Claims
- 1. A spinal fusion system, comprising:
a cage structure including a posterior wall and opposing lateral sidewalls defining a fillable volume; and a removable locking anterior gate, enabling the fillable volume to be packed with graft, biologic or other materials prior to the gate being closed and locked.
- 2. The spinal fusion system of claim 1, wherein the cage is substantially radiolucent.
- 3. The spinal fusion system of claim 1, wherein the cage is composed of a carbon fiber.
- 4. The spinal fusion system of claim 1, wherein the cage is substantially radiolucent, but further including one or more radiopaque markers to provide a certain degree of visualization.
- 5. The spinal fusion system of claim 1, wherein some or all of the walls include superior and/or inferior surface features to enhance positioning and/or minimize back-out.
- 6. The spinal fusion system of claim 1, wherein the posterior wall is indented to prevent neurocompression.
- 7. The spinal fusion system of system 1, wherein the sidewalls include a recessed face with nipple indents and locking fasteners.
- 8. The spinal fusion system of system 1, wherein the cage is shaped differently for use at different spinal levels.
- 9. The spinal fusion system of system 1, wherein the cage is shaped differently for use at different spinal levels.
- 10. The spinal fusion system of system 1, wherein the cage is trapezoidally shaped.
- 11. The spinal fusion system of system 1, wherein the cage is larger and more trapezoidally-pronounced for L5-S1.
- 12. The spinal fusion system of system 1, wherein the cage is smaller and less trapezoidally pronounced for the T and L2 levels.
- 13. The spinal fusion system of system 1, further including an implant introducer instrument geometrically matched to the cage.
- 14. The spinal fusion system of system 13, wherein the matched implant introducer instruments and cages are color-coded.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/388,974, filed Jun. 14, 2002, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
|
60388974 |
Jun 2002 |
US |