US6136001A — Apparatus and method for linking spinal implants

Claim 1

Independent Claim 167 words

A multi-segmental spinal alignment apparatus for linking segments of the spine, comprising: a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a first disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the first disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height for the disc space, said first spinal implant having an end configured to receive a connector; a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a second disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in another segment of the spine, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the second disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height for the disc space; and a connector attached to said first and second spinal implants for connecting said first and second spinal implants.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 167 words

A multi-segmental spinal alignment apparatus for linking segments of the spine, comprising: a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a first disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the first disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height for the disc space, said first spinal implant having an end configured to receive a connector; a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a second disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in another segment of the spine, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the second disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height for the disc space; and a connector attached to said first and second spinal implants for connecting said first and second spinal implants.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second spinal implant has an end portion configured to receive said connector.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of said end portions has an aperture for receiving said connector.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said apertures are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the spine.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said end portions are detachable.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said end portions is a coupler.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of said couplers are detachable.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of said couplers includes an aperture generally along the longitudinal axis of the spine for receiving said connector.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of said couplers has a head and a shank, said head having an aperture for receiving the connector.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each of said first and second implants has an aperture for receiving said shanks.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said shanks and said apertures have cooperating threads.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 50 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second implants include upper and lower portions with at least one opening in each of said upper and lower portions for permitting bone growth from one of the adjacent vertebrae through said spinal implant to the other of the adjacent vertebrae.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 43 words

The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a hollow interior within each of said first and second implants for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least one opening in each of said upper an lower portions.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second implants include upper and lower portions that are arcuate.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second implants further comprise a protrusion for engaging the adjacent vertebrae.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 11 words

The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said protrusion is a thread.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said connector is selected from one of a rod, a cable, a plate, and a bar.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting the length of said connector between said first and second spinal implants for aligning segments of the spine.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said length adjusting means includes a threaded member on said connector for varying the length of said connector between said first and second spinal implants.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a means for locking said length adjusting means at a selected length.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 48 words

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in the first disc space, a fourth spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in the second disc space, and a second connector attached to both of said third and fourth implants.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said first and second connectors are adapted to be placed on one side of the spine.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said first and second connectors are adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the spine.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said first and second connectors are selected from one of a rod, a cable, a plate, and a bar.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second spinal implants include an artificial material other than bone.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said implants are configured for implantation across a disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 198 words

A multi-segmental spinal alignment apparatus for linking multiple implants surgically implanted in the human spine, comprising: a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted within a first location of the spine; a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted within a second location of the spine, each of said first and second spinal implants having opposed arcuate portions over at least a portion of their length and at least one opening in each of said opposed arcuate portions along the length of said implants for permitting growth of bone into and through said implants, said implants having a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior of each of said implants being in communication with at least one opening in each of said opposed arcuate portions; and a protrusion extending from the exterior of each of said implants for engaging bone in the spine; and a connector having a width and a length, said connector being attached along its length to each of said implants for connecting said implants together, each of said implants having a width greater than said width of said connector measured transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spine.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 198 words

A multi-segmental spinal alignment apparatus for linking multiple implants surgically implanted in the human spine, comprising: a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted within a first location of the spine; a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted within a second location of the spine, each of said first and second spinal implants having opposed arcuate portions over at least a portion of their length and at least one opening in each of said opposed arcuate portions along the length of said implants for permitting growth of bone into and through said implants, said implants having a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior of each of said implants being in communication with at least one opening in each of said opposed arcuate portions; and a protrusion extending from the exterior of each of said implants for engaging bone in the spine; and a connector having a width and a length, said connector being attached along its length to each of said implants for connecting said implants together, each of said implants having a width greater than said width of said connector measured transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spine.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein at least one of said insertion and trailing ends are open for loading bone growth promoting materials into said hollow interior.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising an end cap for closing said open end.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein each of said implants has an end portion configured to receive said connector.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein each of said implants has an end portion configured to couple to said connector.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 31, wherein each of said end portions has an aperture for receiving said connector.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said apertures are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the spine.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein each of said end portions is detachable.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein each of said end portions is a coupler.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 35, wherein each of said couplers is detachable.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 35, wherein each of said couplers include an aperture generally along the longitudinal axis of the spine for receiving said connector.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 35, wherein each of said couplers have a head and a shank, said head having an opening for receiving the connector.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 38, wherein each of said implants has an aperture for receiving said shank.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said shank and said apertures have cooperating threads.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said protrusion of said opposed arcuate portions is a thread.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said connector is selected from one of a rod, a cable, a plate, and a bar.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising means for adjusting the length of said connector between said implants for aligning segments of the spine.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said length adjusting means includes a threaded member on said connector for varying the length of said connector between said implants.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising means for locking said length adjusting means at a selected length.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 52 words

The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a third spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in a third location in the spine, a fourth spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in a fourth location in the spine, and a second connector attached to both of said third and fourth implants.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said first and second connectors are adapted to be placed on one side of the spine.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said first and second connectors are adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the spine.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said second connector is selected from one of a rod, a cable, a plate, and a bar.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said implants include an artificial material other than bone.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 175 words

A multi-segmental spinal alignment apparatus for linking segments of the spine, comprising: a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a first disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the first disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height of the disc space; a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a second disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in another segment of the spine, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the second disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height of the disc space; a connector having a length sufficient to span the distance from said first disc space to said second disc space to connect said implants; and a plurality of couplers for coupling said connector to each of said spinal implants.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 175 words

A multi-segmental spinal alignment apparatus for linking segments of the spine, comprising: a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a first disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the first disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height of the disc space; a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a second disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in another segment of the spine, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the second disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height of the disc space; a connector having a length sufficient to span the distance from said first disc space to said second disc space to connect said implants; and a plurality of couplers for coupling said connector to each of said spinal implants.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 51, wherein each of said spinal implants has an end portion configured to receive said at least one of said couplers.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 51, wherein each of said implants has an end portion configured to couple to said at least one of said couplers.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 52, wherein each of said couplers has an aperture for receiving said connector.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said apertures are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the spine.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 52, wherein each of said couplers is detachable.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 52, wherein each of said couplers has a head and a shank, said head having an opening for receiving the connector.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 57, wherein each of said implants have an aperture for receiving said shank.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 58, wherein each of said shanks and each of said apertures has cooperating threads.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 40 words

The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said implants include upper and lower portions with a plurality of openings for permitting bone growth from one of the adjacent vertebrae through each of said implants to the other of the adjacent vertebra.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 60, further comprising a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior within each of said implants being in communication with at least two of said plurality of openings.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said implants include upper and lower portions that are arcuate.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said implants further comprise a protrusion for engaging the adjacent vertebrae.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 63, wherein said protrusion of said implants is a thread.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said connector is selected from one of a rod, a cable, a plate, and a bar.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising means for adjusting the length of said connector between said implants for aligning segments of the spine.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 66, wherein said length adjusting means includes a threaded member on said connector for varying the length of said connector between said implants.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 66, including means for locking said length adjusting means at a selected length.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 62 words

The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising a third spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in the first disc space, a fourth spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in the second disc space, and a second connector having a length sufficient to span the distance between said first and second disc spaces to connect said third and fourth spinal implants.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said first and second connectors are adapted to be placed on one side of the spine.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said first and second connectors are adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the spine.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said first and second connectors are selected from one of a rod, a cable, a plate, and a bar.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said implants include an artificial material other than bone.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said implants are configured for implantation across a disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

Claim 78

Independent Claim 166 words

A method for linking multiple segments of a human spine, comprising the steps of: implanting a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a first disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the first disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height for the disc space, said first spinal implant having a trailing end configured to receive a connector; implanting a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a second disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the second disc space, when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height for the disc space; and attaching a connector to both of said first and second spinal implants.

Claim 79

Independent Claim 166 words

A method for linking multiple segments of a human spine, comprising the steps of: implanting a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a first disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the first disc space when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height for the disc space, said first spinal implant having a trailing end configured to receive a connector; implanting a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a second disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the second disc space, when the disc space has been restored to approximate a normal height for the disc space; and attaching a connector to both of said first and second spinal implants.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 75, further comprising the step of positioning said implants in spatial relationship to each other.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 75, wherein the step of implanting said second implant includes implanting said second implant having a trailing end configured to receive a connector.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 76, wherein the positioning step includes the sub-step of varying the length of the connector between said implants.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 76, wherein the positioning step includes the sub-step of aligning segments of the spine.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 76, further comprising the step of locking said implants in a fixed spatial relationship to each other.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of claim 75, further comprising the steps of implanting a third spinal implant in the first disc space and implanting a fourth spinal implant in the second disc space.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 81, wherein the attaching step includes attaching a second connector to both of said third and fourth spinal implants.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 81, further comprising the step of positioning on the same side of the spine first and second connectors for connecting spinal implants.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 81, further comprising the step of positioning on opposite sides of the spine first and second connectors for connecting spinal implants.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 75, further comprising the step of tensioning said connector between said implants.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 75, wherein the attaching step includes the sub-step of connecting at least three spinal implants in a series along segments of the spine.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 75, wherein the implanting steps include implanting said spinal implants including an artificial material other than bone.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 75, wherein the implanting steps include implanting said implants across a disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

Claim 93

Independent Claim 254 words

A method for linking multiple segments of the spine, comprising the steps of: implanting a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in a first location of the spine, said first spinal implant having a maximum width and opposed arcuate portions over at least a portion of its length and a plurality of openings along the length of said implant passing therethrough for permitting growth of bone into said first implant, said first implant having a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least two of said plurality of openings, and a protrusion extending from the exterior of said first implant for engaging bone in the spine; implanting a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in a second location in the spine, said second implant having a maximum width and opposed arcuate portions over at least a portion of its length and a plurality of openings along the length of said second implant passing therethrough for permitting growth of bone into said second implant, said second implant having a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least two of said plurality of openings, and a protrusion extending from the exterior of said second implant for engaging bone in the spine; and aligning a connector to both of said implants, said connector having a width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spine less than the maximum width of each of said implants.

