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Implantable vertebral frame systems and related methods for spinal repair

  • US 8,425,569 B2
  • Filed: 05/19/2010
  • Issued: 04/23/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of fusing two or more adjacent vertebral bodies in a portion of a spinal column, the method comprising:

  • inserting an interbody repair implant into an intervertebral space;

    securing an implantable vertebral fixation frame to the adjacent vertebral bodies over the implant such that a desired spatial relationship between the vertebrae is maintained, the fixation frame having an internal aperture there-through for providing visual access to at least a portion of the interbody repair implant intra-operatively and post-operatively, the aperture sized to have a smaller medio-lateral width than that of the interbody repair implant;

    visualizing the interbody repair implant through the aperture intra-operatively or post-operatively;

    installing a retention member to the frame to cover at least a portion of the aperture;

    after the installing step, moving a locking portion of the retention member from an unlocked position to a locked position to prevent the retention member from being separated from the frame, wherein the locking portion comprises at least one section that contacts a posterior side of the frame when the locking portion is in the locked position; and

    wherein the step of moving a locking portion of the retention member comprises rotating an elongated locking arm that is elongated along a first axis around a second axis transverse to the first axis.

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