US6447544B1 — Lordotic interbody spinal fusion implants

Claim 1

Independent Claim 241 words

An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within an implantation space formed across the height of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect therebetween, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, a mid-longitudinal axis, and a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, a height between said top and said bottom, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship to each other along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, said top and said bottom each having an interior surface oriented toward one another, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings; and opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, a width between said opposite sides, and a maximum width of said implant being larger than a maximum height of said implant.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 241 words

An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within an implantation space formed across the height of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect therebetween, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, a mid-longitudinal axis, and a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, a height between said top and said bottom, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship to each other along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, said top and said bottom each having an interior surface oriented toward one another, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings; and opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, a width between said opposite sides, and a maximum width of said implant being larger than a maximum height of said implant.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 18 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant includes an access opening for accessing said hollow interior.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 18 words

The implant of claim 2 , wherein said access opening is larger than the largest of said openings.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 2 , wherein said access opening is configured to permit insertion of osteogenic material into said hollow interior.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 4 , wherein said osteogenic material includes a fusion promoting material.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 4 , wherein said osteogenic material is bone.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 4 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 2 further comprising a cover for closing said access opening.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 8 , wherein said cover cooperatively engages said access opening.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 13 words

The implant of claim 9 , wherein said cover comprises a slidable door.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top and said bottom further comprise it least a second opening.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said openings are approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said openings is macroscopic in size.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 225 words

An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within an implantation space formed across the height of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect therebetween, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, a mid-longitudinal axis, and a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to be placed within the disc space to contact and support space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, a height between said top and said bottom, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication With one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship to each other along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, said top and said bottom each having an interior surface oriented toward one another, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings, and wherein at least one of said openings is microscopic in size.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 225 words

An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within an implantation space formed across the height of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect therebetween, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, a mid-longitudinal axis, and a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to be placed within the disc space to contact and support space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, a height between said top and said bottom, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication With one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship to each other along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, said top and said bottom each having an interior surface oriented toward one another, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings, and wherein at least one of said openings is microscopic in size.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 28 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one opening in said top and at least one opening in said bottom form a channel through said implant.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end includes at least one perforation.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 1 having a plurality of openings capable of retaining fusion promoting material.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said sides have at least one aperture.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said at least one aperture is sized in the range of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 18 , wherein said at least one aperture is in communication with said openings in said top and said bottom.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 26 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein the junctions of said sides and at least one of said trailing end and said leading end are rounded.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said sides are generally parallel to one another.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said sides are generally flat.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 11 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said sides are curved.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein the shape of said sides is generally trapezoidal.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is configured to generally taper from said trailing end to said leading end.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 27 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein each of said top and bottom have a length greater than the depth of said implant along the mid-longitudinal axis.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is a wedge.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a width that is approximately 32 mm for use in the lumbar spine.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 28 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a width in the range of approximately 28 mm to 48 mm for use in the lumbar spine.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 28 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a generally rectangular cross section transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of its depth.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said leading end is at least in part curved.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 29 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said leading end is tapered for facilitating insertion of said implant between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said leading end is curved.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 34 , wherein said leading end generally conforms to the disc space proximate the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said leading end is convex.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end is curved.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end is convex.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 30 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein the maximum depth of said implant is less than the posterior to anterior depth of the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is adapted for insertion from the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of the disc with a single implant.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 45 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has substantially the same shape as a space created by the removal of at least a substantial portion of the nucleus pulposus and a portion of the annulus fibrosus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 33 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a height substantially equal to the height of the space created by the removal of disc material from between the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 47 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has substantially the same height, width and depth as a space created by the removal of at least generally the nucleus pulposus and at least a portion of the annulus fibrosus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 49 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant dimensionally corresponds to the space created by the removal of at least generally all of the nucleus pulposus and a portion of the annulus fibrosus when said adjacent vertebral bodies are distracted and placed in angular relationship to each other.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 29 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein the depth of said implant is in the range of approximately 11 mm to 21 mm for use in the cervical spine.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 29 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein the width of said implant is in the range of approximately 14 mm to 28 mm for use in the cervical spine.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 55 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has the maximum height in the range of approximately 5 mm to 10 mm, the maximum width in the range of approximately 14 mm to 28 mm, and a depth in the range of approximately 11 mm to 21 mm for use in the cervical spine.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 28 words

The implant of claim 1 for use in the lumbar spine, wherein the depth of aid implant is in the range of approximately 20 mm to 34 mm.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 54 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has the maximum height in the range of approximately 8 mm to 16 mm, the maximum width in the range of approximately 28 mm to 48 mm, and depth in the range of approximately 20 mm to 34 mm for use in the lumbar spine.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 37 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein the depth of said implant is substantially the same as the depth of a space created by the removal of the nucleus pulposus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 37 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein the width of said implant is substantially equal to the transverse width of a space created by the removal of the nucleus pulposus from between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 32 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top has a fixed shape which is generally configured to match the contours of the endplate of one of the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 33 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said bottom has a fixed shape which is generally configured to match the natural contours of the endplate of one of the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 33 words

The implant of claim 1 , further comprising at least one protrusion extending from said top and said bottom for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies to maintain said implant within the disc space.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 55 , wherein said protrusion comprises a ridge.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 32 words

The implant of claim 55 , wherein said protrusion comprises a plurality of ridges facing the same direction to prevent expulsion of said implant in a direction opposite to said same direction.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 55 , wherein said protrusion comprises a tooth.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 55 , wherein said protrusion comprises a ratchet.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 32 words

