Interbody fusion device

Abstract

Devices for fixing interbody fusion devices to bone by helically or corkscrew-shaped elements are provided. Methods for surgically implanting an interbody fusion device using helically-shaped fixation wire are provided.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An interbody spacer system for the spine comprising:
 a helically-shaped fixation device comprising a distal tip;   an implant having a helical groove directly formed in the implant, wherein the helical groove provides a rotational ending point for the distal tip such that the distal tip contacts a vertebral body at a pre-determined angle, wherein the helical groove extends to an interface with a proximal surface of the implant; and   a feature configured to limit further rotation of the helically-shaped fixation device relative to the implant.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a portion of the helically-shaped fixation device and the implant configured to interlock. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a portion of the helically-shaped fixation device configured to limit rotation of the helically-shaped fixation device once the helically-shaped fixation device reaches a fully inserted position. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises interlocking shapes of the helically-shaped fixation device and the implant. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a protrusion of the helically-shaped fixation device. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a protrusion configured to interlock with a groove. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a groove at the proximal surface of the implant configured to interlock with the helically-shaped fixation device. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a cap. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a cap configured to be coupled to a proximal end of the helically-shaped fixation device. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a cap configured to engage a groove. 
     
     
         31 . An interbody spacer system for the spine comprising:
 a helically-shaped fixation device comprising a distal tip;   an implant having a helical groove directly formed in the implant, wherein the helical groove provides a rotational ending point for the distal tip such that the distal tip contacts a vertebral body at a pre-determined angle, wherein the helical groove extends to an interface with a proximal surface of the implant; and   a feature configured to limit further insertion of the helically-shaped fixation device relative to the implant.   
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the feature comprises a protrusion of the helically-shaped fixation device. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the feature comprises a groove at the proximal surface of the implant. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the feature comprises a cap. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the feature comprises a cap configured to be coupled to a proximal end of the helically-shaped fixation device. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the helical groove comprises a rounded inner surface. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the helical groove and the helically-shaped fixation device each comprises coils which are spaced the same distance apart. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the helically-shaped fixation device comprises clockwise turns. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the helical groove comprises a linear axis through the implant. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 31 , further comprising a second helically-shaped fixation device.