Patent ID: 7137997
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An intervertebral fusion cage for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine, wherein said fusion cage comprises: a spacer body comprising an inferior surface and a superior surface, a sidewall disposed between the inferior surface and the superior surface of the spacer body, wherein the sidewall defines at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the spacer, wherein the outer perimeter has a generally arcuate posterior side and an anterior side formed from a combination of convex and concave curves; a first window having a first area formed in said sidewall, a first leading edge comprising a chamfer along a portion of a lateral side for insertion of the spacer into the treated area using a posterior approach, wherein the first leading edge is substantially free of protrusions; and a second leading edge comprising a chamfer along a portion of an anterior side, wherein the second leading edge is substantially free of protrusions and is configured to slide against an anterior lip of an end plate of a vertebral body in the treated area and guide the spacer into position as it is being inserted, and wherein a portion of the anterior side is configured to act as a fulcrum to facilitate pivoting and translation during insertion.