US20030191531A1 — Vertebral body and disc space replacement devices

Claim 1

Independent Claim 146 words

1 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member including a first end and an opposite second end positionable against an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first end and said second end; and a second member including a first end and a second end, wherein one of said first member and said second member includes a first receptacle formed in said first end thereof and opening laterally in a wall thereof, and the other of said first member and said second member includes a first extension extending from said first end thereof, wherein said first member is laterally positionable on said second member with said first extension being slidingly received and axially restrained in said first receptacle and engaging said first receptacle to resist axial and rotational displacement of said first member relative to said second member.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 146 words

1 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member including a first end and an opposite second end positionable against an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first end and said second end; and a second member including a first end and a second end, wherein one of said first member and said second member includes a first receptacle formed in said first end thereof and opening laterally in a wall thereof, and the other of said first member and said second member includes a first extension extending from said first end thereof, wherein said first member is laterally positionable on said second member with said first extension being slidingly received and axially restrained in said first receptacle and engaging said first receptacle to resist axial and rotational displacement of said first member relative to said second member.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 40 words

2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said first extension includes an enlarged outer end portion tapering toward said first end and said receptacle includes an enlarged inner portion receiving said enlarged outer end portion in dovetail fashion.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 31 words

3 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a second extension opposite said first extension and a second receptacle opposite said first receptacle for slidably receiving said second extension.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 30 words

4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said second member includes a chamber extending therethrough, said chambers being aligned with said first member stacked on said second member.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 24 words

5 . The device of claim 4 , further comprising bone growth material in said chamber of each of said first and second members.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 44 words

6 . The device of claim 5 , wherein said bone growth material includes one or more selected from group consisting of: bone morphogenetic protein, transforming growth factor β1, insulin-like growth factor 1, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and LIM mineralization protein (LMP).

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 36 words

7 . The device of claim 5 , wherein said bone growth material is provided in a carrier having a form selected from the group consisting of: a sponge, a block, folded sheet, putty, and paste.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 73 words

8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein: said first member includes a through-hole extending in a wall thereof between said first end and said second end; said second member includes a passage extending in a wall thereof from said first end; and further comprising a coupling member positionable through said through-hole and engageable to said second member in said passage to axially secure said first and second members to one another.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 33 words

9 . The device of claim 8 , wherein said first end of said first member includes said extension and a substantially planar bearing surface extending about said chamber at said first end.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 28 words

10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said first member includes a height between said first and second ends adapted to replace a spinal disc space.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 27 words

11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said second member includes a height between said first and second ends adapted to replace a vertebral body.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 123 words

12 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a third member including a first end positionable against an endplate of a second vertebra and an opposite second end, wherein one of said second member and said third member includes a second receptacle formed in said second end thereof and opening laterally in a wall thereof, and the other of said second member and said third member includes a second extension extending from said second end thereof, wherein said second member is laterally positionable on said third member with said second extension being slidingly received and axially restrained in said second receptacle and engaging said second receptacle to resist axial and rotational displacement of said second member relative to said third member.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 52 words

13 . The device of claim 12 , wherein each of said first and second extensions includes an enlarged outer end portion tapering toward said respective first and second ends and each of said first and second receptacles includes an enlarged inner portion receiving said enlarged outer end portion in dovetail fashion.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 34 words

14 . The device of claim 12 , wherein said second member includes a chamber extending therethrough, said chambers being aligned with said first member and said third member stacked on said second member.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 148 words

15 . The device of claim 12 , wherein: said first member includes a through-hole extending through a wall thereof between said first end and said second end; said third member includes a through-hole extending through a wall thereof between said first end and said second end; said second member includes a first passage in a wall thereof extending therein from said first end and a second passage in a wall thereof extending therein from said second end; and further comprising a first coupling member positionable through said through-hole of said first member and engageable to said second member in said first passage to axially secure said first and second members to one another and a second coupling member positionable through said through-hole of said third member and engageable to said second member in said second passage to axially secure said second and third members to one another.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 159 words

