| abstract |
A vertebral implant for insertion into a patient includes first and second end members that include recesses for engaging a spacer member and a distractor. The end plates include a bone contact surface and an oppositely facing surface. A peripheral surface extends around a perimeter of the end members. The recesses may extend inward from the oppositely facing surfaces. Further, the recesses may extend inward from the peripheral surfaces. The recesses for engaging the spacer member and distractor may be separate from each other or may intersect one another. A spacer may engage the end plates to establish a desired vertebral spacing. The spacer may be positioned between the implants after a desired distraction is obtained with a distractor that engages the end plates. |