Depuy Synthes Products, Inc.

Synthes Usa, LLC

Spine Solutions, Inc.

Barbara Schweizer

Rudolf Bertagnoli

Stephan Eckhof

David Gerber

Thierry Marnay

Christophe Geisert

Eduard Kufeld

Rudolph Bertagnoli

John Furda

The invention relates to the preparation of an intervertebral space with a trial implant (), the insertion of an implant (), the inserters (), and the method for feeding and inserting the implant () by means of an oblique anterior approach. In the novel improved method, the associated instruments () for inserting an implant () into an intervertebral space, in particular for the lumbar spine at an oblique anterior angle of 45&#xb0; was developed, the left side of the body being preferred for insertion of the implant (). Either the implant () can be inserted all in one, or first the upper part () and lower parts () and then the inlay () may be inserted. By insertion by means of the left oblique anterior approach at 45&#xb0;, optimum utilization of the area of the intervertebral space is ensured (footprint), and better retention of the implant is guaranteed by the exact chiselling at an angle of 90&#xb0; normal to the respective intervertebral surface.

System and method for an intervertebral implant

A method and apparatus for customizing an intervertebral implant includes the initial step of obtaining a 3D anatomy of a series of vertebrae including an abnormal vertebra in a computer. The 3D anatomy of the series is then repositioned in the computer to eliminate the deformity caused by the abnormal vertebra. It is next determined whether a superior or inferior surface of the abnormal vertebra is an abnormal surface which causes the deformity, whereby an approximate gap between the abnormal surface and a desired normal surface is determined. Using that gap determination, a custom implant is constructed to engage the abnormal surface and fill the determined gap. Thus, when the implant is implanted between the abnormal surface and an adjacent surface of an adjacent vertebrae, the deformity is substantially compensated for. The implant may have articulation between the endplates to allow relative movement therebetween.

Customizing an intervertebral implant

Growing community of inventors

Sulz am Neckar, Germany

Barbara Schweizer