I-BEAM SPACER
An I-beam spacer for intervertebral fusion comprises a first flange and a second flange. The first and second flanges are spaced apart from one another and have planar structures. In addition, the first and second flanges include a first outer surface and a second outer surface transverse to the support member. The first and second outer surfaces face away from each other. Also, the first and the second flanges have a first inner surface and a second inner surface transverse to the support member, wherein the first and second inner surface face toward each other. A support member is positioned between the first flange and the second flange. The support member is transverse to the first flange and the second flange. A space is formed between the first flange and the second flange. This space is adapted to receive a bone support matrix.
1 . An I-beam spacer for intervertebral fusion, comprising:
a first flange including a first outer surface and a first inner surface;
a second flange including a second outer surface and a second inner surface, the second outer surface having a second central opening, wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface face away from each other and the first inner surface and the second outer surface face toward each other;
a support member interconnecting the first and second flanges, the support member positioned transversely with respect to the first and second flanges; and
wherein the first flange, the second flange, and the support member are integrally formed with one another.
2 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , wherein the first and second flanges have substantially circular shapes.
3 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , wherein the first and second outer surfaces include a plurality of projections protruding outwardly therefrom.
4 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , wherein the second flange includes an arc-shaped opening following a curvature of the second flange.
5 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , wherein the support member has a circular cross-section along a portion of a length thereof.
6 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , wherein the support member has opening extending across a width thereof.
7 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , wherein the first outer surface includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion defining a proximal angle relative to the first inner surface.
8 . The I-beam spacer of claim 7 , wherein the distal portion of the first outer surface defines a distal angle relative to the first inner surface.
9 . The I-beam spacer of claim 8 , wherein the proximal and distal portions of the first outer surface meet at an apex.
10 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , wherein the first outer surface includes a plurality of holes extending along a length thereof.
11 . The I-beam spacer of claim 10 , wherein the holes are disposed in a linear arrangement.
12 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , wherein the support member includes a tapered distal end.
13 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , further comprising a convex structure positioned at a distal end of the I-beam spacer.
14 . The I-beam spacer of claim 1 , wherein the I-beam spacer has a curved profile.
15 . An intervertebral fusion kit, comprising:
an I-beam spacer, which includes:
a first flange including a first outer surface and a first inner surface;
a second flange including a second outer surface and a second inner surface, wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface face away from each other and the first inner surface and the second outer surface face toward each other;
a support member interconnecting the first and second flanges, the support member positioned transversely with respect to the first and second flanges; and
wherein the first flange, the second flange, and the support member are integrally formed with one another; and
a driver having a holding member at a distal end thereof, the holding member being adapted to hold the I-beam spacer.
16 . A method for conducting intervertebral fusion, comprising:
providing an I-beam spacer for intervertebral fusion, which includes:
a first flange including a first outer surface and a first inner surface;
a second flange including a second outer surface and a second inner surface, the second outer surface having a second central opening, wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface face away from each other and the first inner surface and the second outer surface face toward each other;
a support member interconnecting the first and second flanges, the support member positioned transversely with respect to the first and second flanges; and
wherein the first flange, the second flange, and the support member are integrally formed with one another;
making a recess between intervertebral bodies;
positioning the I-beam spacer in the recess; and
packing the recess with bone support matrix.