Spinal implant systems and methods

Abstract

An implant support cap includes a wall defining a cavity and at least one longitudinal channel. The wall includes a guide that can be engaged with an implant support member to orient the implant support member using the at least one channel so that the implant support member can be connected to the wall. Systems, surgical instruments, spinal constructs, implants, and methods are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices for treating musculoskeletal disorders, and more particularly to spinal implant systems and methods for treating the spine. Background Art

[0002] Spinal disorders and conditions, such as kyphosis, scoliosis and other curvature abnormalities, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, tumors and fractures can be caused by factors including trauma, disease and degenerative conditions resulting from injury and aging. Spinal disorders often result in symptoms including deformity, pain, nerve damage and partial or complete loss of mobility.

[0003] Non-surgical treatments, such as medication, rehabilitation and exercise may be effective, however, may not alleviate the symptoms associated with these conditions. The surgical treatment of these spinal disorders comprises correction, fusion, fixation, discectomy, laminectomy and implantable prosthesis. As part of these surgical treatments, spinal constructs such as vertebral rods are often used to provide stability for the treatment area. The rod redirects stress away from the damaged or defective area when healing is carried out to restore proper alignment and usually support the vertebral member. During surgical treatment, one or more rods and bone fasteners can be delivered to the surgical site. The rod can be attached to the outside of two or more vertebral members via fasteners. Surgical treatment can use surgical instruments and implants, which are manipulated to engage with the vertebra to position and align one or more vertebrae. The present disclosure describes improvements to these prior arts. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one embodiment, an implant support cap is provided. The implant support cap includes a wall defining a cavity and at least one longitudinal channel. The wall includes a guide that can engage with an implant support member to use the channel to direct the implant support member so that the implant support member can be connected to the wall. In some embodiments, systems, surgical instruments, spinal structures, implants and methods are disclosed.

[0005] In one embodiment, the implant support cap comprises a wall defining a cavity and comprising a mating groove. The mating groove defines a first longitudinal channel and a second longitudinal channel. The wall comprises an angled distal surface that can engage with an implant support member comprising spaced apart extender tabs. The distal surface comprises a first opening in communication with the first channel and a second opening in communication with the second channel to orient the tabs using the channel so that the implant support member can be connected to the wall.

[0006] In one embodiment, a spinal implant system is provided. The spinal implant system includes an implant support cover, which defines a cavity and includes a matching groove that defines a first longitudinal channel and a second longitudinal channel. The cover includes an angled distal surface, and the distal surface has a first opening that is communicated with the first channel and a second opening that is communicated with the second channel. The implant support member includes a spaced apart extender tab, and the extender tab can engage with the distal surface in a configuration that guides the tab into the channel so that the implant support member can be connected to the cover. An implant receiver is connected to the tab. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description accompanying the following drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of components of one embodiment of a surgical system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 another side view of the components shown;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 an isolated perspective view of the components shown;

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first step in assembling components of one embodiment of a surgical system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second step in assembling components of one embodiment of a surgical system according to principles of the present disclosure; and

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a third step in assembling components of one embodiment of a surgical system according to principles of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed surgical systems and related methods of use are discussed in terms of medical devices for treating musculoskeletal disorders, and more specifically, in terms of spinal implant systems and methods for treating the spine. In some embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods include a medical device comprising a surgical instrument and an implant for performing surgical treatment, for example, of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and / or sacral regions, as described herein.

[0015] In some embodiments, the surgical system includes a surgical instrument, such as an extender cover, which is configured to guide and / or align one or more components in an implant support, an implant and / or a spinal structure to engage for connection and / or assembly of components. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument includes a guide to align an implant support, such as at least one extender tab, with at least one longitudinal channel for connection with the extender cover. In some embodiments, the guide includes at least one opening, the at least one opening being arranged to communicate with at least one channel to facilitate connection with the implant support. In some embodiments, the guide includes an angled surface, the angled surface being configured to facilitate handling of the extender tab using the extender cover.