The implant of claim 59 , wherein said protrusion comprises a plurality of ratchets facing the same direction to prevent expulsion of said implant in a direction opposite to said same direction.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 40 words

The implant of claim 1 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 61 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 61 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 61 , wherein said irregular surface includes at least one spike.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 42 words

The implant of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 32 words

The implant of claim 65 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 29 words

The implant of claim 65 , herein a height of each roughening measured from the mid-longitudinal axis of the implant decreases from said trailing end to said leading end.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 65 , wherein said surface roughenings comprise at least one groove.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said top and said bottom have a bone ingrowth surface.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 20 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has an exterior surface that is at least in part porous.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant comprises a mesh-like material having a plurality of interstices for receiving fusion promoting material.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 11 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is porous.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 259 words

An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within an implantation space formed across the height of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect therebetween, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, a mid-longitudinal axis, and a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, a height between said top and said bottom, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship to each other along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, said top and said bottom each having an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings; opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, a width between said opposite sides, and a maximum width of said implant being larger than a maximum height of said implant; and an exterior surface, at least a portion of which is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said surface and a vertebral body.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 259 words

An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within an implantation space formed across the height of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect therebetween, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, a mid-longitudinal axis, and a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to space apart the adjacent vertebral bodies, a height between said top and said bottom, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship to each other along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, said top and said bottom each having an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings; opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends, a width between said opposite sides, and a maximum width of said implant being larger than a maximum height of said implant; and an exterior surface, at least a portion of which is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said surface and a vertebral body.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 24 words

The implant of claim 1 , in combination with a fusion promoting material other than bone at least in part within said hollow interior.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material other than bone.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 33 words

The implant of claim 1 , further comprising a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to the other of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is treated with a fusion promoting substance.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 14 words

The implant of claim 77 , wherein said fusion promoting substance is autogenous bone.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 13 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is stronger than bone.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 1 , further in combination with an osteogenic material at least in part within said hollow interior.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 80 , wherein said osteogenic material is a material other than bone.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 27 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant comprises a bone ingrowth material for promoting bone ingrowth between said implant and said two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 17 words

The spinal fusion implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is at least in part bioresorbable.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 19 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is adapted to be centrally placed within the disc space.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 40 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said leading and trailing ends of said implant is configured to engage a driving instrument for implanting said implant within the disc space between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 1 , further comprising an expander moving said top and bottom apart in said diverging angular relationship.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 18 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said trailing end has a height greater than said leading end.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 18 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said top and bottom is substantially flat.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 40 words

The implant of claim 88 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 89 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 89 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 42 words

The implant of claim 88 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 32 words

The implant of claim 92 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 18 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said top and bottom is generally planar.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 40 words

The implant of claim 94 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 95 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 95 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 42 words

The implant of claim 94 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 32 words

The implant of claim 98 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein each of said top and bottom are substantially flat.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 40 words

The implant of claim 100 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 101 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 101 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 42 words

The implant of claim 100 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 32 words

The implant of claim 104 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 16 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein each of said top and bottom are generally planar.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 40 words

The implant of claim 106 , further comprising an irregular surface for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said irregular surface being present on at least a part of said top and said bottom.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 15 words

The implant of claim 107 , wherein said irregular surface comprises at least one groove.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 12 words

The implant of claim 107 , wherein said irregular surface includes knurling.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 42 words

The implant of claim 106 , further comprising a plurality of surface roughenings for engaging said adjacent vertebral bodies and for maintaining said implant in place, said surface roughenings being present on at least a portion of said top and said bottom.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 32 words

The implant of claim 110 , wherein said roughenings cover substantially the entire top and bottom of said implant, said roughenings being generally tapered from said trailing end to said leading end.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 28 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant has a generally quadrilateral cross section transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis along at least a portion of its depth.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant of claim 1 , wherein said implant is sized to replace a substantial portion of the disc with a single implant.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant of claim 1 , in combination with a fusion promoting substance at least in part within said hollow interior.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 27 words

The spinal fusion implant of claim 114 , wherein said fusion promoting substance includes at least one of bone, bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 247 words

An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, a mid-longitudinal axis, and a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to be placed within the disc space to contact and support the adjacent vertebral bodies, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship to each other along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, each of said top and said bottom having an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings; opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends; an access opening for accessing said hollow interior; and a cover for closing said access opening, said cover cooperatively engaging said access opening, said cover including a surface deviation to facilitate opening and closing of said access opening with said cover.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 247 words

An artificial interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion within a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine, the vertebral bodies having an anterior aspect and a posterior aspect, said implant comprising: a leading end for insertion first into the disc space and a trailing end opposite said leading end, a mid-longitudinal axis, and a depth along said mid-longitudinal axis; a top and a bottom between said leading and trailing ends adapted to be placed within the disc space to contact and support the adjacent vertebral bodies, said top and said bottom having at least one opening therethrough, said openings being in communication with one another to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, said top and said bottom being in an angular relationship to each other along at least a portion of the depth of said implant sufficient to maintain the adjacent vertebral bodies in an angular relationship to each other, each of said top and said bottom having an interior surface, said interior surfaces being spaced apart to define a hollow interior in communication with said openings; opposite sides between said top and said bottom, and between said leading and trailing ends; an access opening for accessing said hollow interior; and a cover for closing said access opening, said cover cooperatively engaging said access opening, said cover including a surface deviation to facilitate opening and closing of said access opening with said cover.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2005-09-09	2006-03-11	2006-09-10	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2009-09-09	2010-03-11	2010-09-10	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2013-09-09	2014-03-11	2014-09-10	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Lordotic interbody spinal fusion implants

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