16 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member having a first end and an opposite second end positionable against an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first end and second ends; and a second member including a first end and a second end, said second member including a chamber extending between said first and second ends, wherein one of said first member and said second member includes a number of receptacles radially formed in and positioned about said first end thereof, and the other of said first member and said second member includes a number of extensions extending radially from and positioned about said first end thereof, wherein said first member is positionable on said second member with said number of extensions being received in corresponding ones of said number of receptacles in interdigitating fashion to resist lateral and rotational displacement of said first member relative to said second member.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 159 words

16 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member having a first end and an opposite second end positionable against an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first end and second ends; and a second member including a first end and a second end, said second member including a chamber extending between said first and second ends, wherein one of said first member and said second member includes a number of receptacles radially formed in and positioned about said first end thereof, and the other of said first member and said second member includes a number of extensions extending radially from and positioned about said first end thereof, wherein said first member is positionable on said second member with said number of extensions being received in corresponding ones of said number of receptacles in interdigitating fashion to resist lateral and rotational displacement of said first member relative to said second member.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 39 words

17 . The device of claim 16 , wherein said number of extensions are V-shaped and taper away from said first end and said number of receptacles are V-shaped and taper from said first end toward said second end.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 22 words

18 . The device of claim 16 , wherein said chambers are aligned with said first member stacked on said second member.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 73 words

19 . The device of claim 16 , wherein: said first member includes a through-hole extending in a wall thereof between said first end and said second end; said second member includes a passage extending in a wall thereof from said first end; and further comprising a coupling member positionable through said through-hole and engageable to said second member in said passage to axially secure said first and second members to one another.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 28 words

20 . The device of claim 16 , wherein said first member includes a height between said first and second ends adapted to replace a spinal disc space.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 27 words

21 . The device of claim 16 , wherein said second member includes a height between said first and second ends adapted to replace a vertebral body.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 128 words

22 . The device of claim 16 , further comprising a third member including a first end for engaging an endplate of a second vertebral body and an opposite second end, wherein one of said second member and said third member includes a number of receptacles radially formed in and positioned about said second end thereof, and the other of said second member and said third member includes a number of extensions extending radially from and positioned about said second end thereof, wherein said second member is positionable on said third member with said number of extensions being received in corresponding ones of said number of receptacles and engaging said number of receptacles to resist rotational and lateral displacement of said second member relative to said third member.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 23 words

23 . The device of claim 22 , wherein chambers are aligned with said first and third members stacked on said second member.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 148 words

24 . The device of claim 22 , wherein: said first member includes a through-hole extending through a wall thereof between said first end and said second end; said third member includes a through-hole extending through a wall thereof between said first end and said second end; said second member includes a first passage in a wall thereof extending therein from said first end and a second passage in a wall thereof extending therein from said second end; and further comprising a first coupling member positionable through said through-hole of said first member and engageable to said second member in said first passage to axially secure said first and second members to one another and a second coupling member positionable through said through-hole of said third member and engageable to said second member in said second passage to axially secure said second and third members to one another.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 51 words

25 . The device of claim 16 , further comprising a flexible engaging member extending between said first and second member, said flexible engaging member engaging an opening in a wall of at least one of said first and second members to axially secure said first and second members to another.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 40 words

26 . The device of claim 25 , wherein said flexible engaging member is integrally formed with said second member and is received in said chamber of said first member when said first member is stacked on said second member.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 49 words

27 . The device of claim 26 , wherein said second member includes a cylindrical extension extending from said first end of said second member, said cylindrical extension being positionable in said chamber of said first member, wherein said flexible engaging member comprises a portion of said cylindrical extension.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 25 words

28 . The device of claim 27 , wherein said flexible engaging member includes an engaging portion extending laterally therefrom releasably engageable to said opening.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 180 words

29 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member including a body extending between a first end and an opposite second end positionable toward an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first end and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber, said wall portion including first and second holes extending therethrough between said first and second ends; and a second member including a body extending between a first end and a second end, said second member defining a chamber extending between said first and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber, said wall portion including first and second holes extending therethrough between said first and second ends; and first and second coupling members positionable in respective ones of said first and second holes to axially secure said first member to said second member with said first ends adjacent one another, wherein said first and second coupling members further resist lateral and rotational displacement of said first member relative to said second member.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 180 words

