SPACING DEVICE AND METHOD
A spinal device generally includes a spacing member and a fixing member. The spacing member is configured to maintain a space between adjacent vertebrae. The fixing member is adapted to maintain a position of the spacing member relative to the adjacent vertebrae. In addition, the fixing member includes a bendable portion releasably connected to the spacing member.
1 . A spinal device, comprising:
a spacing member configured to maintain a space between adjacent vertebrae; and
a fixing member adapted to maintain a position of the spacing member relative to the adjacent vertebrae, the fixing member including a bendable portion releasably connected to the spacing member.
2 . The spinal device of claim 1 , wherein the bendable portion is semi-rigid.
3 . The spinal device of claim 1 , wherein spacing member is compressible.
4 . The spinal device of claim 1 , wherein the fixing member includes a plate adapted to be rigidly fixed to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae.
5 . The spinal device of claim 4 , wherein the plate includes a first hole configured to receive a first fastening member.
6 . The spinal device of claim 5 , wherein the plate includes a second hole configured to receive a second fastening member.
7 . The spinal device of claim 6 , wherein at least one of the first and second fastening members is a screw.
8 . The spinal device of claim 1 , wherein the spacing member is at least partially made of a biocompatible material.
9 . The spinal device of claim 1 , wherein the spacing member has an oblong shape.
10 . A spinal device, comprising:
a spacing member adapted to be positioned between adjacent vertebrae, wherein the spacing member is adapted to maintain a space between adjacent vertebrae;
a fixing member releasably connected to the spacing member, the fixing member being adapted to maintain a position of the spacing member relative to the adjacent vertebrae; and
a fastening member configured to attach the fixing member to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae.
11 . The spinal device of claim 10 , wherein the fastening member is a pedicle screw.
12 . The spinal device of claim 10 , wherein the spacing member has an oblong shape.
13 . The spinal device of claim 10 , wherein the fixing member includes a bendable portion releasably coupled to the spacing member and a plate attached to the bendable portion.
14 . The spinal device of claim 13 , wherein the bendable portion is semi-rigid.
15 . The spinal device of claim 13 , wherein the plate includes a hole adapted to receive the fastening member.
16 . The spinal device of claim 13 , wherein the bendable portion has an elongate shape.
17 . The spinal device of claim 13 , wherein the bendable portion has a first section defining a first longitudinal axis and a second section defining a second longitudinal axis, the first longitudinal axis being substantially orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis.
18 . The spinal device of claim 17 , wherein the bendable portion includes a third section defining a third longitudinal axis, wherein the third longitudinal axis is oriented substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
19 . A method of maintaining a space between adjacent vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
providing spacing device including a spacing member configured to maintain a space between adjacent vertebrae;
positioning the spacing member between adjacent vertebrae; and
fixing a position of the spacing member between the adjacent vertebrae.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the step of fixing the position of the spacing member includes rigidly attaching a portion of the spacer device to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae.