| abstract |
The present application discloses an implant for insertion into an intervertebral disc space between vertebrae, wherein the implant comprises: a spacer portion (20); a plate portion (50) connected to the spacer portion and two bone fixation elements (70) for engaging the vertebrae; and a retention mechanism for preventing the bone fixation elements from withdrawing from the plate portion after surgery. The retention mechanism may be in the form of a spring biased snap element (110) biased into communication with the bone fixation element such that once the bone fixation element is advanced past the snap element, the snap element It is biased back to its original position in which the detent element engages the bone fixation element. Alternatively, the retention mechanism may be in the form of a pusher (310) that is rotatable between a first position in which the bone fixation element is insertable and a second position in which the Prevents bone fixation elements from withdrawing. |