29 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member including a body extending between a first end and an opposite second end positionable toward an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first end and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber, said wall portion including first and second holes extending therethrough between said first and second ends; and a second member including a body extending between a first end and a second end, said second member defining a chamber extending between said first and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber, said wall portion including first and second holes extending therethrough between said first and second ends; and first and second coupling members positionable in respective ones of said first and second holes to axially secure said first member to said second member with said first ends adjacent one another, wherein said first and second coupling members further resist lateral and rotational displacement of said first member relative to said second member.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 29 words

30 . The device of claim 29 , wherein said first and second coupling members are screws that threadingly engage at least one of said first and second members.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 37 words

31 . The device of claim 29 , wherein said first ends of said first and second members each include a number of elongated ridges that interdigitate when said first member is stacked on said second member.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 56 words

32 . The device of claim 31 , wherein said ridges of each of said first and second members each include a peak, a first wall extending from said peak and sloped toward a sidewall of said body, and an opposite second wall extending from said peak and sloped toward said second end of said body.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 138 words

33 . The device of claim 32 , wherein: said first and second ends of said body of said first member diverge from a first side to a second side of said body, said first wall of each of said ridges being oriented outward said first side and said second wall of each of said ridges being oriented toward said second side; and said first and second ends of said body of said second member converge from a first side to a second side of said body, said first wall of said of each of said ridges being oriented toward said second side and said second wall of each of said ridges being oriented toward said first side, wherein when stacked said first side of said first member is aligned with said first side of said second member.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 148 words

34 . The device of claim 32 , wherein: said first and second ends of said body of said first member converge from a first side to a second side of said body, said first wall of each of said ridges being oriented toward said second side and said second wall of each of said ridges being oriented toward said first side; and said first and second ends of said body of said second member converge from a first side to a second side of said body, said first wall of said of each of said ridges being oriented toward said second side and said second wall of each of said ridges being oriented toward said first side, wherein when stacked said second end of said first member and said second end of said second member converge toward one another from said first side to said second side.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 34 words

35 . The device of claim 29 , wherein said first and second members each include a height between said first and second ends thereof that approximates the height of a spinal disc space.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 62 words

36 . The device of claim 29 , wherein one of said first and second members includes a height between said first and second ends thereof that approximates the height of a spinal disc space and the other of said first and second members includes a height between said first and second ends thereof that approximates the height of a vertebral body.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 32 words

37 . The device of claim 29 , wherein said second ends of each of said first and second members includes a number of elongated ridges adapted to engage a vertebral endplate.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 169 words

38 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member including a body extending between a first end and an opposite second end positionable toward an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first end and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber; and a second member including a body extending between a first end and a second end, said second member defining a chamber extending between said first and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber, wherein one of said wall portions of said first and second members includes a pair of holes opening toward said first end thereof and the other of said first and second members includes a pair of extensions extending from said first end at said wall portion, said pair of extensions positionable in corresponding ones of said pair of holes when said first member is stacked on said second member with said first ends adjacent one another.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 169 words

38 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member including a body extending between a first end and an opposite second end positionable toward an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first end and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber; and a second member including a body extending between a first end and a second end, said second member defining a chamber extending between said first and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber, wherein one of said wall portions of said first and second members includes a pair of holes opening toward said first end thereof and the other of said first and second members includes a pair of extensions extending from said first end at said wall portion, said pair of extensions positionable in corresponding ones of said pair of holes when said first member is stacked on said second member with said first ends adjacent one another.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 27 words

39 . The device of claim 38 , wherein said extensions are integrally formed with said wall portion of said one of said first and second members.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 16 words

40 . The device of claim 38 , wherein said pair of extensions are cylindrical rods.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 33 words

41 . The device of claim 38 , wherein said pair of extensions are non-cylindrical and said pair of holes include a non-cylindrical shape adapted to receive said extensions in form fitting engagement.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 49 words

42 . The device of claim 38 , wherein said first end of said first member includes a number of elongated ridges extending therealong adapted to interdigitate with a number of elongated ridges extending along said first end of said second member when said first member is stacked thereon.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 29 words

43 . The device of claim 38 , wherein said chamber comprises three portions separated from one another by a strut extending between adjacent ones of said chamber portions.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 70 words

44 . The device of claim 38 , wherein each of said extensions includes an engagement member at a distal end thereof and each of said holes includes a locking portion in said body of said other of said first and second members, said engagement members engaging respective ones of said locking portions of said first and second holes to axially secure said first and second members to one another.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 53 words

