US20040186570A1 - Interbody spinal fusion device - Google Patents

Abstract

A spinal fusion implant device (10), and method of use, for promotes device for promoting a spinal fusion between neighboring vertebrae. The spinal fusion device may be located within the intervertebral disc space and includes a pair of plate member (12, 14) that preferably have flat support plates (18, 36) for contacting and resting against the softer, central cancellous bone portion of respective endplates of adjacent vertebrae. The support plates have a front template portion (27, 44) that is substantially orthogonal to the flat support plate and is bent in a direction to communicate with the anterior surface of the hard cortical endplate the respective vertebrae. The flat support plates are provided with a central channel (56) in which a support strut (55) may be placed. The support is configured to vary the distance between the support plates such that the height of the apparatus proximate the anterior end is greater than the height of the device at the posterior end whereby the natural lordosis of the spine is maintained after the apparatus is installed. The support strut may be selected from a set of support struts of predetermined height and angle, to alter the vertical distance between the support plates to customize the apparatus to fit a given patient. Channels formed (66, 67), on either side of the support strut, are filled with bone graft material and contact the endplates of the vertebrae through large openings (25, 26, 43, 45) in the flat support plates to facilitate fusion.

Description

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PATENT APPLICATION
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/381,579, filed Apr. 4, 2001.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• This invention relates generally to a spinal implant system, and more particularly, to an interbody spinal fusion device for promoting the fusion of two adjacent vertebrae.[0003]
• 2. Description of the Related Art[0004]
• There is a need in the field of neurosurgery to have spinal implant systems that allow surgeons to increase the probability of successful vertebral fusion procedures. Intervertebral discs that become degenerated due to various factors such as trauma, aging, or disease may be partially or fully removed as a method of pain control. In a process that is referred to as “interbody fusion,” bone graft material is placed into the intervertebral space where the disc was removed to enable adjacent vertebrae to grow together and become one solid piece of bone.[0005]
• Fusion may require weeks, sometimes months, to achieve a desirable result. If relative movement takes place between the adjacent vertebrae while fusion is underway there is a risk of unsatisfactory results, and a minimum, the rate of fusion will be retarded. Relative movement may also cause back pain after surgery. In addition, it is necessary to support the spine during fusion in order to maintain the height of the spine (i.e, intervertebral spacing) and, preferably also to maintain the normal lordosis of the spine.[0006]
• Therefore, once the intervertebral disc is removed, an implant device is typically inserted between neighboring vertebrae to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability while facilitating intervertebral fusion.[0007]
• Known implant devices for facilitating fusion include a threaded spinal implant comprising a hollow externally-threaded cylinder into which bone chips or slurry is placed. The cylinder is inserted into the intervertebral space and has holes extending radially therethrough so that bone material grows though the holes to fuse with the bone material of the vertebrae. Illustrative devices of this type are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,947,971; 5,522,899; 5,489,308; 5,015,247; and 4,961,740. Commercial devices of this type include the Sulzer Spine-Tech, Inc. BAK™ surgical implant.[0008]
• One problem with the implant devices of the type mentioned above is that they tend not to maintain the normal lordosis of the spine. In a healthy state, the cervical and lumbar areas of the human spine are lordotic such that they curve convexly forward. Normal lordosis results, at least in significant measure, from the normal wedge-shaped nature of the spaces between adjacent pairs of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, and the normal wedge-shaped nature of the intervertebral discs that fill these spaces. Loss of lordosis and proper intervertebral spacing may result in an increased risk of degeneration to other intervertebral discs located adjacent to the fusion level due to the alteration of the overall mechanics of the spine. There is, therefore, a need for an interbody spinal fusion device that maintains normal disc spacing and lordosis.[0009]
• As a result of the need to maintain proper intervertebral spacing, in this known arrangement, it is necessary to have multiple implant devices, in varying sizes, available for any given operation. For example, the Sulzer Spine-Tech, Inc. BAK™ system includes four different sizes of threaded implants as well as multiple varieties of other implements. This, of course, greatly increases the cost of the implant.[0010]
• A further problem with the implant mentioned above is that the cylindrical geometry of the engaging element tends to provide a small area of contact between the engaging element and the vertebrae. The small engaging surface tends to contribute to subsidence or deformation of the cortical layer of the vertebrae adjacent to the engaging element. Moreover, the small engaging surface provides less contact between the bone graft material encased in the device and the adjacent vertebrae. Exposure of the bone graft material to the surface of the vertebrae is important because the more exposure, the greater the possibility of having fusion occur. There is, therefore, a need for an interbody spinal fusion device that permits an increased area of exposure of bone graft material to the adjacent vertebrae.[0011]
