Spinal implant system and method

Abstract

A spinal implant includes an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body defines a cavity. A plate is connectable with the implant body via a coupling member adjacent the cavity and is translatable relative thereto. The coupling member has a portion including a frangible torque limit. The plate defines at least one opening oriented to implant a fastener with tissue. Systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A spinal implant comprising:
 a screw comprising a first mating element;   an implant comprising a cage and a joint positioned in the cage, the joint comprising a second mating element; and   a plate comprising a body and a tab, the body including an opening,   wherein the second mating element is connected to the first mating element to allow freedom of movement of the plate relative to the cage, and   wherein the tab is movable relative to the body between a first orientation in which the tab overlaps the opening and a second orientation in which the tab is spaced apart from the opening.   
     
     
         22 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the freedom of movement includes translation of the plate relative to the cage in a plurality of orientations in multiple planes. 
     
     
         23 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the joint is a spheroidal joint. 
     
     
         24 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the cage includes a track, the joint being configured for engagement with and translation along the track. 
     
     
         25 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the joint includes a spheroidal portion and a post extending from the spheroidal portion, the post including the second mating element. 
     
     
         26 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the joint includes a ball and a post extending from the ball, the post including the second mating element. 
     
     
         27 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the mating elements are threads. 
     
     
         28 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the first mating element is a male thread and the second mating element is a female thread. 
     
     
         29 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the screw is configured to draw the plate and the cage together into an assembled orientation. 
     
     
         30 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the opening is a first opening and the body comprise a second opening that is spaced apart from the first opening, the tab overlapping the second when the tab is in the first orientation, the tab being spaced apart from the second opening when the tab is in the second orientation. 
     
     
         31 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 30 , wherein the first opening is oriented to implant a fastener and the second opening is configured for disposal of the screw. 
     
     
         32 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 30 , wherein the first opening has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the second opening. 
     
     
         33 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 30 , wherein the screw has a first portion that is disposed in the second opening and a second portion having the first mating element. 
     
     
         34 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 33 , wherein the first and second portions are connected at a reduced diameter portion. 
     
     
         35 . A spinal implant comprising:
 a screw comprising a first mating element;   an implant comprising a cage and a joint positioned in the cage, the joint comprising a second mating element; and   a plate comprising a body and a tab, the body including spaced apart first and second openings,   wherein the second mating element is connected to the first mating element to allow freedom of movement of the plate relative to the cage, and   wherein the tab is rotatable relative to the body between a first orientation in which the tab overlaps the openings and a second orientation in which the tab is spaced apart from the openings.   
     
     
         36 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 35 , wherein the freedom of movement includes translation of the plate relative to the cage in a plurality of orientations in multiple planes. 
     
     
         37 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 35 , wherein the joint is a spheroidal joint. 
     
     
         38 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 35 , wherein the cage includes a track, the joint being configured for engagement with and translation along the track. 
     
     
         39 . A spinal implant as recited in  claim 35 , wherein the joint includes a ball and a post extending from the ball, the post including the second mating element. 
     
     
         40 . A spinal implant comprising:
 a screw comprising a male thread;   an implant comprising a cage and a joint positioned in the cage, the joint comprising a ball and a post extending from the ball, the post comprising a female thread, the cage including a track, the ball being configured for engagement with and translation along the track; and   a plate comprising a body and a tab, the body including spaced apart first and second openings,   wherein the female thread is connected to the male thread to allow freedom of movement of the plate relative to the cage, and   wherein the tab is rotatable relative to the body between a first orientation in which the tab overlaps the openings and a second orientation in which the tab is spaced apart from the openings.