Methods and systems for filling a spinal implant

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a method for promoting spinal fusion using a spinal implant comprises providing a spinal implant, wherein the spinal implant comprises an anterior wall, a posterior wall and two lateral walls configured to extend between the anterior wall and the posterior wall. In some embodiments, the spinal implant further comprises at least one internal chamber generally positioned between the anterior wall, the posterior wall and the two lateral walls, wherein the internal chamber being is adapted to receive at least one graft and/or other fill material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the graft and/or other fill material delivered into the internal chamber is configured to exit through the one or more of the openings of the anterior wall.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A spinal implant configured for placement within an intervertebral space of a patient, comprising:
 an anterior wall and a posterior wall, said posterior wall being generally opposite of said anterior wall;   a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall extending between the anterior wall and the posterior wall;   at least one internal chamber defined, at least in part, by the anterior wall, the posterior wall and the first and second lateral walls;   a top surface comprising a plurality of teeth configured to engage a lower surface of a first vertebral body;   a bottom surface comprising a plurality of teeth configured to engage an upper surface of a second vertebral body, the second vertebral body being immediately adjacent to said first vertebral body;   wherein the at least one internal chamber extends at least partially from the top surface to the bottom surface of the implant;   at least one opening extending through the anterior wall, said at least one opening being in fluid communication with the at least one internal chamber;   at least one access port located in at least one of the anterior wall, the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall, wherein the implant is configured to releasably secure to an insertion tool at said at least one access port;   wherein the implant is configured to span across an entire width of the first and second vertebral bodies;   wherein each of the first and second lateral walls is configured to generally align with peripheral bearing areas of the first and second vertebral bodies.   wherein the at least one access port is configured to provide a passage though which at least one graft material is selectively delivered into the at least one internal chamber; and   wherein the posterior wall does not comprise any openings.   
     
     
         2 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , wherein excess graft material delivered into the at least one internal chamber through the at least one access port is configured to exit the implant through the at least one opening of the anterior wall. 
     
     
         3 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , wherein the access port is threaded, so that a delivery tool comprising a corresponding thread pattern can be selectively attached to and detached from the spinal implant. 
     
     
         4 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of teeth along the top and bottom surfaces of the implant are configured to slant toward a lateral center of the implant. 
     
     
         5 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall comprises a tapered portion to facilitate insertion of the implant into the intervertebral space. 
     
     
         6 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of prongs extending into the at least one internal chamber for retaining a graft or other fill materials located therein. 
     
     
         7 . The spinal implant of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of prongs are configured to engage and retain at least one of a sponge, a porous foam and cured grafting materials located within the at least one internal chamber of the implant. 
     
     
         8 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is configured for placement within a lumbar or thoracic portion of a patient's spine. 
     
     
         9 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is configured for lateral insertion into the intervertebral space. 
     
     
         10 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , wherein the implant comprises polyether etherketone (PEEK).