• In addition to the foregoing, placement of the known devices is difficult and can shift as a result of procedures during the operation and after the operation. Further, despite the tendency of the threaded exterior to grip the endplates of adjacent vertebrae, the generally cylindrical character of these implant devices can permit relative movement of the vertebrae to take place.[0012]
• Another type of known implant device is a cage element that has two engaging plates that fit into the intervertebral region. The height between the two plates is then adjusted by some mechanism so that the top plate rests firmly against the upper vertebrae and the lower engaging plate rests firmly against the lower vertebrae. Bone graft material is then inserted in to the cage element. The top and bottom engaging plates have holes that allow the bone graft material to come in contact with the vertebral surface. The cage element differs from the externally-threaded cylinder implant discussed above because the cage element has more surface area that is in contact with the adjacent vertebrae. However, the holes in the top and bottom plates are the only exposure that the bone graft material has to the vertebral surface. In this regard, the cage element is not significantly better that the externally-threaded cylinder implant.[0013]
• Further, the cage element rests against the softer cancerous bone in the center of the vertebral bodies and/or is provided with protrusions or teeth to facilitate engagement with the cancellous bone tissue. The cage element is, therefore, not attached to the harder, outer ring of cortical bone. Moreover, engagement of the device to the cancerous bone surface causes damage that can result in subsidence.[0014]
• There is, therefore, a need in the art for an interbody spinal fusion device that decreases the risk of subsidence and provides a larger area of contact between bone graft material and adjacent vertebrae. There is also a need in the art for an interbody spinal fusion device that maintains normal lordosis.[0015]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the present invention which provides an interbody spinal fusion device that facilitates bone fusion between adjacent vertebrae of a human spine. In accordance with the invention, the interbody spinal fusion device is provided with a pair of bone-engaging plate members that are adapted to engage respective ones of the vertebrae. The bone-engaging plate members are, once installed, accommodated between the adjacent vertebrae, and as will be described herein, facilitate maintenance of the respective vertebrae in a predetermined spaced apart relationship. The interbody fusion device having an anterior end distal from a posterior end. Each of the bone-engaging plate members is provided with an associated support plate that is configured to communicate intimately with an endplate of an associated one of the adjacent vertebrae. The support plates each have an outer surface that contacts the associated vertebra and an inner surface that is directed toward the other of the adjacent vertebrae. In addition, the support plates have apertures therethrough and at least one longitudinal support plate portion extending substantially through the support plate from the anterior end thereof to the posterior end thereof. There is additionally provided a generally curved template having a first template surface extending outward substantially orthogonal with respect to the horizontal plane of the support plate in the direction of the outer surface of the support plate. The first template surface faces in the posterior direction and is arranged for communicating with a substantially lateral anterior cortical surface portion of the associated vertebra. In addition, the template has an anterior surface. A support strut is interposed between the respective inner surfaces of the bone-engaging plate members, the support strut being arranged to extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal support plate portion. The support strut is adapted to maintain the bone-engaging plate members apart in a predetermined spatial relationship wherein a distance between the respective inner surfaces proximate the anterior end is greater that the distance proximate the posterior end. In this manner, a substantially natural lordosis of the human spine is maintained.[0016]
• In one embodiment of the invention, the support plate is configured to be generally flat. However, in other embodiments the support plate is adapted to follow the generally contour of the endplate of the vertebra with which it communicates. In the specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, the support plate is provided with three longitudinal members that define two large apertures through the support plate. The longitudinal members terminate in a generally curved section at the posterior end, and terminate with the template at the anterior end.[0017]
• In a further embodiment of the invention, the anterior surface of at least one template is provided with at least three apertures for accommodating fasteners. Such apertures preferably are configured to determine the angle of penetration of the fasteners into each vertebra, and may, in certain embodiments, be orthopedic bone screws.[0018]