[0016] In some embodiments, the surgical instrument includes a guide that can engage with at least one extender tab to guide and / or align at least one extender tab into at least one axial channel, such as an axial slot. In some embodiments, the slot is configured to arrange the extender tab with the cavity of the extender cap.

[0017] In some embodiments, the extender tabs are configured to align implants such as bone fasteners with various instruments and provide access paths for fixation screws and rods. In some embodiments, the extender tabs can be connected to bone fasteners.

[0018] In some embodiments, the surgical system of the present invention can be used to treat spinal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, osteoporosis, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, scoliosis and other curvature abnormalities, kyphosis, tumors and fractures. In some embodiments, the surgical system of the present invention can be used in conjunction with other skeletons and bone-related applications, including those associated with diagnosis and therapy. In some embodiments, the disclosed surgical system can be used alternatively in surgical treatments in which the patient is in a prone or supine position, and / or various surgical approaches (including anterior, posterior, posterior midline, direct lateral, posterior lateral and / or anterolateral approaches) are used to reach the spine, as well as to reach other body regions. The surgical system of the present invention can also be used alternatively in conjunction with surgical procedures for treating the lumbar spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, sacrum and pelvic regions of the spine. The surgical system of the present invention can also be used in animals, bone models and other non-biological matrices, such as in training, testing and demonstrations.

[0019] The surgical system of the present disclosure may be more easily understood by the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments by example, and are not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural forms, and unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, references to specific numerical values ​​include at least the specific values. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" a specific value and / or to "about" or "approximately" another specific value. When expressing this range, another embodiment includes from a specific value and / or to another specific value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent "about", it should be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. It should also be understood that all spatial references (e.g., horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right) are only for illustrative purposes and may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, references to "upper" and "lower" are relative and are used only in context of one another, and are not necessarily "superior" and "inferior".

[0020] As used in this specification and including the appended claims, "treating" or "treatment" a disease or condition refers to performing a procedure that may include administering one or more drugs to a patient (normal or abnormal human, or other mammal), applying an implantable device, and / or applying a device for treating a disease, such as a minimally invasive discectomy device for removing a bulging or herniated disc portion and / or a bone spur, in an attempt to alleviate the symptoms or symptoms of the disease or condition. Relief may occur before and after the onset of signs or symptoms of the disease or condition. Thus, treatment includes preventing a disease or undesirable condition (e.g., preventing the disease from occurring in a patient who may be susceptible to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed with the disease). In addition, treatment does not require complete relief of signs or symptoms, does not require a cure, and specifically includes surgery that has only a marginal effect on the patient. Treatment may include inhibiting the disease, such as curbing its development, or alleviating the disease, such as causing regression of the disease. For example, treatment may include reducing acute or chronic inflammation; relieving pain and reducing and inducing regrowth of new ligaments, bones and other tissues; as an adjunct to surgery; and / or any reconstructive surgery. In some embodiments, unless otherwise expressly indicated, the term "tissue" as used in the specification and including the appended claims includes soft tissue, ligament, tendon, cartilage, and / or bone.

[0021] The following discussion contains a description of a surgical system (including surgical instruments, related components) and methods of using the surgical system according to the principles of the present disclosure. Alternative embodiments are also disclosed. Reference is made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1-6 , components of a surgical system such as a spinal implant system 10 are shown. An embodiment of the system 10 is Figure 4-6 Shown in. Figure 1-3 Some components of the system are shown.

