Combined spinal interbody and plate assemblies

Abstract

A spinal implant assembly combines a spinal interbody spacer with a spine plate. The combined spinal interbody spacer and spine plate assembly provides stabilization and torsional resistance to promote fusion of adjacent vertebrae of the spine. The interbody spacer is configured for placement within an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae previously occupied by a spinal disc. The spinal plate is configured for attachment to anterior sides of the adjacent vertebrae (either on or within the vertebrae). The spinal plate may translate relative to the interbody spacer or it may be fixed relative to the interbody spacer. Translation of the spinal plate allows it to be affixed to the vertebrae in various positions and/or allow movement post installation. In one form, the spinal plate is defined by first and second spine plate or plate portions that are coupled to one another to allow rotation about each other. Ends of the first and second spine plates are received in/by the interbody spacer, while a pin extends through the interbody spacer to fix the first and second spine plates to the interbody spacer. In another form, the spinal plate is defined by first and second spine plates or plate portions that are movably retained by the interbody spacer. In call cases, the first and second spine plates each have one, two or more screw holes for accepting a bone screw for fixing the spine plates to the adjacent vertebrae.