Featured are a method and apparatus for fixing adjacent vertebrate of a
spine that avoids the need and associated problems with prior cage or straight
rod and screw systems. Methods and apparatus of the invention utilize a new implant
member, which preferably is arcuate. Preferred methods of the invention for stabilizing
adjacent vertebrae of the spine, include steps of providing a positioning apparatus
including two guide sleeves, each guide sleeve having a long axis and locating
the two guide sleeves with respect to the adjacent vertebrae such that a vertex
formed by the long axis of each guide sleeve is located in the intervertebral space
for the adjacent vertebrae. The method further includes forming an aperture in
each of the adjacent vertebrae using the guide sleeves and inserting an implant
into the apertures formed in each of the adjacent vertebrae so that the implant
extends between the adjacent vertebrae and through the intervertebral space. In
an alternative method a cutting fixture including a pivot arm is secured to the
adjacent vertebrae and a cutting device is secured to the pivot arm. The pivot
arm and cutting device are configured and arranged so that rotation of the pivot
arm about a particularly located pivot point allows the cutting device to form
the aperture in each of the adjacent vertebrae. Another alternative method for
fixing adjacent vertebrate of a spine includes the step of forming a common channel
in and between the adjacent vertebrae and inserting a biscuit implant in the common
so as to bridge between the adjacent vertebrae.