[0022] The components of spinal implant system 10 can be made of biologically acceptable materials suitable for medical applications, including metals, synthetic polymers, ceramics and bone materials and / or their composites. For example, the components of spinal implant system 10 can be made of, for example, stainless steel alloys, aluminum, industrial pure titanium, titanium alloys, grade 5 titanium, superelastic titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, superelastic metal alloys (e.g., Nitinol, superelastic plastic metals, such as GUM ), ceramics and their composites (such as calcium phosphate (e.g., SKELITE TM ), thermoplastics (such as polyaryletherketone (PAEK), including polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and polyetherketone (PEK), carbon-PEEK composite, PEEK-BaSO4 polymer rubber, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), fabrics, silicones, polyurethanes, silicone-polyurethane copolymers, polymer rubbers, polyolefin rubbers, hydrogels, semi-rigid and rigid materials, elastomers, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, thermosetting elastomers, elastomer composites, rigid polymers (including polyphenylene, polyamide, polyimide, polyetherimide, poly vinyl, epoxy resin), bone materials (including autologous transplantation, allogeneic transplantation, xenograft or transgenic cortical bone and / or cortical spongy bone and tissue growth or differentiation factors), partially absorbable materials (e.g., composites of metal and calcium-based ceramics, composites of PEEK and calcium-based ceramics, composites of PEEK and absorbable polymers), fully absorbable materials (e.g., calcium-based ceramics, such as calcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA)-TCP, calcium sulfate or other absorbable polymers, such as polylactide, polyglycolide, polytyrosine carbonate, polycaprolactone) and combinations thereof.

[0023] The various parts of spinal implant system 10 can have composite materials, comprise above-mentioned materials, to realize various required characteristics, for example intensity, rigidity, elasticity, compliance, biomechanical property, durability and radiolucency or imaging preference.The parts of spinal implant system 10 also can be manufactured by heterogeneous materials individually or jointly, for example, are manufactured by the combination of two or more above-mentioned materials.The parts of spinal implant system 10 can be formed in one piece, and integral connection or comprise fastening element and / or instrument, as described herein.

[0024] Spinal implant system 10, for example, is used for completely open surgical procedure, minimally invasive surgical procedure, and described minimally invasive surgical procedure comprises percutaneous technique and is used for delivering and introducing instrument and / or spinal implant (for example, bone fastener) at the surgical site of patient (comprising, for example, spinal column).In certain embodiments, spinal implant can comprise one or more parts (for example intervertebral device, intervertebral fusion cage, bone fastener, spinal rod, tether, connector, plate and / or bone graft) of one or more spinal column constructs, and can use together with various surgical procedures, described surgical procedure comprises the surgical treatment to the cervical vertebra, thoracic vertebra, lumbar vertebra and / or sacral region of spinal column.

[0025] The spinal implant system 10 includes an implant support cap, such as an extender cap 12. The cap 12 is configured to guide and / or align an implant support member, such as extender tabs 152, 152a, to engage with the cap 12 for connection and / or assembly of components of an extender connected to a bone fastener assembly 150. In some embodiments, the cap 12 includes a guide 40 configured to facilitate connection of the extender tabs 152, 152a to the cap 12.

[0026] The cover 12 extends between the end 14 and the end 16 defining the axis X1. The cover 12 includes a wall 24. The wall 24 includes portions 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d. The wall 24 includes an inner surface 26 extending along the portions 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d. The surface 26 defines a cavity 28 configured for accommodating the extender tabs 152, 152a. The cavity 28 includes a generally rectangular configuration. In some embodiments, the cavity 28 has a variety of configurations, including, for example, circular, elliptical, polygonal, irregular, uniform, variable, uniform, and non-uniform.

[0027] Portions 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d meet at corners 30 along the inner surface of wall 24, respectively. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces of portions 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d include curved, circular, or partially circular or partially curved surfaces that form corners 30, such as Figure 3. In some embodiments, the corner 30 may have a variety of configurations, including, for example, irregular, uniform, variable, uniform, and non-uniform. The corner 30 extends axially along the wall 24. In some embodiments, the corner 30 extends along the wall 24 in alternative orientations, such as transverse, vertical, and / or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, and / or may be offset or staggered relative to the axis X1.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 34 is arranged with the portions 24b, 24d. The protrusion 34 is configured to abut the extender tabs 152, 152a to retain the extender tabs 152, 152a within the cavity 28. For example, when the extender tabs 152, 152a are translated into engagement with the cap 12, the protrusion 34 blocks and / or prevents the extender tabs 152, 152a from passing through the cavity 28 during insertion.

