Abstract: Spinal arthrodesis is accomplished by implanting an intervertebral spacer made of a biocompatible material that promotes tissue ingrowth and bony fusion. The spacer is implanted into a graft bed formed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The spacer includes a body portion having anterior and posterior end faces. Opposed flanges project outwardly from the body portion at axial locations adjacent the anterior and posterior end faces. The flanges taper radially outwardly to an outer edge that is sharp enough to penetrate vertebral end plates. After a graft bed has been formed, and after the vertebral bodies have been distracted, the spacer is inserted into the graft bed and positioned such that the flanges are adjacent the vertebral end plates. Upon release of the distraction, the vertebral bodies will move toward each other and the flanges will be pressed into the end plates.

Abstract: A surgical tool and method for reducing vertebral displacement between two adjacent vertebrae wherein the present tool includes a posterior compression member having a foot portion associated with one end portion thereof for selectively engaging one of the adjacent vertebrae, an anterior compression member positionable over the posterior member and having a foot portion associated with one end portion thereof for selectively engaging the other of the adjacent vertebrae, a compression nut member engagable with the posterior member for tightening against the anterior compression member, and a handle member engagable with the nut member.