Limited profile intervertebral implant with incorporated fastening and locking mechanism
In some embodiments, an intervertebral implant may include a body including a superior and an inferior surface. The implant may include a first channel extending from an anterior end towards the posterior end of the body. The implant may include a first anchor channel. The implant may include a first guide member positionable in the first channel. The implant may include a first anchor. When the first guide member moves from a first position to a second position the first anchor may be conveyed through the first anchor channel and couple the body to an adjacent vertebra. In some embodiments, the implant may include a first locking mechanism which inhibits, during use, the first guide member from moving from the second position to the first position upon activation of the first locking mechanism.
1. A method of implanting an intervertebral implant within an intervertebral space between endplates of adjacent vertebra, comprising:
implanting an intervertebral implant between an upper adjacent vertebra and a lower adjacent vertebra such that a superior surface of a body of the intervertebral implant contacts an endplate of the upper adjacent vertebra and an inferior surface of the body contacts an endplate of the lower adjacent vertebra;
conveying a first guide member through a first channel from a first position, a first end of the first guide member extending from an anterior end of the body, to a second position, the first end of the first guide member substantially flush with the anterior end of the body, during use;
conveying a first anchor through a first anchor channel when the first guide member moves from the first position to the second position, wherein a first end of the first anchor channel is coupled to the first channel adjacent the anterior end and a second end of the first anchor channel extends through the superior and/or the inferior face of the body;
coupling the body to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae using the first anchor;
inhibiting the first guide member from moving from the second position to the first position upon activation of a locking mechanism; and
biasing a locking member of the locking mechanism in a locked position using a resilient member of the locking mechanism.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
engaging a first feature using an engager of a second member coupled towards a distal end of the first guide member; and
inhibiting movement of the first guide member in the first channel using the engaged engager.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
engaging a first feature using an engager of a second member coupled towards a distal end of the first guide member;
inhibiting movement of the first guide member in the first channel from the second position to the first position using the engaged engager; and
interacting a stop with a second feature such that movement of the first guide member is inhibited in the first channel from the first position to the second position, wherein the stop is positioned towards a distal end of the first guide member and proximal to the second member.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the first and/or second feature comprises an elongated member positioned at least partially in the first channel.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising coupling an insertion instrument to an opening in the anterior end of the body.
6. A method of implanting an intervertebral implant within an intervertebral space between endplates of adjacent vertebra, comprising:
implanting an intervertebral implant between an upper adjacent vertebra and a lower adjacent vertebra such that a superior surface of a body of the intervertebral implant contacts an endplate of the upper adjacent vertebra and an inferior surface of the body contacts an endplate of the lower adjacent vertebra;
conveying a first guide member through a first channel from a first position, a first end of the first guide member extending from an anterior end of the body, to a second position, the first end of the first guide member substantially flush with the anterior end of the body, during use;
conveying a first anchor through a first anchor channel when the first guide member moves from the first position to the second position, wherein a first end of the first anchor channel is coupled to the first channel adjacent the anterior end and a second end of the first anchor channel extends through the superior and/or the inferior face of the body;
coupling the body to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae using the first anchor;
inhibiting the first guide member from moving from the second position to the first position upon activation of a locking mechanism; and
coupling an insertion instrument to an opening in the anterior end of the body.