Spinal implant with bone screws

• US 6,364,880 B1
• Filed: 05/02/2000
• Issued: 04/02/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Gary K. Michelson
• Inventors: Michelson, Gary Karlin
• Primary Examiner(s): Recla, Henry J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HO, TAN-UYEN THI
• Application Number:
  US09/563,705
• Time in Patent Office: 700 Days
• Field of Search: 606/61, 606/60, 606/72, 623/17, 623/16
• US Class Current: 606/247
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/025 Joint distractors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0642 for bones, e.g. for osteosynthesis or connecting tendon to bone
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1757 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7059 Cortical plates A61B17/7007, A61B17/7058 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/809 with bone-penetrating elements, e.g. blades or prongs bone staples A61B17/0642; intramedullary nails with a plate at an end A61B17/7233
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/86 Pins or screws or threaded wires; nuts therefor A61B17/72 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8665 Nuts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/92 Impactors or extractors, e.g. for removing intramedullary devices insertion or extraction of artificial joints A61F2/4603
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0256 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0641 having at least three legs as part of one single body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0647 having one single leg, e.g. tacks
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0648 threaded, e.g. tacks with a screw thread
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30767 Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30965 Reinforcing the prosthesis by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/442 Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient non-disc-shaped intervertebral inflatable pockets A61F2/441; non-disc-shaped intervertebral fusion implants A61F2/4455
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4455 for the fusion of spinal bodies, e.g. intervertebral fusion of adjacent spinal bodies, e.g. fusion cages intervertebral discs A61F2/442
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/446 having a circular or elliptical cross-section substantially parallel to the axis of the spine, e.g. cylinders or frustocones
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30062 (bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30235 : tubular, e.g. sleeves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30329 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30433 : using additional screws, bolts, dowels, rivets or washers e.g. connecting screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30593 : hollow
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30774 : internally-threaded
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30785 : parallel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30787 : inclined obliquely with respect to each other
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30836 : knurled
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3085 : with a threaded, e.g. self-tapping, bone-engaging surface, e.g. external surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30904 : serrated profile, i.e. saw-toothed
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/448 : comprising multiple adjacent spinal implants within the same intervertebral space or within the same vertebra, e.g. comprising two adjacent spinal implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0004 : bioabsorbable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0041 : using additional screws, bolts, dowels or rivets, e.g. connecting screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 : cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00017 : Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00023 : Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00059 : Chromium or Cr-based alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00796 : Coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of a phosphorus-containing compound, e.g. hydroxy(l)apatite

Abstract

A spinal fixation device for stabilizing one or more segments of the human spine and for preventing the dislodgement of intervertebral spinal fusion implants, which remains permanently fixated once applied. The spinal fixation device of the present invention comprises of a staple member made of material appropriate for human surgical implantation which is of sufficient length to span the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae and to engage, via essentially perpendicular extending projections, the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. A portion of the staple of the spinal fixation device interdigitates with an already implanted intervertebral spinal fusion implant which itself spans the disc space to engage the adjacent vertebrae, and the spinal fixation deice is bound to the spinal fusion implant by a locking means. The spinal fixation device of the present invention is of great utility in restraining the vertebrae adjacent to the spinal fusion implant from moving apart as,the spine is extended and also serves as an anchor for a multi-segmental spinal alignment means for aligning more that one segment of the spine.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an interbody spinal fusion implant for surgical implantation within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a segment of a human spine having a longitudinal axis, said implant comprising upper and lower portions for contacting each of the adjacent vertebral bodies when positioned therein, each of said upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least one opening in each of said upper and lower portions, said implant having an insertion end for entry into the spine, a trailing end opposite said insertion end, and a mid-longitudinal axis passing through said implant from said insertion end to said trailing end; and

