Flanged interbody fusion device

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An implant for treating the spine is provided comprising at least two articulations between the spacer and the bone facing surface of the fixation plate. Another implant for treating the spine is also provided, comprising two or more fixation plates attached to a spacer with two or more articulations, wherein the fixation plates are independently movable.

1 - 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A method for treating the spine, comprising:
 providing an implant comprising a single fixation plate, a spacer, a first articulation and a second articulation between the spacer and the single fixation plate, wherein the first articulation allows for a full rotation along a circular path, wherein the second articulation allows for additional pivoting of the single fixation plate; and   positioning the spacer within an intervertebral space and the single fixation plate across the intervertebral space, wherein an upper portion of the single fixation plate contacts a superior vertebra and a lower portion of the single fixation plate contacts an inferior vertebra about the intervertebral space.   
     
     
         37 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 36 , further comprising passing a fastener through a hole in the upper portion of the single fixation plate. 
     
     
         38 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 36 , wherein the first articulation and the second articulation are configured to improve conformance to the existing anatomy at the site of implantation. 
     
     
         39 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 36 , wherein the first articulation and the second articulation allow relative movement in the anterior-posterior direction. 
     
     
         40 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 36 , wherein the first articulation and the second articulation allow relative movement in the superior-inferior direction. 
     
     
         41 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 36 , wherein the first articulation and the second articulation allow relative movement in both the anterior-posterior and the superior-inferior directions. 
     
     
         42 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 36 , wherein the distance between the single fixation plate and the spacer is adjusted in situ. 
     
     
         43 . A method for treating the spine, comprising:
 providing an implant comprising a fixation plate, a spacer, a first articulation and a second articulation between the spacer and the fixation plate, wherein the first articulation allows for rotation along a complete circular path, wherein the second articulation provides an additional degree of movement, wherein the first articulation and the second articulation allow the spacer and the fixation plate to move in a circular and reciprocating motion relative to each other; and   positioning the spacer and the fixation plate relative to the anatomy of a patient.   
     
     
         44 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 43 , wherein the fixation plate moves in both the anterior-posterior and the superior-inferior directions. 
     
     
         45 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 43 , wherein the first articulation and the second articulation are oriented to allow movement in the sagittal plane. 
     
     
         46 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 43 , wherein the first articulation and the second articulation are oriented to allow movement in the transverse plane. 
     
     
         47 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 43 , wherein the first articulation and the second articulation are oriented to allow movement in the coronal plane. 
     
     
         48 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 43 , wherein the distance between the fixation plate and the spacer is adjusted by the surgeon. 
     
     
         49 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 43 , further comprising securing the fixation plate to a vertebra. 
     
     
         50 . A method for treating the spine, comprising:
 providing an implant comprising a fixation plate, a spacer, a first articulation and a second articulation between the spacer and the fixation plate, wherein the first articulation allows for a full rotation along a circular path, wherein the second articulation allows for additional pivoting; and   positioning the fixation plate across an intervertebral space.   
     
     
         51 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 50 , wherein the spacer and the fixation plate are independently adjustable relative to each other anteriorly and posteriorly. 
     
     
         52 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 50 , wherein the spacer and the fixation plate are independently adjustable relative to each other superiorly and inferiorly. 
     
     
         53 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 50 , wherein the implant is movable between a first configuration wherein the distance between the fixation plate and the spacer is at a minimum and a second configuration wherein the distance between the fixation plate and the spacer is at a maximum. 
     
     
         54 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 50 , wherein a single device is adapted to various individual anatomies. 
     
     
         55 . The method for treating the spine of  claim 50 , wherein the first articulation and the second articulation allow adjustment in multiple degrees of movement.