex.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 16 , wherein said leading end generally conforms to the disc space proximate the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end is curved.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 19 , wherein said trailing end is convex.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 37 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a length along a mid-longitudinal axis of said implant, said length having a maximum that is less than the posterior to anterior depth of the vertebral body.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of the disc with a single implant.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a height at least as great as the restored height of the disc space.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top and said bottom are generally parallel.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top and said bottom have a porous surface.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top and said bottom have a bone ingrowth surface.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 20 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has an exterior surface that is at least in part porous.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant material is porous.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 1 , in combination with a fusion promoting material other than bone.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material other than bone.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 33 words

The implant of claim 1 , further comprising a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is treated with a fusion promoting substance.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 33 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is autogenous bone.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant material is stronger than bone.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 13 words

The implant of claim 1 , further in combination with an osteogenic material.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 36 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is adapted to be centrally placed within the disc space.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 264 words

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, each of said top and said bottom having an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings, 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 height of said implant being less than the width of said implant; an access opening for accessing said hollow interior; said implant being formed at least in part of a material other than bone; said implant being configured to be wholly contained within the perimeter of the adjacent vertebral bodies; and a cover for at least in part closing said access opening.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 264 words

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, each of said top and said bottom having an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings, 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 height of said implant being less than the width of said implant; an access opening for accessing said hollow interior; said implant being formed at least in part of a material other than bone; said implant being configured to be wholly contained within the perimeter of the adjacent vertebral bodies; and a cover for at least in part closing said access opening.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said access opening is configured to permit insertion of osteogenic material into said hollow interior.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 41 , wherein said osteogenic material includes a fusion promoting material.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 41 , wherein said osteogenic material is bone.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 41 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said cover cooperatively engages said access opening.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 11 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said cover is threaded.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said cover includes at least one opening therethrough.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said cover is configured to cooperatively engage a tool for engaging said cover to said implant.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said top and said bottom further comprise at least a second opening.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein at least one of said openings are approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein at least one of said openings is macroscopic in size.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein at least one of said openings is micro-sized.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 25 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein at least some of said openings in said top and said bottom form a channel through said implant.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said trailing end includes at least one perforation.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 26 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein the junctions of said sides and at least one of said trailing end and said leading end are rounded.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said sides are generally parallel to one another.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said sides are generally flat.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 45 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant is configured for anterior insertion into the disc space and has a width that is at least equal to one-half of the width of the disc space into which said implant is adapted to be inserted.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant has a width that is approximately 32 mm for use in the lumbar spine.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant has a generally rectangular cross section along at least a portion of its length.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said leading end is at least in part non-linear.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 29 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein at least a portion of said leading end is tapered for facilitating insertion of said implant between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said leading end is curved.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 63 , wherein said leading end is convex.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 63 , wherein said leading end generally conforms to the disc space proximate the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said trailing end is curved.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said trailing end is covex.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 36 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant has a length along a mid-longitudinal axis of said implant, said-length having a maximum that is less than the posterior to anterior depth of the vertebral body.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of the disc with a single implant.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant has a height at least as great as the restored height of the disc space.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said top and said bottom are generally parallel.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 40 ,wherein said top and said bottom have a porous surface.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said top and said bottom have a bone ingrowth surface.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 20 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant has an exterior surface that is at least in part porous.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant material is porous.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 40 , in combination with a fusion promoting material other than bone.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material other than bone.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 33 words

The implant of claim 40 , further comprising a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant is treated with a fusion promoting substance.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is autogenous bone.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant material is stronger than bone.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 13 words

The implant of claim 40 , further in combination with an osteogenic material.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 84 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant is adapted to be centrally placed within the disc space.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 40 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 237 words

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 height of said implant being less than the width of said implant, said sides having at least one aperture therethrough in communication with said openings in said top and said bottom; 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.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 237 words

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 height of said implant being less than the width of said implant, said sides having at least one aperture therethrough in communication with said openings in said top and said bottom; 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.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 34 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein each of said top and said bottom comprises an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 18 words

The implant of claim 89 , wherein said implant includes an access opening for accessing said hollow interior.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 90 , wherein said access opening is configured to permit insertion of osteogenic material into said hollow interior.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 91 , wherein said osteogenic material includes a fusion promoting material.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 91 , wherein said osteogenic material is bone.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 91 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 90 further comprising a cover for closing said access opening.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 95 , wherein said cover cooperatively engages said access opening.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 11 words

The implant of claim 95 , wherein said cover is threaded.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 95 , wherein said cover includes at least one opening therethrough.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 95 , wherein said cover is configured to cooperatively engage a tool for engaging said cover to said implant.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said top and said bottom further comprise at least a second opening.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein at least one of said openings are approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein at least one of said openings is macroscopic in size.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein at least one of said openings is microscopic in size.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 25 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein at least some of said openings in said top and said bottom form a channel through said implant.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said trailing end includes at least one perforation.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said at least one aperture is sized in the range of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 26 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein the junctions of said sides and at least one of said trailing end and said leading end are rounded.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said sides are generally parallel to one another.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said sides are generally flat.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 45 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant is configured for anterior insertion into the disc space and has a width that is at least equal to one-half of the width of the disc space into which said implant is adapted to be inserted.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant has a width that is approximately 32 mm for use in the lumbar spine.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant has a generally rectangular cross section along at least a portion of its length.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said leading end is at least in part nonlinear.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 29 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein at least a portion of said leading end is tapered for facilitating insertion of said implant between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said leading end is curved.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 115 , wherein said leading end is convex.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 115 , wherein said leading end generally conforms to the disc space proximate the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said trailing end is curved.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 118 , wherein said trailing end is convex.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 37 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant has a length along a midlongitudinal axis of said implant, said length having a maximum that is less than the posterior to anterior depth of the vertebral body.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of the disc with a single implant.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant has a height at least as great as the restored height of the disc space.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said top and said bottom are generally parallel.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said top and said bottom have a porous surface.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said top and said bottom have a bone ingrowth surface.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 20 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant has an exterior surface that is at least in part porous.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant material is porous.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 88 , in combination with a fusion promoting material other than bone.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material other than bone.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 33 words

