The present invention is a load sharing intervertebral fusion device that
allows for reconstruction of the proper disc space between two vertebral
bodies while allowing bone material packed within the fusion device to
share loading and stress for enhanced healing. The device includes two
sections, an upper and lower section, separated by a bioresorbable
spacer. The upper section slides relative to the lower section with the
bioresorbable material being placed in load therebetween. The upper
section and lower sections are effectively held apart, creating an
initial fixed spacer for implantation of the intervertebral disc space.
Openings in the implant construct allow for bone graft and bone
substitutes to be placed within the implant to allow for fusion through
the implant construct. After implantation and over a period of time based
on bone resorbtion and remodeling, the spacer resorbs, thereby
maintaining load on the bone graft material.