SPINAL FIXATION DEVICE AND METHOD
A spinal fixation device is provided. The spinal fixation device includes first and second fixation members. Each of the fixation members include an anchor portion configured for rigid fixation to a vertebral body, an endplate member configured to engage a surface of a vertebral body, and a connecting portion connecting the anchor portion and the endplate member. The spinal fixation device further includes a spacing element configured to be received between the endplate members of the first and second fixation members
1 . A spinal fixation device comprising:
first and second fixation members, each fixation member including:
an anchor portion configured for rigid fixation to a vertebral body,
an endplate member configured to engage a surface of a vertebral body, and
a connecting portion connecting the anchor portion and the endplate member; and
a spacing element configured to be received between the endplate members of the first and second fixation members.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the first fixation member is a mirror image of the second fixation member.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the connecting portions are semi-rigid.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the spacing element is formed from a compressible material.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the connecting portions are substantially “C”-shaped.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the endplate members are substantially disc-shaped.
7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the endplate members include a first surface for engaging a surface of a vertebral body.
8 . The device of claim 7 , wherein the endplate members include a second surface for engaging the spacing element.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the anchor portions are configured for engagement with bone anchoring members.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the anchor portion of the first fixation member is rigidly secured to a first vertebral body.
11 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the anchor portion of the second fixation member is rigidly secured to a second vertebral body.
12 . The device of claim 11 , wherein the endplate members of the first and second fixation members, including the spacing element therebetween, are received within the intervertebral space formed between the first and second vertebrae.
13 . A method of implanting a spinal fixation device, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a spinal fixation device including first and second fixation members, the fixation members including:
an anchor portion configured for rigid fixation to a vertebral body;
an endplate member configured to engage a surface of a vertebral body; and
a connecting portion connecting the anchor portion and the endplate member; and
a spacing element configured to be received between the endplate members of the first and second fixation members;
placing the spacing element between the endplate members of the first and second fixation members;
inserting the first and second fixation members, including the spacing element therebetween, into a vertebral space created between a first and second vertebrae;
securing the anchor portion of the first fixation member to the first vertebra; and
securing the anchor portion of the second fixation member to the second vertebra.
14 . The method of claim 13 , further including the step of removing the facet joint prior to inserting the first and second fixation members into the vertebral space.
15 . The method of claim 13 , further including the step of repeating the steps to implant a second spinal fixation device within the same vertebral space.
16 . The method of claim 13 , further including the step of inserting one or more bone anchoring members into the first and second vertebrae.