• In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the support plate includes at least two tabs that are integrally formed, and coplanar, with the anterior surface of the template. These tabs extend in the direction of the inner surface of the support plate. Two adjacent tabs for guide the support strut, which may have a wedge shape, between the bone-engaging plate members during placement. More specifically, the two adjacent tabs define an opening into the region between the adjacent vertebrae that has a width approximately equal to the width of the support strut.[0019]
• At least one of the support plates includes a protuberance on the inner surface of the longitudinal member proximate the posterior end to preclude over-insertion of the support strut in the posterior direction.[0020]
• Bone graft material is packed into channels that are formed on either side of the support strut and that extend between the support plates. The bone graft material communicates with the vertebrae through the openings in the support plates.[0021]
• In a still further embodiment, there is additionally provided an end cap proximate the anterior end. The end cap may, in certain embodiment, be coupled to the anterior surfaces of the curved templates of the bone-engaging plate members.[0022]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
• Comprehension of the invention is facilitated by reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the annexed drawing, in which:[0023]
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interbody spinal fusion device in accordance with the invention;[0024]
• FIG. 2 is a plan view, from the anterior side, of a portion of the spinal column with the interbody spinal fusion device of FIG. 1 mounted between two adjacent vertebrae; and[0025]
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the mounted interbody spinal fusion device of FIG. 2, taken along line X-X.[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interbody[0027]spinal fusion device10. Interbodyspinal fusion device10 suitable for implantation in the intervertebral space between two adjacent vertebral bodies (not shown), has a pair of bone-engaging plate members, specificallytop plate member12 andbottom plate member14. In use,top plate member12 andbottom plate member14 are arranged above and below each other, respectively, in spaced apart relationship. The spaced apart relationship is created and maintained in a manner that will be described more completely hereinbelow.
• [0028]Bottom plate member14 has abottom support plate18 that is adapted to rest on the endplate of the lower vertebra (not shown).Bottom support plate18 has anouter surface19 that contacts the lower vertebra and aninner surface20. As shown in this figure,bottom support plate18 is generally flat, but may be adapted to follow the contour of the vertebra on which it rests. Since the support plates merely contacts the endplates of the vertebrae, and can be bent to the contour of the vertebrae, rather than engage by means of protuberances or engaging teeth, there is less damage to the bone which prevents subsidence. In this embodiment,bottom support plate18 has threelongitudinal members22,23, and24 that terminate in a generallycurved section21 atposterior end17.Longitudinal members22,23, and24 define twolarge openings25 and26.
• At[0029]anterior end16,longitudinal members22,23, and24 terminate with a generally curved section that is bent substantially orthogonal to the horizontal plane ofbottom support plate18 in the direction of communication of the template and the vertebral body. The generally curved section is herein referred to asbottom template27.Bottom template27 has an anteriorfront face surface28 atanterior side16 of the device and an opposing posterior surface29 (designated, but not specifically shown in this figure).Posterior surface29 is adapted to contact and rest flush against the curved anterior cortical surface of the lower vertebra (not shown).
• In this embodiment,[0030]bottom template27 is provided with threepre-drilled holes31,32 and33 which may, in some embodiments, be internally threaded. Fasteners, such as threaded orthopedic bone screws (not shown) are inserted through the pre-drilled holes and into the hard cortical bone of the anterior surface of the vertebra. In preferred embodiments, the pre-drilled holes may be configured to adjust the angle of placement of the bone screws so that the bone screws can be set to work against each other in order to stabilize the device.
• While a total of six bone screws are used in the specific embodiment described herein, it is to be understood that the bone-engaging plate members can be attached to vertebrae using a greater or lesser number of fasteners depending on different variables, including, but certainly not limited to, size or bone density of the vertebrae, spatial positioning of the vertebrae, and the level of attachment required by the physician.[0031]
• Orthopedic bone screws of the type suggested for use in the practice of the invention are well-known and available from a variety of suppliers known to those of ordinary skill in the art. However, it is to be understood, that other known or new and improved forms of orthopedic screws and other types of improved orthopedic fasteners and fastening systems are within the contemplated scope of the invention.[0032]
• [0033]Top plate member12 is generally equivalent in structure tobottom plate member14, and in some embodiments, may be identical in structure to bottom plate member.
• However, in use, the[0034]top plate member12 is flipped so thattop template44 will be bent substantially orthogonal to the horizontal plane oftop support plate36 in the direction of communication of the template and the vertebral body.
