| abstract |
SUMMARY A spinal spacer (20) for fusing motor segments is provided. The spacer includes a load-bearing member (21) that engages within the space between adjacent prostheses and provides an effective amount of a bone growth component that stimulates the space and bone growth. A wall (22) sized to hold The bone growth component comprises substantially pure bone growth components in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment, the load bearing member comprises a bone graft impregnated within a bone growth component. In another embodiment, the bone growth component (30) is packed into a chamber (25) formed in the implant. Suitable configurations of bone grafts, including bone dwells, D-shaped spacers, and cortical rings are contemplated. |