Stabilizer for assisting stabilization of a spinal implant and method of using the stabilizer

1 ) A stabilizer for assisting stabilization of a spinal implant; said stabilizer comprising:

a) a polygonal body comprising:

i) a perimeter distal from said spinal implant enclosing an opening of said polygonal body;

ii) posterior and lateral walls extending from said perimeter toward said spinal implant, wherein said posterior and lateral walls are of approximately identical length; and

iii) an anterior wall comprising a first section extending from said perimeter toward said spinal implant and a second section extending from said perimeter away from said spinal implant, wherein:

A) said first section is of lesser length than said posterior and lateral walls, thereby creating a socket for fitting about a lengthwise end of said spinal implant; and

B) said second section comprises a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners;

b) a cover attachable to said second section capable of:

i) blocking fastener egress from a majority of said plurality of apertures; and

ii) blocking egress of said spinal implant from said socket; and

c) one or more fasteners for securing said cover to said second section.

2 ) The invention of claim 1 , wherein said polygonal body further comprises a closed end.

3 ) The invention of claim 1 , wherein combination of said perimeter and said walls of said polygonal body creates a polygonal body that is generally rectangular.

4 ) The invention of claim 3 , wherein said polygonal body further comprises an amorphous segment.

5 ) The invention of claim 1 , wherein combination of said perimeter and said walls of said polygonal body creates a polygonal body that is generally trapezoidal.

6 ) The invention of claim 5 , wherein said polygonal body further comprises an amorphous segment.

7 ) The invention of claim 1 , wherein combination of said perimeter and said walls of said polygonal body creates a polygonal body that is generally hexagonal.

8 ) The invention of claim 7 , wherein said polygonal body further comprises an amorphous segment.

9 ) A stabilizer for assisting stabilization of a spinal implant; said stabilizer comprising:

a) a cylindrical or an elliptic cylindrical wall encircling a lumen;

b) an opening at each lengthwise end of said wall;

c) a rim distal from said spinal implant;

d) a gap in said wall at an end of said wall opposite said distal rim creating a socket for fitting about said lengthwise end of said spinal implant;

e) an extension proximate said gap and extending beyond said distal rim in a direction away from said spinal implant; said extension comprising a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners;

f) a cover, including a plurality of apertures, attachable to said extension and capable of:

i) blocking fastener egress from a majority of said plurality of apertures; and

ii) blocking egress of said spinal implant from said socket; and

g) one or more fasteners for securing said cover to said second section.

10 ) The invention of claim 9 , wherein said cylindrical or said elliptic cylindrical wall further comprises a closed end.

11 ) The invention of claim 10 , wherein said wall further comprises an amorphous segment.

12 ) A socket for assisting stabilization of a spinal implant; said socket comprising:

a) a polygonal, cylindrical or elliptic cylindrical body surrounding a cavity; said body comprising:

i) a first end for coupling with an end of said spinal implant, wherein said first end further comprises a gap for receiving said coupling end of said spinal implant into said cavity of said socket;

ii) a second end opposite said first end; and

iii) an extension extending beyond said second end, wherein said extension comprises a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners; and

b) a cover attachable to said extension capable of:

i) blocking fastener egress from a majority of said plurality of apertures; and

ii) blocking egress of said spinal implant from said socket.

13 ) The invention of claim 12 further comprising one or more fasteners.

14 ) The invention of claim 13 , wherein said polygonal, cylindrical or elliptic cylindrical body comprises an amorphous segment.

15 ) The invention of claim 14 , wherein said second end is closed.

16 ) A method of assisting with stabilization of a spinal implant comprising the steps of:

a) providing a socket for receiving a coupling end of said spinal implant, wherein said socket comprises:

i) a polygonal, cylindrical or elliptic cylindrical body surrounding a cavity;

ii) a first end comprising a gap for receiving said coupling end;

iii) a second end opposite said first end; and

iv) an extension extending beyond said second end, wherein said extension comprises a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners;

b) anchoring said socket to bone; and

c) attaching a cover to said extension, wherein after attachment to said extension, said cover is capable of:

i) blocking fastener egress from a majority of said plurality of apertures; and

ii) blocking egress of said spinal implant from said socket.

17 ) The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of using fasteners to attach said cover to said extension.

18 ) The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of enclosing an end of said socket.

19 ) The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of altering said body to include an amorphous segment.

20 ) The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of enclosing an end of said socket.