| abstract |
A system and method for anterior fixation of the spine utilizes a cylindrical implant engaged in the intradiscal space at the cephalad and caudal ends of the construct. The implants are cylindrical fusion devices ( 10 ) filled with bone material to promote bone ingrowth and fusion of the disc space. An attachment member ( 40 ) is connected to each of the fusion devices ( 10 ) and bone screws ( 30 ) having similar attachment members ( 33 ) are engaged in the vertebral bodies of the intermediate vertebrae. A spinal rod ( 50 ) is connected to each of the attachment members using an eyebolt assembly ( 53, 54, 55 ). In a further inventive method, a revision of the construct is achieved by removing the fusion devices. Each fusion device is engaged by an elongated guide member ( 62 ) over which a cylindrical trephine ( 70 ) is advanced. The trephine ( 70 ) has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the fusion implant and includes cutting teeth ( 72 ) for extracting a core ( 84 ) of bone material around the fusion implant. The trephine ( 70 ) and guide member ( 62 ) are removed along with the bone core ( 84 ) containing the fusion implant ( 10 ). The trephine ( 70 ) is also used to extract a bone dowel from a solid bone mass to be inserted into the space left by the removed bone core ( 84 ). |