BUTTRESS PLATE SYSTEM
Systems, devices and methods are provided for assisting in spinal stabilization. A buttress plate system is provided that can include an intervertebral spacer (5), a buttress plate (10), a spinal screw (105), and an insertion instrument (200). The buttress plate (10) is configured to extend across at least a part of an intervertebral space to block or prevent an intervertebral spacer (5) from backing out of the intervertebral space when the buttress plate (10) is secured to the spine. The buttress plate (10) includes a curved plate body (20) having an aperture (25) therethrough for receiving a spinal screw (105). The buttress plate (10) also includes a pair of engagement members (54) in the form of spikes to help stabilize the buttress plate (10) relative to the spine prior to securing the buttress plate (10) to the spine. The buttress plate (10) can be coupled to an insertion instrument (200) that is used to guide the buttress plate (10) to a desired position adjacent the spine. Once in a desired position, a spinal screw (105) can be delivered through the insertion instrument (200) and through the aperture (25) of the buttress plate (10) to secure the buttress plate (10) to the spine. The insertion instrument (200) thus helps to properly position the buttress plate (10) adjacent the spine and to deliver a spinal screw (105) toward the aperture (25) of the buttress plate (10).