• Referring to FIG. 1,[0035]top plate member12 has atop support plate36 that is adapted to rest on the endplate of the upper vertebra (not shown).Top support plate36 has anouter surface37 that contacts the upper vertebra and an inner surface38 (designated, but not specifically shown in this figure).Top support plate36 has threelongitudinal members39,40, and41 that terminate in a generally curved section42 atposterior end17.Longitudinal members39,40 and41 define twolarge openings43 an45. Atanterior end16,longitudinal members39,40 and41 terminate withtop template44.Top template44 has an anteriorfront face surface46 atanterior side16 of the device and an opposing posterior surface47 (designated, but not specifically shown).Posterior surface47 is adapted to contact and rest flush against the curved anterior cortical surface of the upper vertebra (not shown).Top template44 is also provided with threepre-drilled holes48,49,50.
• [0036]Bottom template27 has tabs, illustrativelyadjacent tabs34 and35, that are integrally formed, and coplanar with, the anterior front face ofbottom template27, but extend in a direction opposite to the direction that the template is bent. Forbottom template27, the tabs extend upward from itsinner surface20.Tabs34 and35 form an initial guide, orslot53, that precludes transverse dislocation ofsupport strut55 when inserted into the interbody spinal fusion device. In this specific embodiment, the tabs are spaced apart to define an opening having a width approximately equal to the width of centrallongitudinal member23.Top template44 also has tabs,illustratively tabs51 and52, that define aslot54. However, in the case oftop template44, the tabs extend in a direction downward from itsinner surface38. Whentop plate member12 andbottom plate member14 are mounted to adjacent vertebrae, as will be described hereinbelow,tabs34 and35 in combination withtabs51 and52, are aligned to form generally anaperture56 into which wedge-shapedsupport strut55 is inserted.
• In addition to the foregoing, in some embodiments additional tabs (shown, but not specifically designated, in FIG. 1) may be provided. In these embodiments, the tabs can operate to define additional slots/apertures for the insertion of more than one support strut. The tabs, which extend in an opposing direction to the main body of the template, and in front of the channels into which one graft material will be placed, can also operate to stabilize and anchor the device.[0037]
• The interbody[0038]spinal fusion device10 has a height that is defined by the vertical distance between theouter surface39 oftop support plate36 and theouter surface19 ofbottom support plate18. The height is adjustable by selection and insertion of a strut of the appropriate size intoaperture56, and preferably, varies along the interbodyspinal fusion device10 betweenanterior end16 andposterior end17 so as to maintain the natural lordosis of the spine.
• Referring to[0039]exemplary strut55, shown in FIG. 1 prior to insertion,support strut55 comprises a solid wedge-shaped object of a predetermined maximum height atanterior end81 and minimum height atposterior end83. The angle of the wedge-shaped strut is determined by the height ofposterior end83 relative to the height ofanterior end81. In a kit embodiment of the invention, a selection of support struts of varying height and/or angle would be provided along with the top and bottom plate members in a surgical kit so that the practitioner can select the appropriate strut for the individual patient. The angle ofsupport strut55 is chosen to maintain the lordosis of the vertebral column. The height ofsupport strut55 is chosen to approximate the height of the disc material that previously occupied the intervertebral spacing. It is anticipated that as few as two or three support struts will be all that is required to practice the invention. Of course, this number is illustrative and is in no way intended to be limiting. This is a significant reduction in the amount of parts required for a surgical kit for an interbody fusion operation.
• In use,[0040]support strut55 is inserted inaperture56 betweenlongitudinal members23 and40, spanning the intervertebral region and resting firmly against the upper and lower vertebrae. In some embodiments,top plate36 has aprotrusion57 to engagesupport strut55 to prevent over-insertion. Of course, either one or both thebottom plate18 ortop plate36 can be provided with a protrusion for this purpose.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the spinal column with[0041]interbody fusion device10 mounted between two vertebrae. Elements of structure that are identical to those in FIG. 1 are similarly designated in FIG. 2. Interbodyspinal fusion device10 is placed inintervertebral region60 between afirst vertebra61 located belowintervertebral region60 and asecond vertebra62 located aboveintervertebral region60.Bottom plate member14 is attached tovertebra61 bybone screws63,64, and65 that are inserted through pre-drilled holes (see FIG. 1) inbottom template27.Top plate member12 is attached tovertebra62 bybones screws63′,64′, and65′throughtop template44.Support strut55 is shown inserted inaperture56.
• [0042]Channels66 and67 are formed on either side ofsupport strut55 for packingbone graft material72 to facilitate fusion ofvertebra61 withvertebra62. Referring to FIG. 1,openings25 and26 in bottom support plate18 (not shown in this figure) andopenings43 and45 in top support plate36 (not shown in this figure) underlie or overlie, respectively,channels66 and67 so that there is a large area of contact of bone graft material with the vertebrae.
• In some embodiments, an end cap (not shown in this figure) is placed over the top and bottom templates to lock the support strut in place. Advantageously, the end cap will assist in retaining bone graft material in the channels. Preferably, the outermost portions of the lateral and[0043]posterior annulus71 remain intact and serve to confine the bone graft material in lateral and posterior directions. Of course, a retaining plate (not shown) for the posterior side ofspinal fusion device10 can be devised, by persons of skill in the art, for retaining bone graft material, if required.