45 . The device of claim 44 , wherein said engagement portion includes an enlarged end portion defining a bearing surface oriented toward said first end of said one of said first and second members and said locking portions each include a locking surface extending about said hole engageable with said bearing surface.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 75 words

46 . The device of claim 38 , wherein said first and second members each include a receptacle extending between said first and second ends of said body, said receptacles being aligned with one another when said first member is stacked on said second member, and further comprising a coupling member positionable in said aligned receptacles and engageable to said first and second members to axially secure said first and second members to one another.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 28 words

47 . The device of claim 46 , wherein said receptacles each open along an outer surface of said body of each of said first and second members.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 69 words

48 . The device of claim 46 , wherein said body of each of said first and second members includes a number of receptacles extending between said first and second ends positioned about said body and opening along an outer surface of said body, and further comprising a second coupling member positionable in second ones of said receptacles aligned when said first member is stacked on said second member.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 42 words

49 . The device of claim 46 , wherein said coupling member is secured in each of said receptacles with a set screw extending through said coupling member and engaging said body of an adjacent one of said first and second members.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 135 words

50 . The device of claim 38 , further comprising a third member including a body extending between a first end and a second end, said first end positionable toward an endplate of a second vertebra, said third member defining a chamber extending between said first and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber, wherein one of said wall portions of said second and third members includes a pair of holes opening toward said second end thereof and the other of said second and third members includes a pair of extensions extending from said second end at said wall portion, said pair of extensions positionable in corresponding ones of said pair of holes when said third member is stacked on said second member with said second ends adjacent one another.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 164 words

51 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member including a body extending between a first end and an opposite second end positionable toward an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber; and a second member including a body extending between a first end and a second end, said second member defining a chamber extending between said first and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber, wherein said first and second members each include a receptacle between said first and second ends in said wall portion of said body, said receptacles being aligned when said first member is stacked on said second member, and further comprising a coupling member slidingly received in said aligned receptacles and engageable to each of said first and second members with an engagement member to axially secure said first and second members thereto.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 164 words

51 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member including a body extending between a first end and an opposite second end positionable toward an endplate of a vertebra, said first member defining a chamber extending between said first and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber; and a second member including a body extending between a first end and a second end, said second member defining a chamber extending between said first and second ends, said body further including a wall portion adjacent said chamber, wherein said first and second members each include a receptacle between said first and second ends in said wall portion of said body, said receptacles being aligned when said first member is stacked on said second member, and further comprising a coupling member slidingly received in said aligned receptacles and engageable to each of said first and second members with an engagement member to axially secure said first and second members thereto.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 27 words

52 . The device of claim 51 , wherein said receptacles open along an outer surface of said body of each of said first and second members.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 64 words

53 . The device of claim 51 , wherein said body of each of said first and second members includes a number of receptacles extending between said first and second ends positioned about said body, and further comprising a second coupling member positionable slidingly received in second ones of said number of receptacles aligned when said first member is stacked on said second member.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 34 words

54 . The device of claim 62 , wherein each of said engagement members includes a set screw extending through said coupling member and engaging said body of the adjacent first and second member.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 84 words

55 . The device of claim 51 , wherein one of said wall portions of said first and second members includes a pair of holes opening toward said first end thereof and the other of said first and second members includes a pair of extensions extending from said first end at said wall portion, said pair of extensions positionable in corresponding ones of said pair of holes when said first member is stacked on said second member with said first ends adjacent one another.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 153 words

56 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member extending between a first end and a second end, said second end positionable adjacent a vertebral endplate, said first member including a hole extending therethrough opening at least at said first end; a second member extending between a first end and a second end, said second member including a hole extending therethrough opening at least at said first end, said first member positionable on said second member with said first ends adjacent one another; an extension positionable in said holes of said first and second members and extending therebetween when said first member is stacked on said second member; and a first coupling member extending through said first member and engaging said extension to secure said first member to said extension and a second coupling member extending through said second member and engaging said extension to secure said second member to said extension.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 153 words

