Implantable vertebral frame systems and related methods for spinal repair

Abstract

The invention relates generally to systems and methods for securing adjacent vertebrae in a fixed spacial relationship. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one interbody repair implant, at least one implantable vertebral frame and at least one retention member. In this embodiment, the interbody repair implant is sized to fit in an intervertebral space. The at least one implantable vertebral frame is configured to span between the adjacent vertebrae. The frame is also configured to attach to each of the adjacent vertebra to postoperatively maintain a desired spatial relationship between the vertebrae. The frame has at least one internal aperture there-through for providing visual access to at least a portion of the interbody repair implant, both intra-operatively and post-operatively. Methods of fusing two or more adjacent vertebral bodies in a portion of a spinal column are also disclosed. One such method includes the steps of inserting an interbody repair implant into a intervertebral space, securing an implantable vertebral fixation frame to the adjacent vertebral bodies over the implant, installing a retention member to the frame to cover at least a portion of the aperture, and moving a locking portion of the retention member from an unlocked position to a locked position.