Spinal Implant

Abstract

A spinal implant configured for positioning within a space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes first and second bone screws and a body. The body includes a back surface having first and second openings for receiving the first and second screws. The first and second openings are configured for orientation towards opposing vertebral bodies. The body further includes first and second side surfaces extending from opposing ends of the back surface and first and second end surfaces extending from respective first and second side surfaces, wherein the ends of the first and second end surfaces meet and define an atraumatic nose. A first angle is formed between the first side surface and the first end surface that is different than a second angle that is formed between the second side surface and the first end surface. A method using same is also disclosed.

1 . A spinal implant, comprising:
 a planar back surface defining first and second openings each configured for receiving a bone screw;   first and second end surfaces extending from opposing ends of the back surface, the first and second end surfaces defining a divergent angle with respect to one another;   first and second side surfaces extending from the respective first and second end surfaces, wherein ends of the first and second side surfaces meet and define a nose, wherein the first side surface defines a first longitudinal axis extending perpendicular thereto, the first longitudinal axis bisecting the first side surface, wherein the implant is asymmetrical about the first longitudinal axis;   top and bottom surfaces connected to the back surface, the first and second end surfaces, and the first and second side surfaces, the first opening oriented towards the top surface and the second opening oriented towards the bottom surface;   a first angle formed between the first side surface and the first end surface;   a second angle formed between the second side surface and the first side surface, the second angle being less than the first angle;   wherein each of the top and bottom surfaces has a first portion having ridges configured to engage first and second vertebral bodies and a second portion lacking ridges, the second portions being proximate to the back surface.   
     
     
         2 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , further comprising a first insert slot defined in one of the top and bottom surfaces and being in communication with the first opening and configured to receive a plate insert, and a second insert slot defined in one of the top and bottom surfaces and being in communication with the second opening and configured to receive a plate insert. 
     
     
         3 . The spinal implant of  claim 2 , wherein the back surface defines a second longitudinal axis extending perpendicular thereto, the back surface oriented relative to the first side surface such that the second longitudinal axis defines an oblique angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The spinal implant of  claim 3 , wherein the first insert is disposed on one side of the second longitudinal axis and the second insert slot is disposed on an opposite side of the second longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         5 . The spinal implant of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second openings are disposed parallel to a plane containing the second longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         6 . The spinal implant of  claim 3 , further comprising a plate insert including a screw opening defined therethrough and configured to be received within one of the first and second insert slots with the screw opening substantially aligned with the respective one of the first and second openings. 
     
     
         7 . The spinal implant of  claim 1 , wherein a through-bore is defined through the top and bottom surfaces. 
     
     
         8 . A method of performing surgery, comprising:
 preparing an intervertebral space between first and second vertebral bodies to receive a spinal implant;   inserting the spinal implant of  claim 1  into the prepared intervertebral space;   inserting a bone screw through the first opening of the spinal implant and into the first vertebral body; and   inserting a bone screw through the second opening of the spinal implant and into the second vertebral body.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further including packing a through-bore with biological material, the through-bore defined by an interior perimeter of the first and second end surfaces, the first and second side surfaces, and the back surface. 
     
     
         10 . A method of performing surgery, comprising:
 preparing an intervertebral space between first and second vertebral bodies to receive a spinal implant;   inserting the spinal implant of  claim 2  into the prepared intervertebral space;   inserting a bone screw through the first opening of the spinal implant and into the first vertebral body; and   inserting a bone screw through the second opening of the spinal implant and into the second vertebral body,   wherein the step of inserting the bone screw through the first opening further includes inserting a plate insert within the first insert slot, and the step of inserting the bone screw through the second opening further includes inserting a plate insert within the second insert slot.