Patent ID: 8057545

Claim:
An intervertebral fusion device for promoting fusion of first and second vertebrae, the device comprising: first and second endplate modules, each including an outer surface adapted to interface with vertebral bone, an opposite inner surface, a retaining wall extending from the inner surface, and an attachment feature, wherein a keel extends from a central portion of the outer surface; a central module adapted to extend between the first and second endplate modules and further adapted for connection with the attachment feature, the central module having an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer wall, and an inner wall, the inner wall defining an opening between the upper surface and the lower surface such that when the central module is positioned between the first and second endplate modules and connected with the attachment features of the first and second endplate modules the retaining walls of the first and second endplate modules are positioned within the opening of the central module to maintain the central module in a fixed position relative to the first and second endplate modules, wherein a pair of through passages extends through the outer and inner surfaces of the each of the first and second endplates such that the through passages are in communication with the opening of the central module when the central module is positioned between the first and second endplate modules and connected with the attachment features of the first and second endplate modules, wherein the pair of through passages are positioned on either side of the keel such that the keel separates the pair of through passages.