Claim 94

Independent Claim 254 words

A method for linking multiple segments of the spine, comprising the steps of: implanting a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in a first location of the spine, said first spinal implant having a maximum width and opposed arcuate portions over at least a portion of its length and a plurality of openings along the length of said implant passing therethrough for permitting growth of bone into said first implant, said first implant having a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least two of said plurality of openings, and a protrusion extending from the exterior of said first implant for engaging bone in the spine; implanting a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted in a second location in the spine, said second implant having a maximum width and opposed arcuate portions over at least a portion of its length and a plurality of openings along the length of said second implant passing therethrough for permitting growth of bone into said second implant, said second implant having a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least two of said plurality of openings, and a protrusion extending from the exterior of said second implant for engaging bone in the spine; and aligning a connector to both of said implants, said connector having a width measured transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spine less than the maximum width of each of said implants.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 89, wherein the implanting steps include the sub-step of implanting said implants having at least one of said insertion and trailing ends open for loading bone growth promoting materials into said hollow interior.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 90, further comprising the step of providing an end cap for closing said open end.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 89, further comprising the step of positioning said implants in spatial relationship to each other.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 92, wherein the positioning step includes the sub-step of varying the length of the connector between said implants.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 92, wherein the positioning step includes the sub-step of aligning segments of the spine.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 92, further comprising the step of locking said implants in a fixed spatial relationship to each other.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method of claim 89, further comprising the steps of implanting a third spinal implant at a third location in the spine and implanting a fourth spinal implant at a fourth location in the spine.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 96, wherein the attaching step includes attaching a second connector to both of said third and fourth spinal implants.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 96, further comprising the step of positioning on the same side of the spine first and second connectors for connecting spinal implants.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 96, further comprising the step of positioning on opposite sides of the spine first and second connectors for connecting implants.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 89, further comprising the step of tensioning said connector between said implants.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 89, wherein the attaching step includes the sub-step of connecting at least three spinal implants in a series along segments of the spine.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 89, wherein the implanting steps include implanting said spinal implants including an artificial material other than bone.

Claim 108

Independent Claim 116 words

An apparatus for linking multiple spinal implants, comprising: a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc space; a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within the same disc space in which said first spinal implant is to be implanted, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc space; and a connector attached to said first and second spinal implants for connecting said first and second spinal implants.

Claim 109

Independent Claim 116 words

An apparatus for linking multiple spinal implants, comprising: a first spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc space; a second spinal implant adapted to be surgically implanted at least in part within the same disc space in which said first spinal implant is to be implanted, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc space; and a connector attached to said first and second spinal implants for connecting said first and second spinal implants.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 103, wherein each of said implants has an end portion configured to couple to said connector.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 104, wherein each of said implants has an end portion configured to receive said connector.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 104, wherein each of said end portions has an opening for receiving said connector.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 11 words

The apparatus of claim 104, wherein said end portions are detachable.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 104, wherein each of said end portions is a coupler.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 108, wherein each of said couplers are detachable.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 108, wherein each of said couplers has a head and a shank, said head having an opening for receiving the connector.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 110, wherein each of said implants has an aperture for receiving said shank.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 111, wherein said shanks and said apertures have cooperating threads.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 40 words

The apparatus of claim 103, wherein said implants include upper and lower portions with a plurality of openings for permitting bone growth from one of the adjacent vertebrae through each of said implants to the other of the adjacent vertebrae.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 113, further comprising a hollow interior within each of said implants for holding bone growth promoting material, said hollow interior being in communication with at least two of said plurality of openings.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 103, wherein said implants have upper and lower portions that are arcuate.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 103, wherein said implants further comprise a protrusion for engaging the adjacent vertebrae.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 116, wherein said protrusion of said upper and lower portions of said implants is a thread.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 103, wherein said connector is selected from one of a rod, a cable, a plate, and a bar.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 103, wherein said implants include artificial material other than bone.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 103, wherein said implants are configured for implantation across a disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

Claim 127

Independent Claim 94 words

An method for linking multiple spinal implants in the spine, comprising the steps of: implanting a first spinal implant within a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc space; implanting a second spinal implant within the same disc space in which said first spinal implant is to be implanted, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc space; and connecting said implants with a connector.

Claim 128

Independent Claim 94 words

An method for linking multiple spinal implants in the spine, comprising the steps of: implanting a first spinal implant within a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, said first spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc space; implanting a second spinal implant within the same disc space in which said first spinal implant is to be implanted, said second spinal implant being adapted to contact both of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc space; and connecting said implants with a connector.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 121, wherein the implanting steps include implanting said implants having an end portion configured to couple to said connector.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 121, wherein the implanting steps include implanting each of said implants having an end portion configured to receive said connector.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 121, wherein the connecting step includes the sub-step of preventing rotation of said implants with said connector.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 121, wherein the implanting steps include implanting said spinal implants including an artificial material other than bone.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 121, wherein the implanting steps include implanting said implants across a disc space in the thoracolumbar region of the human spine.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-10-24	2004-04-24	2004-10-24	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-10-24	2008-04-24	2008-10-24	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-10-24	2012-04-24	2012-10-24	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Apparatus and method for linking spinal implants

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