Inventors:
Herbert S. Schwartz - Nashville TN
David K. Deboer - Nashville TN
John M. Dawson - Nashville TN
Assignee:
Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN
International Classification:
A61F 244
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a system and implant designed for use in short segment anterior fusion of a patient's spine after the removal of a diseased or injured anterior vertebral body. The system includes the placement of the cylinder of the implant in an intraosseous location for added safety, and for the placement of the cylinder of the implant in the middle column area of the adjacent healthy vertebral bodies for increased biomechanical strength. The system further includes transverse fixation of the cylinder of the implant, thus adding medial-lateral and rotational support to the system. Finally, the system utilizes the concept of modularity, wherein intraoperative exchangeable parts are available to better fit the patient.