two opposed bone screws adapted for placement one each into each of the adjacent vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused and into which said implant is adapted to be positioned, each of said two opposed bone screws having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft, said two opposed bone screws being connected to said implant proximate said trailing end so that a substantial and continuous length of said threaded shaft of each of said two opposed bone screws in a direction from said distal end toward said proximal end of said two opposed bone screws are spaced from said implant, respectively, said mid-longitudinal axis and said proximal ends of said two opposed bone screws being in a plane and when in use the plane being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spine.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said upper and lower portions are arcuate along at least a portion of their length.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said upper and lower portions further comprise a protrusion for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said protrusion is a thread.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said insertion and trailing ends is open for loading bone growth promoting material into said hollow interior.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising an end cap for closing said open end.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hollow interior is a chamber and the bone growth promoting material includes a bone graft.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is configured for implantation across the disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spinal implant includes an artificial material other than bone.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a connector having openings for receiving said bone screws, said trailing end having an aperture for receiving said connector.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said aperture in said trailing end is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spine.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said connector has a shank adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said shank has threads adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bone screws are appropriately sized and configured to function for their intended purpose.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the cervical spine.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the lumbar spine.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the anterior aspect of the spine.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bone screws have a sharp distal end.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bone screws have a head opposite said distal end for engaging a driving instrument.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bone screws having different lengths.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a locking device for locking each of said bone screws into connected position with said implant.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said locking device is a locking screw.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is stronger than bone.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is harder than bone received.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant comprises harvested bone.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is in combination with bone growth promoting material.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone morphagenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.

28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is a source of osteogenesis.

30. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is at least in part bioabsorbable.

31. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant comprises metal.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said metal includes titanium.

33. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant comprises a plastic material.

34. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant comprises a ceramic material.

35. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.

36. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is formed of a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.

37. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant has an interior surface and a hollow defined therein, said hollow being capable of containing bone growth promoting material.

38. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.

39. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one opening is adapted to retain fusion-promoting materials.

40. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said implant is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said implant and said adjacent vertebral bodies.

41. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implant is in combination with harvested bone.

64. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is stronger than bone.

65. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is harder than bone.

66. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said implant comprises harvested bone.

67. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said implant is in combination with bone growth promoting material.

68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.

42. An apparatus comprising:

an interbody spinal fusion implant for surgical implantation within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a segment of the spine having a longitudinal axis, said implant comprising upper and lower portions for contacting each of the adjacent vertebral bodies when positioned therein, each of said upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least one opening in each of said upper and lower portions, said implant having an insertion end for entry into the spine, a trailing end opposite said insertion end, and a mid-longitudinal axis passing through said implant from said insertion end to said trailing end; and

two opposed bone screws adapted for placement one each into each of the adjacent vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused and into which said implant is adapted to be positioned, each of said two opposed bone screws having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft, said two opposed bone screws being attached to said implant proximate said trailing end so that a substantial and continuous length of said threaded shaft of each of said two opposed bone screws in a direction from said distal end toward said proximal end of said two opposed bone screws are spaced from said implant, respectively, said mid-longitudinal axis and said proximal ends of said two opposed bone screws being in a plane and when in use the plane being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spine.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein at least a portion of said upper and lower portions are arcuate along at least a portion of their length.

44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said upper and lower portions further comprise a protrusion for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said protrusion is a thread.

46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein at least one of said insertion and trailing ends is open for loading bone growth promoting material into said hollow interior.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising an end cap for closing said open end.

48. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said hollow interior is a chamber and the bone growth promoting material includes a bone graft.

49. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant is configured for implantation across the disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

50. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said spinal implant includes an artificial material other than bone.

51. The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising a connector having openings for receiving said bone screws, said trailing end having an aperture for receiving said connector.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said aperture in said trailing end is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spine.

53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said connector has a shank adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein said shank has threads adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

55. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said bone screws are appropriately sized and configured to function for their intended purpose.

56. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the cervical spine.

57. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the lumbar spine.

58. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the anterior aspect of the spine.

59. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said bone screws have a sharp distal end.

60. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said bone screws have a head opposite said distal end for engaging a driving instrument.

61. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said bone screws having different lengths.

62. The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising a locking device for locking each of said bone screws into connected position with said implant.

63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said locking device is a locking screw.

69. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.

70. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant is a source of osteogenesis.

71. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant is at least in part bioabsorbable.

72. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant comprises metal.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein said metal includes titanium.

74. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant comprises a plastic material.

75. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant comprises a ceramic material.

76. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.

77. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant is formed of a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.

78. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant has an interior surface and a hollow defined therein, said hollow being capable of containing bone growth promoting material.

79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.

80. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said at least one opening is adapted to retain fusion-promoting materials.

81. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein at least a portion of said implant is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said implant and said adjacent vertebral bodies.

82. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said implant is in combination with harvested bone.