[0029] As described herein, portion 24a includes a surface 41 that can be coupled to a portion of extender tab 152, 152a, such as spring tip 178 or spring tip 176. Figure 1 As shown, surface 41 defines at least one recess, such as a pocket 42. Portion 24a includes a pair of pockets 42. As described herein, pockets 42 are configured to cooperate with spring tips 178. As described herein, surface 41 is configured as a lock 44 to inhibit and / or prevent spring tips 178 from disengaging from pockets 42.

[0030] As described herein, portion 24c includes a surface 50 similar to surface 41 to which a portion of extender tab 152, 152a, such as spring tip 178 or spring tip 176, may be connected. Figure 2 As shown, the surface 50 defines at least one recess, such as a recess 52. Figure 2 As shown, portion 24c includes a pair of recesses 52. As described herein, recesses 52 are configured to cooperate with spring tip 176. Recesses 52 are aligned with recesses 42, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, to facilitate engagement of the spring tip 176. As described herein, the surface 50 is configured as a lock 54 to inhibit and / or prevent the spring tip 176 from disengaging from the recess 52.

[0031] like Figure 6As shown, the recesses 42, 52 are configured to engage with the spring tips 176, 178. The arrangement of the spring tips 176, 178 with the recesses 42, 52 is configured to block and / or prevent the extender tabs 152, 152a from disengaging from the cover 12. In some embodiments, the recesses 42, 52 are arranged parallel to the axis X1. In some embodiments, the recesses 42, 52 are arranged in alternating orientations relative to the axis a, for example, in a transverse, vertical and / or other angular orientations such as acute or obtuse angles, and / or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, the locks 44, 54 are configured to provide an audible and / or tactile indication, such as an audible click indicating that the spring tips 176, 178 are engaged with the cover 12.

[0032] Wall 24 includes longitudinal tracks 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d extending along axis X1. Track 60a includes surface 64. Track 60b includes surface 66. Surfaces 64, 66 define a channel, for example, an axial slot 68. Slot 68 extends along axis X1. As described herein, slot 68 is configured to facilitate engagement of extender tab 152 with cover 12. In some embodiments, all or only a portion of surfaces 64, 66 may have an alternative configuration, for example, irregular, uniform, uneven, offset, staggered, tapered, arched, or wavy. Surfaces 64, 66 direct and / or guide extender tab 152 to be inserted into cavity 28.

[0033] Track 60c includes surface 70. Track 60d includes surface 72. Surfaces 70, 72 define a channel, e.g., an axial slot 74. Slot 74 extends along axis X1. As described herein, slot 74 is configured to facilitate engagement of extender tab 152a with cap 12. In some embodiments, all or only a portion of surfaces 70, 72 may have an alternative configuration, e.g., irregular, uniform, uneven, offset, staggered, tapered, arcuate, or wavy. Surfaces 70, 72 direct and / or guide the extender tab 152a to be inserted into cavity 28.

[0034] As described herein, the extender tabs 152, 152a are configured to slide and / or translate along the slots 68, 74 to position the extender tabs 152, 152a within the cavity 28 and in locking engagement with the cover 12. The slots 68, 74 are configured to flare the extender tabs 152, 152a to facilitate engagement of the spring tips 176, 178 with the pockets 42, 52.

[0035] The guide 40 is configured to guide and / or direct the extender tabs 152, 152a into the cavity 28. Figure 2As shown, guide 40 includes a distal surface 80 of wall 24 and an extension 82 extending from portion 24c. Surface 80 includes an opening 84 arranged to communicate with slot 68. Surface 80 includes an opening 86 arranged to communicate with slot 74. Surface 80 is configured to guide and / or direct extender tabs 152, 152a into slots 68, 74.

