Abstract: An implant assembly for a spinal column includes at least a plate and an interbody implant attached to the plate. The interbody implant is positioned in the spinal disc space and the plate extends extradiscally for attachment to the first and second vertebrae outside the disc space. The assembly may include recesses in the bottom surface of the plate, spacers, and spacing portions extending from the bottom surface of the plate that allow the plate to be secured to the interbody implant when the trailing end of the interbody implant is positioned in a recessed, flush or overhanging position relative to the laterally facing surfaces of the vertebrae.

Abstract: An implant assembly for a spinal column includes at least a plate and an interbody implant attached to the plate. The interbody implant is positioned in the spinal disc space and the plate extends extradiscally for attachment to the first and second vertebrae outside the disc space. The assembly may include recesses in the bottom surface of the plate, spacers, and spacing portions extending from the bottom surface of the plate that allow the plate to be secured to the interbody implant when the trailing end of the interbody implant is positioned in a recessed, flush or overhanging position relative to the laterally facing surfaces of the vertebrae.

Abstract: An implant assembly for a spinal column includes at least a plate and an interbody implant attached to the plate. The interbody implant is positioned in the spinal disc space and the plate extends extradiscally for attachment to the first and second vertebrae outside the disc space. The assembly may include recesses in the bottom surface of the plate, spacers, and spacing portions extending from the bottom surface of the plate that allow the plate to be secured to the interbody implant when the trailing end of the interbody implant is positioned in a recessed, flush or overhanging position relative to the laterally facing surfaces of the vertebrae.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an orthopedic plate is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: providing a stratum comprising a first surface for engaging bone and a second surface opposing said first surface, wherein the stratum comprises a fastener hole for receiving a fastener, wherein the fastener has a head and a shaft; providing a retaining element comprising a head and a shaft; creating a retaining hole for receiving the retaining element, wherein the retaining element extends through at least the second surface; placing the retaining element into the retaining hole to reach a fully-inserted position; cutting a portion of the head of the retaining element such that the head of the fastener can be inserted through the fastener hole and pass by the head of the retaining element to reach a fully-inserted position of the fastener. Also, an orthopedic plate made using the disclosed method is disclosed.

Abstract: An implant assembly for a spinal column includes at least a plate and an interbody implant attached to the plate. The interbody implant is positioned in the spinal disc space and the plate extends extradiscally for attachment to the first and second vertebrae outside the disc space. The assembly may include recesses in the bottom surface of the plate, spacers, and spacing portions extending from the bottom surface of the plate that allow the plate to be secured to the interbody implant when the trailing end of the interbody implant is positioned in a recessed, flush or overhanging position relative to the laterally facing surfaces of the vertebrae.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical implant having a vertebral body replacement device, alone or in combination with other complimentary elements, configured to deliver one or more therapeutic substances. The one or more therapeutic substances may be contained in the medical implant or be ported to the medical implant.