The implant of claim 88 , further comprising a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant is treated with a fusion promoting substance.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 132 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is autogenous bone.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant material is stronger than bone.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 13 words

The implant of claim 88 , further in combination with an osteogenic material.

Claim 139

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 135 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 88 , wherein said implant is adapted to be centrally placed within the disc space.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 98 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 142

Dependent Claim 237 words

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 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 and to engage a driving instrument for implanting said implant within the disc space between the two adjacent vertebrae.

Claim 143

Dependent Claim 237 words

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 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 and to engage a driving instrument for implanting said implant within the disc space between the two adjacent vertebrae.

Claim 144

Dependent Claim 34 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein each of said top and said bottom comprises an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 18 words

The implant of claim 140 , wherein said implant includes an access opening for accessing said hollow interior.

Claim 146

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 141 , wherein said access opening is configured to permit insertion of osteogenic material into said hollow interior.

Claim 147

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 142 , wherein said osteogenic material includes a fusion promoting material.

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 142 , wherein said osteogenic material is bone.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 142 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.

Claim 150

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 141 , further comprising a cover for closing said access opening.

Claim 151

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 146 , wherein said cover cooperatively engages said access opening.

Claim 152

Dependent Claim 11 words

The implant of claim 146 , wherein said cover is threaded.

Claim 153

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 146 , wherein said cover includes at least one opening therethrough.

Claim 154

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 146 , wherein said cover is configured to cooperatively engage a tool for engaging said cover to said implant.

Claim 155

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said top and said bottom further comprise at least a second opening.

Claim 156

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein at least one of said openings are approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter.

Claim 157

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein at least one of said openings is macroscopic in size.

Claim 158

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein at least one of said openings is micro-sized.

Claim 159

Dependent Claim 25 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein at least some of said openings in said top and said bottom form a channel through said implant.

Claim 160

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said trailing end includes at least one perforation.

Claim 161

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said sides have at least one aperture.

Claim 162

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 157 , wherein said at least one aperture is sized in the range of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm.

Claim 163

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 157 , wherein said at least one aperture is in communication with said openings in said top and said bottom.

Claim 164

Dependent Claim 26 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein the junctions of said sides and at least one of said trailing end and said leading end are rounded.

Claim 165

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said sides are generally parallel to one another.

Claim 166

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said sides are generally flat.

Claim 167

Dependent Claim 45 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant is configured for anterior insertion into the disc space and has a width that is at least equal to one-half of the width of the disc space into which said implant is adapted to be inserted.

Claim 168

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant has a width that is approximately 32 mm for use in the lumbar spine.

Claim 169

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant has a generally rectangular cross section along at least a portion of its length.

Claim 170

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said leading end is at least in part non-linear.

Claim 171

Dependent Claim 29 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein at least a portion of said leading end is tapered for facilitating insertion of said implant between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 172

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said leading end is curved.

Claim 173

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 168 , wherein said leading end is convex.

Claim 174

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 168 , wherein said leading end generally conforms to the disc space proximate the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 175

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said trailing end is curved.

Claim 176

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 171 , wherein said trailing end is covex.

Claim 177

Dependent Claim 37 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant has a length along a midlongitudinal axis of said implant, said length having a maximum that is less than the posterior to anterior depth of the vertebral body.

Claim 178

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 179

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of the disc with a single implant.

Claim 180

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant has as height at less as great as the restored height of the disc space.

Claim 181

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said top and said bottom are generally parallel.

Claim 182

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said top and said bottom have a porous surface.

Claim 183

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said top and said bottom have a bone ingrowth surface.

Claim 184

Dependent Claim 20 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant has an exterior surface that is at least in part porous.

Claim 185

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant material is porous.

Claim 186

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 139 , in combination with a fusion promoting material other than bone.

Claim 187

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material other than bone.

Claim 188

Dependent Claim 33 words

The implant of claim 139 , further comprising a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 189

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant is treated with a fusion promoting substance.

Claim 190

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 185 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is autogenous bone.

Claim 191

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant material is stronger than bone.

Claim 192

Dependent Claim 13 words

The implant of claim 139 , further in combination with an osteogenic material.

Claim 193

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 188 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.

Claim 194

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant is adapted to be centrally placed within the disc space.

Claim 195

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 139 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2005-09-09	2006-03-11	2006-09-10	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2009-09-09	2010-03-11	2010-09-10	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2013-09-09	2014-03-11	2014-09-10	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Artificial spinal fusion implants

Abstract

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