• The components of the interbody spinal fusion device of the present invention are constructed of biocompatible materials, and presently titanium or titanium alloys are preferred. However, it is to be understood that other materials presently known, and to be developed, that have the appropriate strength and biocompatibility, such as ceramics, metals, and carbon composites, are specifically contemplated for use in connection with the invention.[0044]
• In practice, the interbody spinal fusion device of the present invention is installed in accordance with techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Illustratively, the technique utilizes an anterior approach to the spine and is particularly suited to fusion of lumbar or thoracic vertebrae. The annulus of the affected disc is sharply incised anteriorly to allow a complete discectomy to be performed. Preferably, the entire disc is removed except for the outermost portions of the lateral and posterior annulus. The endplates of the vertebrae are carefully scraped clean of all disc material.[0045]
• The[0046]top plate member12 and thebottom plate member14 are respectively placed into the intervertebral space, as shown in FIG. 3, which is a cross-sectional side view ofspinal fusion device10 taken along line X-X in FIG. 2, as installed between neighboringvertebrae61 and62. Elements of structure that are identical to those in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 are similarly designated in FIG. 3.
• Referring to FIG. 3, by way of illustration,[0047]top plate member12 is mounted intointervertebral region60 by placingtemplate44 on theanterior surface73 of the hard cortical endplate of theupper vertebra62. This results in the insertion ofsupport plate36 into intervertebral region so that itsouter surface37 contacts the cleaned, softer center ofcancellous bone75 where the disc has been removed (designated, but not specifically shown).Template44 is shown attached to the hard cortical bone bysurgical screw64′.Bottom plate member14 is mounted intointervertebral region60 and attached tovertebra61 in a similar manner by fasteningbottom template27 on theanterior surface74 of the hard cortical endplate of thelower vertebra61.
• The height and width of the disc space are measured, and a[0048]support strut55 having the correct height and/or angle to restore and maintain the appropriate intervertebral spacing and normal spinal lordosis is selected by the surgeon.Support strut55 is then inserted intoaperture56 created bycenter slots54 and53 (see FIG. 1) and will rest between centrallongitudinal members23 and40.Protuberance57 on centrallongitudinal member40 will act as a stop to prevent over-insertion ofsupport strut55.
• Once the desired height and angle is achieved, bone graft material (not shown in this figure) is packed into hollow channels (shown as[0049]channels66 and67 in FIG. 2) on either side ofsupport strut55. The remaining outermost portions of the lateral and posterior annulus (not shown in this figure) may serve to retain the packed bone graft material in place. In this particular embodiment,removable end plate70, which may be fastened totemplate members44 and27 by force-fit or fasteners, locksspinal fusion device10 in place and retains bone graft material in the anterior direction.
• Known techniques, such as x-ray imaging or fluoroscopy, can be used to confirm correct placement of the device and selection of size/angle of the support strut. However, in the practice of the invention, the radius of curvature of the anterior vertebral body would dictate the placement of the template. The depth of the support plate, along with the curvature as it relates to the anterior vertebral body, creates a device that is self-directing as to location. There is no chance of over-penetration of the device inasmuch as depth is limited by the anterior aspect of the vertebral approach. This prevents errors in placement of the type that routinely occur with the known cylindrical threaded fusion devices, such as placement which is too far lateral and, theoretically, can go beyond the cortical margin into the area of the foramen. It also removes the risk of over-drilling that can happen when a cylindrical threaded fusion device is started too far laterally on the vertebral body. Moreover, it prevents the all-too-frequent complications resulting when the known device does not obtain equal purchase in each endplate.[0050]
• The interbody spinal fusion device of the present invention is, mechanically, a more stable construct than known prior art devices since there is a greater amount of surface area engaged against the anterior aspect of the vertebral body as well as impacting the vertebral body endplate. This allows for more aggressive removal of cartilaginous endplate and bone from the affected area. Moreover, the interbody spinal fusion device of the present invention provides wide channels into which bone graft material may be packed. In addition, there large openings in the support plate provides for a large area of contact between the bone graft material and the prepared endplates of the vertebrae.[0051]
• Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art can, in light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding the scope or departing from the spirit of the invention described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and description in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of the invention, and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.[0052]

