Spinal implant system and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a spinal implant system and method. One embodiment of the present invention includes a spinal implant comprising, a first implant plate, a second implant plate, a spacer member coupled between the first implant plate and the second implant plate and an end plate coupled to the spacer member, the end plate configured to couple to adjacent vertebrae. The implant plates can include spacer channels that receive the spacer member and insertion tool channels that receive an insertion tool. Preferably, on each implant plate, the spacer channel is near the center of the plate and the insertion tool channels are on either side of the spacer channel. The spacer channels and insertion tool channels can be dovetailed or otherwise shaped to capture a portion of the spacer member and insertion tool. Mating connectors can prevent removal of the spacer member from the spacer channels.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A spinal implant comprising:
 a first support member capable of engaging a first vertebral body;   a second support member capable of engaging a second vertebral body, the first and second support members capable of moving relative to each other;   an attachment member including a spacer and an end plate, the spacer capable of being disposed between the first and second support members to maintain a relative position of the first and second support members, the end plate defining a through hole capable of receiving a bone screw inserted through the end plate and into one of the adjacent vertebral bodies.   
     
     
         3 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , wherein the spacer is capable of being inserted between the first and second support members after the first and second support members are inserted between adjacent vertebrae. 
     
     
         4 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second support members are capable of being moved away from each other after being inserted between first and second adjacent vertebrae. 
     
     
         5 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein the spacer and end plate are formed of a single piece of material. 
     
     
         6 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , further comprising a retention member disposed within the through hole, the retention member capable of retaining the bone screw therein. 
     
     
         7 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second support members each have a channel on an inner face to receive the spacer. 
     
     
         8 . The spinal implant of  claim 7 , wherein the channels are located at approximately the center of the first and second support members. 
     
     
         9 . The spinal implant of  claim 7 , wherein each of the first and second support members comprise one or more detents and the spacer comprises one or more indents to mate with the detents, the detents and indents positioned to prevent full removal of the spacer from the first and second channels. 
     
     
         10 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein the end plate defines a set of through holes including at least one through hole positioned to be proximate to a first of the adjacent vertebrae and a second through hole positioned to be proximate to a second of the adjacent vertebrae. 
     
     
         11 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the spinal implant is formed of a biocompatible material. 
     
     
         12 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second support members each have outer surfaces capable of promoting osseointegration. 
     
     
         13 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second support members are shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the adjacent vertebrae. 
     
     
         14 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein outer surfaces of the first and second support members are sloped. 
     
     
         15 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second support members each have holes to promote bone growth. 
     
     
         16 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second support members and the spacer form an assembly having a width that is greater than a height of the assembly. 
     
     
         17 . A spinal implant comprising:
 a first support member capable of engaging a first vertebral body;   a second support member capable of engaging a second vertebral body, the first and second support members capable of moving relative to each other after being inserted between adjacent first and second vertebral bodies;   a spacer capable of being inserted between the first and second support members to maintain a relative position of the first and second support members, wherein the spacer is capable of being inserted between the first and second support members after the first and second support members are inserted between adjacent vertebrae; and   an end plate capable of being coupled to the spacer, the end plate defining at least one through hole capable of receiving a bone screw inserted through the end plate and into one of the adjacent vertebral bodies.   
     
     
         18 . The spinal implant of  claim 17 , wherein the spacer and end plate are formed of a single piece of material. 
     
     
         19 . The spinal implant of  claim 17 , further comprising at least one retention member disposed within the at least one through hole, the retention member capable of retaining the bone screw therein. 
     
     
         20 . The spinal implant of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second support members each have a channel on an inner face to receive the spacer. 
     
     
         21 . The spinal implant of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second support members are shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the adjacent vertebrae.