Patent ID: 6491724
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L

Abstract:
An intervertebral cage, comprising:a rigid frame having anterior and posterior portions, superior and inferior surfaces, and two opposing sides; the thickness of the frame between the superior and inferior surfaces in the anterior portion defining an anterior height, and the thickness of the frame between the superior and inferior surfaces in the posterior portion defining a posterior height; a connector associated with the posterior portion facilitating insertion of the frame into an intervertebral space using a posterior approach; the frame having a compressed state associated with insertion of the frame into an intervertebral space, wherein the anterior height is less than or equal to the posterior height, and an expanded state, wherein the anterior height is greater than the posterior height to account for lordosis; and a mechanism for locking the cage into the expanded state once the frame is positioned within intervertebral space.