83. An apparatus comprising:

an interbody spinal fusion implant for surgical implantation within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a segment of the spine having a longitudinal axis, said implant comprising upper and lower portions for contacting each of the adjacent vertebral bodies when positioned therein, each of said upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least one opening in each of said upper and lower portions, said implant having an insertion end for entry into the spine, a trailing end opposite said insertion end, and a mid-longitudinal axis passing through said implant from said insertion end to said trailing end; and

two opposed bone screws adapted for placement one each into each of the adjacent vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused and into which said implant is adapted to be positioned, each of said two opposed bone screws having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft, said two opposed bone screws being coupled to said trailing end of said implant so that a substantial and continuous length of said threaded shaft of each of said two opposed bone screws in a direction from said distal end toward said proximal end of said two opposed bone screws are spaced from said implant, respectively, said mid-longitudinal axis and said proximal ends of said two opposed bone screws being in a plane and when in use the plane being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spine.

84. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein at least a portion of said upper and lower portions are arcuate along at least a portion of their length.

85. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said upper and lower portions further comprise a protrusion for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies.

86. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said protrusion is a thread.

87. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein at least one of said insertion and trailing ends is open for loading bone growth promoting material into said hollow interior.

88. The apparatus of claim 87, further comprising an end cap for closing said open end.

89. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said hollow interior is a chamber and the bone growth promoting material includes a bone graft.

90. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is configured for implantation across the disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

91. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said spinal implant includes an artificial material other than bone.

92. The apparatus of claim 83, further comprising a connector having openings for receiving said bone screws, said trailing end having an aperture for receiving said connector.

93. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein said aperture in said trailing end is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spine.

94. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein said connector has a shank adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

95. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein said shank has threads adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

96. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said bone screws are appropriately sized and configured to function for their intended purpose.

97. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the cervical spine.

98. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the lumbar spine.

99. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the anterior aspect of the spine.

100. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said bone screws have a sharp distal end.

101. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said bone screws have a head opposite said distal end for engaging a driving instrument.

102. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said bone screws having different lengths.

103. The apparatus of claim 83, further comprising a locking device for locking each of said bone screws into connected position with said implant.

104. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein said locking device is a locking screw.

105. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is stronger than bone.

106. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is harder than bone.

107. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant comprises harvested bone.

108. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is in combination with bone growth promoting material.

109. The apparatus of claim 108, wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.

110. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.

111. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is a source of osteogenesis.

112. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is at least in part bioabsorbable.

113. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant comprises metal.

114. The apparatus of claim 113, wherein said metal includes titanium.

115. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant comprises a plastic material.

116. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant comprises a ceramic material.

117. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.

118. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is formed of a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.

119. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant has an interior surface and a hollow defined therein, said hollow being capable of containing bone growth promoting material.

120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.

121. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said at least one opening is adapted to retain fusion-promoting materials.

122. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein at least a portion of said implant is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said implant and said adjacent vertebral bodies.

123. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said implant is in combination with harvested bone.

124. An apparatus comprising:

an interbody spinal fusion implant for surgical implantation within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a segment of the spine having a longitudinal axis, said implant comprising upper and lower portions for contacting each of the adjacent vertebral bodies when positioned therein, each of said upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least one opening in each of said upper and lower portions, said implant having an insertion end for entry into the spine, a trailing end opposite said insertion end, and a mid-longitudinal axis passing through said implant from said insertion end to said trailing end; and

two opposed bone screws adapted for placement one each into each of the adjacent vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused and into which said implant is adapted to be positioned, each of said two opposed bone screws having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft, said two opposed bone screws being linked to said trailing end of said implant so that a substantial and continuous length of said threaded shaft of each of said two opposed bone screws in a direction from said distal end toward said proximal end of said two opposed bone screws are spaced from said implant, respectively, said mid-longitudinal axis and said proximal ends of said two opposed bone screws being in a plane and when in use the plane being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spine.

125. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein at least a portion of said upper and lower portions are arcuate along at least a portion of their length.

126. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said upper and lower portions further comprise a protrusion for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies.

127. The apparatus of claim 126, wherein said protrusion is a thread.

128. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein at least one of said insertion and trailing ends is open for loading bone growth promoting material into said hollow interior.

129. The apparatus of claim 128, further comprising an end cap for closing said open end.

130. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said hollow interior is a chamber and the bone growth promoting material includes a bone graft.

131. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is configured for implantation across the disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

132. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said spinal implant includes an artificial material other than bone.

133. The apparatus of claim 124, further comprising a connector having openings for receiving said bone screws, said trailing end having an aperture for receiving said connector.

134. The apparatus of claim 133, wherein said aperture in said trailing end is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spine.