[0036] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, surface 80 is arranged at an angle relative to axis X1, so that surface 80 is arranged in a transverse orientation relative to slots 68, 74 to define ramp 81. Ramp 81 is selectively inclined to facilitate translation and / or guidance of extender tabs 152, 152a into slots 92, 94 and / or slots 68, 74. In some embodiments, surface 80 is arranged in an alternative orientation relative to axis X1, such as transverse, vertical, and / or oriented at other angles such as acute or obtuse angles, and / or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, surface 80 is selectively inclined to facilitate translation and / or disengagement of extender tabs 152, 152a from cover 12.

[0037] Extension 82 includes groove 92 and groove 94. Figure 1 As shown, slot 90 is coaxially arranged with slot 68. Slot 92 is coaxially arranged with slot 74. Extender tabs 152, 152a are guided, oriented and / or aligned by sliding translation along slots 90, 92 into slots 68, 74. This configuration facilitates alignment of extender tabs 152, 152a for assembly with cover 12.

[0038] Bone fastener assembly 150 includes bone fastener 100. Bone fastener 100 includes receiver 102. Receiver 102 is connected to extender tabs 152, 152a extending along axis X1. Receiver 102 includes a pair of spaced arms 104, 106 defining an implant cavity, which is configured to house a component of a spinal construct, such as a spinal rod (not shown). Receiver 102 includes a socket configured to engage with a surgical instrument. Receiver 102 includes an inner surface having a threaded form located adjacent to arm 104 and a threaded form located adjacent to arm 106. The threaded forms of arms 104, 106 are configured to engage with a coupling member. Bone fastener 100 includes threaded shaft 116. Shaft 116 is configured to penetrate tissue, such as bone.

[0039] The arm 104 includes a breakaway tab 120 frangibly connected to the arm 104 such that manipulation of the tab 120 relative to the arm 104 can break the tab 120 and separate the tab from the arm 104 at a predetermined force and / or torque limit, as described herein. The arm 106 includes a breakaway tab 130 frangibly connected to the arm 106 such that manipulation of the tab 130 relative to the arm 106 can break the tab 130 and separate the tab from the arm 106 at a predetermined force and / or torque limit, as described herein. In some embodiments, for example, as force and / or torque are applied to the tabs 120, 130 and resistance increases, the predetermined torque and force limits are approached.

[0040] In some embodiments, the tabs 120, 130 may break and separate at a predetermined force or torque limit, which may be in the range of about 2 Newton meters (Nm) to about 8 N-m. In some embodiments, the tabs 120, 130 and arms 104, 106 may have the same or alternative cross-sectional configurations, may be made of homogenous materials or heterogeneously made of different materials, and / or alternatively may be formed of materials having a greater degree of plastic deformability, brittle characteristics, and / or fracture properties, characteristics, or attributes to facilitate breaking and separation of the tabs 120, 130.

[0041] Bone fastener assembly 150 includes extender tabs 152, 152a connected to bone fastener 100. Extender tabs 152, 152a extend between proximal end 172 and distal end 174. Figure 4 As shown, the proximal end 172 includes spring tips 176, 178. As described herein, the spring tips 176, 178 can be interchangeably attached to the recesses 42, 52 of the cap 12 to inhibit and / or prevent the spring tips 176, 178 from being disengaged. The distal end 174 is configured to slidably seat a portion of the bone fastener 100, such as the tabs 120, 130. In some embodiments, the tabs 120, 130 are configured to releasably secure the extender tabs 152, 152a with the bone fastener 100.

[0042] In assembling, operation and use, the spinal implant system 10 that is similar to system and method described herein is used in conjunction with surgical procedure, and described surgical procedure is for example the applicable patient's condition or the injured treatment to the affected section of spinal column and the adjacent area in the body.In certain embodiments, one or all of the parts of spinal implant system 10 can be delivered or used as preassembled device or can be assembled in situ.Spinal implant system 10 can be modified, removed or replaced wholly or in part.

[0043] In use, in order to treat vertebrae (not shown), the practitioner approaches the surgical site in any suitable manner such as by the incision and retraction of tissue. In certain embodiments, spinal implant system 10 can be used for any existing surgical method or technology, and the existing surgical method or technology comprises open surgery, micro-open surgery, minimally invasive surgery and percutaneous surgery implantation, thereby approaching the vertebrae by providing a small incision or sleeve of a protected passage to the region. Once approaching the surgical site, specific surgical procedures can be performed to treat spinal disorders.

