Patent ID: 7588599

Claim:
An interbody cage system, comprising: an interbody cage having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior, the interbody cage configured for insertion between adjoining vertebrae; and an insertion tool, wherein a portion of the insertion tool extends into the proximal end and the interior; wherein the interbody cage further comprises: a pair of substantially smooth insertion surfaces extending from the proximal end to the distal end and tapering toward each other in a first direction, the pair of insertion surfaces configured to slidably engage vertebral bone material during insertion of the interbody cage into an intervertebral space, the taper of the insertion surfaces in the first direction providing distraction of adjoining vertebrae that is greater at the proximal end of the interbody cage than at the distal end of the interbody cage; and a pair of opposing gripping surfaces extending from the proximal end to the distal end and tapering toward each other in a second direction opposite that of the first direction, the taper of the gripping surfaces in the second direction providing distraction of adjoining vertebrae that is greater at the distal end of the interbody cage than at the proximal end of the interbody cage.