INTERLOCKING INTERVERTEBRAL SPACER AND METHOD
A surgical implant particularly for use in spinal surgery. The implant has a pair of integral locking structures extending from opposite sides thereof for receipt in channels machined into orthopedic components like adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has a main body containing channel portions forming communication between the adjacent bones and a space between the adjacent bones permitting bone growth into the space through the implant.
1 . A surgical implant for bridging between two adjacent bones each having an attachment second channel formed therein, the implant comprising;
a main body containing first channel structure forming communications between adjacent bones in a space between the bones when the implant is installed in a patient said main body having a pair of opposite facing shoulders adapted to engage adjacent bones when the implant is installed; and
a pair of locking structures each extending from a respective said shoulder adapted to be received in a second channel formed in a respective bone.
2 . The implant as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of said locking structures having a first portion shaped to form a mechanical interlock with a bone in which it is installed.
3 . The implant as set forth in claim 2 wherein at least one of said locking structures being generally Y shaped.
4 . The implant of claim 2 wherein said pair of locking structures both being shaped to form a mechanical interlock with a bone in which it is installed.
5 . The implant of claim 1 wherein said first channel structure having portions opening onto said oppositely facing shoulders.
6 . The implant of claim 5 wherein said first channel structure having portions opening onto portions of said locking structures.
7 . The implant of claim 6 wherein said main body having side panels each extending between a pair of respective said shoulders, said first channel structure having portions opening onto said side portions.
8 . The implant of claim 1 wherein at least one said locking structure including a flange extending from a respective pair of said shoulders for receipt in a respective said second channel.
9 . The implant of claim 1 including a coupler device associated with said main body.
10 . An orthopedic surgical method including:
forming second channels in adjacent bones in a patient;
placing an implant having a main body containing a first channel structure forming bone growth communication between adjacent bones in a space between the bones, said main body having a pair of opposite facing shoulders engaging said adjacent bones; and
positioning a pair of locking structures of said implant each into a respective said second channel.
11 . The method as set forth in claim 10 wherein at least one of said locking structures having a first portion forming a mechanical interlock with the bone in which it is installed.
12 . The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said pair of locking structures each having a first portion forming a mechanical interlock with the bone in which it is installed.
13 . The method as set forth in claim 10 wherein the adjacent bones have a space therebetween and said first channel structure having portions forming communication with said space.
14 . The method as set forth in claim 10 including inserting bone graft material in said first channel structure.