[0044] An incision is made in the patient and a cutting instrument (not shown) forms a surgical path for implanting the components of the spinal implant system 10. Preparation instruments (not shown) may be used to prepare the tissue surfaces of the vertebrae and for aspiration and irrigation of the surgical area.

[0045] A guide hole (not shown) is made in the selected level of the vertebra for receiving the shaft 116 of the bone fastener assembly 150. A surgical instrument such as a driver is connected to the bone fastener 100, and the bone fastener 100 is engaged with the vertebra. As described herein, the extender tabs 152, 152a are connected to the bone fastener 100.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the extender tabs 152, 152a are positioned adjacent to the cover 12. The extender tabs 152, 152a are aligned with the guide 40 so that the ramp 81 guides the extender tabs 152, 152a into the slots 92, 94 of the extension 82. The extender tabs 152, 152a slide and / or translate along the slots 92, 94. The slots 92, 94 guide and / or align the extender tabs 152, 152a into the slots 68, 74 through the openings 84, 86.

[0047] In some embodiments, the extender tabs 152, 152a are positioned with the slots 92, 94 of the extension 82 such that the extender tabs 152, 152a slide and / or translate along the slots 92, 94. The slots 92, 94 guide and / or align the extender tabs 152, 152a through the openings 84, 86 for placement into the slots 68, 74. The ramps 81 help guide and / or align the extender tabs 152, 152a into the slots 92, 94 of the extension 82.

[0048] like Figure 6As shown, surfaces 64, 66 of slot 68 and surfaces 70, 72 of slot 74 are configured to flare extender tabs 152, 152a for placement with pockets 42, 52. In some embodiments, spring tips 176, 178 engage surfaces 44, 54 and an audible and / or tactile indication, such as a click, indicates engagement of spring tips 176, 178 with cap 12. During insertion of extender tabs 152, 152a, projection 34 inhibits and / or prevents cap 12 from disengaging from cavity 28.

[0049] In some embodiments, the surgical procedure includes delivering a spinal rod along a surgical path for connection with one or more bone fasteners 100. A reduction instrument (not shown) engages the spinal rod for reducing and securing the spinal rod with the receiver 102. In some embodiments, a tab breaker engages the extender tabs 152, 152a and is manipulated to apply a force to the extender tabs 152, 152a and / or the tabs 120, 130. As the applied force reaches a selected torque limit, the tab breaker separates the extender tabs 152, 152a and / or the tabs 120, 130 from the bone fastener 100.

[0050] As described herein, when the operation is completed, surgical instruments, assembly and non-implanted components of spinal implant system 10 are removed, and one or more incisions are closed. One or more of the parts of spinal implant system 10 can be made of the radiolucent material of for example polymer. Radioactive markers can be included, for the identification under x-rays, fluoroscopy, CT or other imaging techniques. In certain embodiments, spinal implant system 10 can include one or more in spinal rod, plate, connector and / or bone fastener, for single vertebral segment or multiple vertebral segments.

[0051] In some embodiments, as described herein, one or more bone fasteners can engage tissue in various orientations (e.g., in series, parallel, offset, staggered, and / or alternate vertebral levels). In some embodiments, the bone fasteners can include polyaxial screws, sagittal adjustment screws, pedicle screws, monoaxial screws, uniplane screws, facet screws, set screws, tissue penetrating screws, conventional screws, expansion screws, wedges, anchors, buttons, clamps, snaps, friction fittings, compression fittings, expansion rivets, staples, nails, adhesives, posts, fixation plates, and / or posts.

