Spinal plate

Abstract

Spinal plates with additional features to improve the stability of the interface between the plate and the underlying bone. A bone plate may include one or more sharp ridges along the periphery of its underside. When attached to bone, the ridge digs into the bone and increases stability. A bone plate may alternatively or additionally include one or more holes for optional spikes, which may be inserted once the plate is attached to the bone. By separating the spikes and including them as an optional component, the plate may enhance stability while reducing or eliminating the chance of the spike injuring the patient. Furthermore, bone screws may incorporate alternating notches and ridges into the head of the screw. The notches and ridges may interface with a set screw, thereby preventing rotation and loosening of the screw.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A surgical system for fusing adjacent vertebral bodies comprising:
 a spacer body configured to be inserted into a disc space;   a guide member configured to connect to the spacer body;   a plate configured to pass over the guide member to be positioned adjacent the spacer body,   wherein the plate includes at least one hole to receive a fastener to secure the plate to the adjacent vertebral bodies.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical system of  claim 1 , wherein the spacer body comprises an upper surface and a lower surface having ridges. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical system of  claim 1 , wherein the guide member comprises a first rigid portion and a second flexible portion. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical system of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible portion of the guide is attached to the rigid portion of the guide using an adhesive or mechanical fixation. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical system of  claim 3 , wherein the plate comprises a ridge along its perimeter. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical system of  claim 1 , wherein the plate is configured to be positioned at substantially a 90-degree angle relative to the spacer body prior to securing the plate to a vertebral body. 
     
     
         7 . A surgical system for fusing adjacent vertebral bodies comprising:
 a spacer body configured to be inserted into a disc space;   a guide member configured to connect to the spacer body, wherein the guide member comprises a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being more flexible than the first portion;   a plate configured to pass over the guide member to be positioned adjacent the spacer body, wherein the plate is configured to be secured to the adjacent vertebral bodies.   
     
     
         8 . The surgical system of  claim 7 , wherein the first portion of the guide member is formed of nitinol. 
     
     
         9 . The surgical system of  claim 7 , wherein the second portion of the guide member is formed of stainless steel. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical system of  claim 7 , wherein the spacer body includes a rectangular hole extending from a superior surface to an inferior surface. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical system of  claim 10 , wherein the superior surface and inferior surface of the spacer body includes a plurality of teeth. 
     
     
         12 . The surgical system of  claim 7 , wherein the plate includes a ridge around its perimeter. 
     
     
         13 . The surgical system of  claim 7 , wherein the plate is secured to the vertebral bodies via at least two screws. 
     
     
         14 . The surgical system of  claim 7 , wherein the plate comprises a central hole. 
     
     
         15 . The surgical system of  claim 14 , further comprising a keying tool configured to be inserted through the central hole of the plate to prevent rotation between the plate and the spacer body. 
     
     
         16 . A surgical system for fusing adjacent vertebral bodies comprising:
 a spacer body to be inserted into a disc space, wherein the spacer body includes a recess;   a guide member configured to be connected adjacent to the spacer body;   a plate configured to pass over the guide member to be positioned adjacent the spacer body and secured to the vertebral bodies.   
     
     
         17 . The surgical system of  claim 16 , further comprising a keying tool configured to be inserted into the plate to prevent rotation between the plate and the spacer body, wherein the keying tool is not cannulated. 
     
     
         18 . The surgical system of  claim 16 , wherein the guide member comprises a rigid portion attached to a flexible portion. 
     
     
         19 . The surgical system of  claim 16 , further comprising a keying tool to prevent rotation between the plate and the spacer body. 
     
     
         20 . The surgical system of  claim 19 , wherein the keying tool is cannulated and operates over the guide member.