56 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member extending between a first end and a second end, said second end positionable adjacent a vertebral endplate, said first member including a hole extending therethrough opening at least at said first end; a second member extending between a first end and a second end, said second member including a hole extending therethrough opening at least at said first end, said first member positionable on said second member with said first ends adjacent one another; an extension positionable in said holes of said first and second members and extending therebetween when said first member is stacked on said second member; and a first coupling member extending through said first member and engaging said extension to secure said first member to said extension and a second coupling member extending through said second member and engaging said extension to secure said second member to said extension.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 91 words

57 . The device of claim 56 , wherein said hole of said second member opens at said second surface and said extension extends therethrough, further comprising: a third member extending between a first end and a second end, said third member including a hole extending therethrough opening at least at said second end, said third member positionable on said second member with said second ends adjacent one another; and a third coupling member extending through said third member and engaging said extension to secure said third member to said extension.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 29 words

58 . The device of claim 56 , wherein said first and second members each include a chamber extending between and opening at said first and second ends thereof.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 68 words

59 . The device of claim 56 , wherein: said first member includes a bore in communication with said hole and opening in a side wall of said first member, said first coupling member positionable in said bore; and said second member includes a bore in communication with said hole and opening in a side wall of said second member, said second coupling member positionable in said bore.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 98 words

60 . A device positionable in a space between vertebrae, comprising: a body having a height between upper and lower ends, said body including a first end wall and a pair of opposite side walls, said first end wall including a convexly curved outer surface, said body further comprising a chamber between said end wall and said opposite side walls, wherein said body includes a second end wall opposite said first end wall extending between said opposite side walls, said second end wall including upper and lower ends recessed below said upper and lower ends of said body.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 98 words

60 . A device positionable in a space between vertebrae, comprising: a body having a height between upper and lower ends, said body including a first end wall and a pair of opposite side walls, said first end wall including a convexly curved outer surface, said body further comprising a chamber between said end wall and said opposite side walls, wherein said body includes a second end wall opposite said first end wall extending between said opposite side walls, said second end wall including upper and lower ends recessed below said upper and lower ends of said body.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 28 words

61 . The device of claim 60 , wherein said first end wall includes a pair of holes extending between and opening at said upper and lower ends.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 33 words

62 . The device of claim 60 , wherein said second end wall includes a second height between said upper and lower ends thereof, said second height being less than said first height.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 18 words

63 . The device of claim 60 , wherein said opposite side walls are parallel to one another.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 42 words

64 . The device of claim 60 , wherein said opposite side walls extend from a first end at said first end wall to an opposite second end, said second wall being offset from said second ends toward said first end wall.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 105 words

65 . A device positionable in a space between vertebrae, comprising: a body having a height between upper and lower ends, said body including a first end wall and a pair of opposite side walls, said first end wall including a convexly curved outer surface and an inner surface, said body further comprising a chamber between said opposite side walls, wherein said chamber is open between said opposite side walls in a direction opposite said first end wall and said first end wall includes a thickness between said inner surface and said outer surface that is greater than a thickness of said opposite side walls.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 105 words

65 . A device positionable in a space between vertebrae, comprising: a body having a height between upper and lower ends, said body including a first end wall and a pair of opposite side walls, said first end wall including a convexly curved outer surface and an inner surface, said body further comprising a chamber between said opposite side walls, wherein said chamber is open between said opposite side walls in a direction opposite said first end wall and said first end wall includes a thickness between said inner surface and said outer surface that is greater than a thickness of said opposite side walls.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 19 words

66 . The device of claim 65 , wherein said first end wall includes a concavely curved inner surface.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 18 words

67 . The device of claim 65 , wherein said first end wall includes a linear inner surface.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 28 words

68 . The device of claim 65 , wherein said first end wall includes a pair of holes extending between and opening at said upper and lower ends.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 42 words

69 . The device of claim 65 , wherein said opposite side walls each extend from a first end at said first end wall to an opposite second end, said opposite second ends of said opposite side walls extending toward one another.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 85 words

70 . A device positionable in a space between vertebrae, comprising: a body having a height between upper and lower ends, said body including a first end wall, a second end wall, and a pair of opposite side walls extending therebetween, said body further comprising a chamber between said first and second end walls and said opposite side walls, said body further comprising including a pair of medial walls between said opposite side walls extending from said second end wall toward said first end wall.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 85 words