[0052] In one embodiment, spinal implant system 10 comprises medicament, and described medicament can be placed, packaged, coated or layered in parts and / or the surface of spinal implant system 10, on or around.In certain embodiments, medicament can comprise bone growth and help material, for example, bone graft, to strengthen the fixation of parts and / or the surface of spinal implant system 10 and vertebra.In certain embodiments, reagent can comprise one or more therapeutic agents and / or pharmacological agents for release, comprises sustained release, to treat for example pain, inflammation and degeneration.

[0053] It should be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as an example of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art may envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An implant support cap, comprising: a wall defining a cavity, an extension extending from a distal end of the wall, the extension including a first longitudinal passage and a second longitudinal passage, the cavity defining a longitudinal axis, the cover being engageable with an implant support member to orient the implant support member using the passage so that the implant support member can be coupled to the cover, the wall including a pair of first openings and a pair of second openings, one of the first openings communicating with the first passage and one of the second openings communicating with the second passage; Wherein, the distal surface of the wall is arranged relative to the transverse orientation of the first longitudinal channel and the second longitudinal channel to define a ramp that is selectively inclined to facilitate translation and / or guidance of the extender tab of the implant support member into the first longitudinal channel and the second longitudinal channel.

2. The implant support cap of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a distal surface of the wall, the distal surface communicating with the channel.

3. The implant support cap of claim 2, wherein the distal surface is disposed in a transverse orientation relative to the longitudinal axis.

4. The implant support cap of claim 1, wherein the wall includes an inner surface defining the cavity and an opposing outer surface, the openings each extending through the inner surface and the outer surface.

5. The implant support cap of claim 1, wherein the extension includes a mating recess defining the channel.

6. The implant support cap of claim 5, wherein the mating recess defines a pocket surface engageable with a proximal spring tip of the implant support member.

7. The implant support cap of claim 1, wherein the cap and the implant support member are engageable in a snap-fit ​​assembly.

8. The implant support cap of claim 1, wherein the wall includes a lock engageable with the implant support member.

9. The implant support cap of claim 8, wherein the lock is releasably engaged with the implant support member.

10. The implant support cap of claim 1, wherein the wall includes a flange oriented to abut the implant support member.

11. The implant support cap of claim 1 , wherein the wall includes at least one corner.

12. The implant support cap of claim 1, wherein the second channel is spaced apart from the first channel.

13. The implant support cap of claim 12, wherein the extension includes a plurality of longitudinal rails defining the channel.

14. An implant support cap, comprising: a wall defining a cavity, the cavity defining a longitudinal axis; as well as an extension extending from a distal end of the wall, the extension including a mating recess defining a first longitudinal passage and a second longitudinal passage, the distal end including an angled distal surface engageable with an implant support member including spaced apart extender tabs, the wall including a pair of first openings and a pair of second openings, one of the first openings communicating with the first passage and one of the second openings communicating with the second passage; The distal surface of the wall is arranged relative to the transverse orientation of the first and second longitudinal channels to define a ramp that is selectively inclined to facilitate translation and / or guidance of the extender tab of the implant support member into the first and second longitudinal channels.

15. The implant support cap of claim 14, wherein the openings each have an elliptical configuration.

16. The implant support cap of claim 14, wherein the cap and the tab are engageable in a snap-fit ​​assembly.

17. The implant support cap of claim 14, wherein the wall includes a lock releasably engageable with the tab.

18. A spinal implant system comprising: An implant support cover, the implant support cover comprising: a wall defining a cavity, the cavity defining a longitudinal axis; and an extension extending from a distal end of the wall, the extension including a mating groove defining a first longitudinal channel and a second longitudinal channel, the extension including a pair of first openings and a pair of second openings, one of the first openings communicating with the first channel, and one of the second openings communicating with the second channel; an implant support member comprising spaced apart extender tabs configured to be disposed in the channel and the opening such that the implant support member can be coupled to the cover; and an implant receiver connected to the tab; Wherein, the distal surface of the wall is arranged relative to the transverse orientation of the first longitudinal channel and the second longitudinal channel to define a ramp that is selectively inclined to facilitate translation and / or guidance of the extender tab of the implant support member into the first longitudinal channel and the second longitudinal channel.

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