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:

1. An interbody spinal fusion device for facilitating fusion between adjacent vertebrae of a human spine, the interbody spinal fusion device comprising:

a pair of bone-engaging plate members adapted to engage respective ones of the vertebrae, and to be accommodated therebetween, for maintaining the respective vertebrae in a predetermined spaced apart relationship, the interbody fusion device having an anterior end distal from a posterior end, the bone-engaging plate members each having;

a support plate configured to communicate intimately with an endplate of an associated one of the adjacent vertebrae, the support plate having an outer surface that contacts the associated vertebra and an inner surface directed toward the other of the adjacent vertebrae, the support plate having apertures therethrough and at least one longitudinal support plate portion extending substantially through the support plate from the anterior end thereof to the posterior end thereof, and

a generally curved template having a first template surface extending outward substantially orthogonal with respect to the horizontal plane of the support plate in the direction of the outer surface of the support plate, the first template surface facing in the posterior direction and arranged for communicating with a substantially lateral anterior cortical surface portion of the associated vertebra, the template further having an anterior surface; and

a support strut interposed between respective inner surfaces of the bone-engaging plate members, said support strut being arrange to extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal support plate portion, the support strut being adapted to maintain the bone-engaging plate members apart in a predetermined spatial relationship wherein a distance between the respective inner surfaces proximate the anterior end is greater that the distance proximate the posterior end, whereby a substantially natural lordosis of the human spine is maintained.

2. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 1 wherein the support plate is generally flat.

3. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 1 wherein the support plate is adapted to follow generally the contour of the endplate of the vertebra with which it communicates.

4. The interbody spinal fusion device of claims1 and2 wherein the support plate comprises three longitudinal members that define two large apertures through the support plate.

5. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 4 wherein the longitudinal members terminate in a generally curved section at the posterior end, and terminate with the template at the anterior end.

6. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 1 wherein the anterior surface of at least one template is provided with at least three apertures for accommodating fasteners.

7. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 7 wherein the apertures are configured to determine the angle of penetration of the fasteners into each vertebra.

8. The interbody spinal fusion device of claims6 and7 wherein the fasteners are orthopedic bone screws.

9. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 1 wherein the support plate further includes at least two tabs that are integrally formed, and coplanar, with the anterior surface of the template, and extend in the direction of the inner surface of the support plate.

10. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 9 wherein the support plate is provided with two adjacent tabs for guiding the support strut between the bone-engaging plate members during placement.

11. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 10 wherein said two adjacent tabs define an opening having a width approximately equal to the width of the support strut.

12. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of the support plates includes a protuberance on the inner surface of the longitudinal member proximate the posterior end to preclude over-insertion of the support strut in the posterior direction.

13. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 1 further including bone graft material packed into channels formed on either side of the support strut and extending between the support plates, the bone graft material communicating with the vertebrae through the openings in the support plates.

14. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 1 wherein there is further provided an end cap proximate the anterior end.

15. The interbody spinal fusion device ofclaim 1 wherein the support strut is wedge-shaped.

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