135. The apparatus of claim 133, wherein said connector has a shank adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

136. The apparatus of claim 135, wherein said shank has threads adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

137. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said bone screws are appropriately sized and configured to function for their intended purpose.

138. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the cervical spine.

139. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the lumbar spine.

140. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the anterior aspect of the spine.

141. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said bone screws have a sharp distal end.

142. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said bone screws have a head opposite said distal end for engaging a driving instrument.

143. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said bone screws having different lengths.

144. The apparatus of claim 124, further comprising a locking device for locking each of said bone screws into connected position with said implant.

145. The apparatus of claim 144, wherein said locking device is a locking screw.

146. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is stronger than bone.

147. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is harder than bone.

148. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant comprises harvested bone.

149. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is in combination with bone growth promoting material.

150. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.

151. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.

152. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is a source of osteogenesis.

153. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is at least in part bioabsorbable.

154. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant comprises metal.

155. The apparatus of claim 154, wherein said metal includes titanium.

156. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant comprises a plastic material.

157. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant comprises a ceramic material.

158. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.

159. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is formed of a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.

160. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant has an interior surface and a hollow defined therein, said hollow being capable of containing bone growth promoting material.

161. The apparatus of claim 160, wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of bone morphogenetic protein, hydroxyapatite, and genes coding for the production of bone.

162. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said at least one opening is a adapted to retain fusion-promoting materials.

163. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein at least a portion of said implant is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said implant and said adjacent vertebral bodies.

164. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said implant is in combination with harvested bone.

165. An apparatus comprising

an interbody spinal fusion implant for surgical implantation within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a segment of a human spine, said implant comprising upper and lower portions for contacting each of the adjacent vertebral bodies when positioned therein, each of said upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said openings of said upper and lower portions being in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant, a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least one opening in each of said upper and lower portions, said implant having an insertion end for entry into the spine and a trailing end opposite said insertion end, said hollow interior containing bone morphogenetic protein for promoting bone growth;

and

bone screws adapted for placement into each of the adjacent vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused and into which said implant is adapted to be positioned, said bone screws being connected to said implant proximate said trailing end.

166. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein at least a portion of said upper and lower portions are arcuate along at least a portion of their length.

167. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said upper and lower portions further comprise a protrusion for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies.

168. The apparatus of claim 167, wherein said protrusion is a thread.

169. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein at least one of said insertion and trailing ends is open for loading bone growth promoting material into said hollow interior.

170. The apparatus of claim 169, further comprising an end cap for closing said open end.

171. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said hollow interior is a chamber and the bone growth promoting material includes a bone graft.

172. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is configured for implantation across the disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

173. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said spinal implant includes an artificial material other than bone.

174. The apparatus of claim 165, further comprising a connector having openings for receiving said bone screws, said trailing end having an aperture for receiving said connector.

175. The apparatus of claim 174, wherein said aperture in said trailing end is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spine.

176. The apparatus of claim 174, wherein said connector has a shank adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

177. The apparatus of claim 176, wherein said shank has threads adapted to cooperatively engage said aperture.

178. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said bone screws are appropriately sized and configured to function for their intended purpose.

179. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the cervical spine.

180. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the lumbar spine.

181. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said bone screws are sized and configured for use in the anterior aspect of the spine.

182. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said bone screws have a sharp distal end.

183. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said bone screws have a head opposite said distal end for engaging a driving instrument.

184. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said bone screws having different lengths.

185. The apparatus of claim 165, further comprising a locking device for locking each of said bone screws into connected position with said implant.

186. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said locking device is a locking screw.

187. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is stronger than bone.

188. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is made of an artificial material that is harder than bone.

189. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant comprises harvested bone.

190. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is in combination with bone growth promoting material.

191. The apparatus of claim 190, wherein said bone growth promoting material is selected from one of hydroxyapatite and genes coding for the production of bone.

192. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is treated with a bone growth promoting substance.

193. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is a source of osteogenesis.

194. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is at least in part bioabsorbable.

195. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant comprises metal.

196. The apparatus of claim 195, wherein said metal includes titanium.

197. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant comprises a plastic material.

198. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant comprises a ceramic material.

199. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is formed of a porous material.

200. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is formed of a material that intrinsically participates in the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant.

201. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said at least one opening is adapted to retain fusion-promoting materials.

202. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein at least a portion of said implant is treated to promote bone ingrowth between said implant and said adjacent vertebral bodies.

203. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said implant is in combination with harvested bone.