Bolt-plate fixation for anterior spinal fusion

A bolt-plate device for fixation of distal thoracic and proximal lumbar vertebral bodies has proved effective in a variety of surgical situations. The instrumentation is designed to obtain the optimum conditions for the healing of cancellous bone, namely, rigid immobilization and, if possible, close apposition of surfaces. The device may also be effectively employed to protect grafts used to replace a vertebral body.