70 . A device positionable in a space between vertebrae, comprising: a body having a height between upper and lower ends, said body including a first end wall, a second end wall, and a pair of opposite side walls extending therebetween, said body further comprising a chamber between said first and second end walls and said opposite side walls, said body further comprising including a pair of medial walls between said opposite side walls extending from said second end wall toward said first end wall.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 43 words

71 . The device of claim 70 , wherein said medial walls extend from said second end wall to a third wall adjacent said first end wall, said medial walls and said third wall forming a recess opening through said second end wall.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 22 words

72 . The device of claim 70 , wherein said medial walls extend from said second wall to said first end wall.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 63 words

73 . The device of claim 72 , wherein said chamber comprises: a first portion formed between said first end wall, one of said side walls, one of said medial walls, and said second end wall; and a second portion formed between said first end wall, the other of said side walls, the other of said medial walls, and said second end wall.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 28 words

74 . The device of claim 73 , wherein said first end wall includes a pair of holes extending between and opening at said upper and lower ends.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 26 words

75 . The device of claim 73 , wherein said body forms a recess between said medial walls, said recess opening through said second end wall.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 20 words

76 . The device of claim 75 , wherein said recess includes an enlarged portion adjacent said first end wall.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 85 words

77 . A device positionable in a space between vertebrae, comprising: a body having a height between upper and lower ends, said body including a first end wall, a second end wall, and a pair of opposite side walls extending therebetween, said body further comprising a chamber between said first and second end walls and said opposite side walls, said body further comprising a medial wall between said opposite side walls extending through said chamber from said first end wall to said second end wall.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 85 words

77 . A device positionable in a space between vertebrae, comprising: a body having a height between upper and lower ends, said body including a first end wall, a second end wall, and a pair of opposite side walls extending therebetween, said body further comprising a chamber between said first and second end walls and said opposite side walls, said body further comprising a medial wall between said opposite side walls extending through said chamber from said first end wall to said second end wall.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 28 words

78 . The device of claim 77 , wherein said first end wall includes a pair of holes extending between and opening at said upper and lower ends.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 44 words

79 . The device of claim 77 , wherein said second end wall includes a concavely curved outer surface portion at said medial wall, and linear outer surface portions extending from said concavely outer surface portion to respective ones of said opposite side walls.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 19 words

80 . The device of claim 79 , wherein said first end wall includes a convexly curved outer surface.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 128 words

81 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member extending between a first end and a second end, said first member including a chamber opening at least at said first end, and said second end positionable toward an adjacent vertebra; a second member extending between a first end and a second end, said second member including a chamber opening at least at said first end; and a sleeve extending between said first and second members and positionable in said chambers thereof opening at said first ends, wherein said first and second members are slidable along said sleeve, said sleeve including at least one flexible engaging member thereof for engaging the adjacent first member or second member thereto when said first member is stacked on said second member.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 128 words

81 . A vertebral replacement device, comprising: a first member extending between a first end and a second end, said first member including a chamber opening at least at said first end, and said second end positionable toward an adjacent vertebra; a second member extending between a first end and a second end, said second member including a chamber opening at least at said first end; and a sleeve extending between said first and second members and positionable in said chambers thereof opening at said first ends, wherein said first and second members are slidable along said sleeve, said sleeve including at least one flexible engaging member thereof for engaging the adjacent first member or second member thereto when said first member is stacked on said second member.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 21 words

82 . The device of claim 81 , wherein said sleeve is hollow and opens at each of said ends thereof.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 20 words

83 . The device of claim 81 , wherein said chamber of said first member opens at said second end.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 59 words

84 . The device of claim 81 , wherein said chamber of said second member opens at said first end, said sleeve extends through said second end, and further comprising a third member stackable against said second end of said second member, said sleeve including a flexible engaging member engaging said third member to said first and second members.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 84 words

85 . The device of claim 81 , wherein said chamber of said second member opens at said first end, and further comprising: a third member stackable against said second end of said second member, said third member including a chamber extending between first and second ends thereof; and a second sleeve positionable in said chambers of said second and third members through said second ends thereof, said sleeve including at least one flexible engaging member engaging said third member to said second member.

Vertebral body and disc space replacement devices

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