Patent ID: 8652177

Claim:
A system for treating spinal deformities comprising: an implant configured for introduction to an interbody space through a lateral approach having an upper surface including anti-migration elements to contact a first vertebra when said implant is positioned within the interbody space between the first vertebra and a second vertebra, a lower surface including anti-migration elements to contact said second vertebra when said implant is positioned within the interbody space, a distal wall, a proximal wall, a first sidewall to face an anterior aspect of said interbody space when said implant is positioned within the interbody space and a second sidewall to face a posterior aspect of said interbody space when said implant is positioned within the interbody space, said distal wall, proximal wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall comprising a radiolucent material, wherein said implant has a longitudinal length extending from a proximal end of said proximal wall to a distal end of said distal wall and a width extending from said first sidewall to said second sidewall, the implant having at least a first fusion aperture extending through said upper surface and lower surface and configured to permit bone growth between the first vertebra and the second vertebra when said implant is positioned within the interbody space, said first fusion aperture having: a longitudinal aperture length extending generally parallel to the longitudinal length of said implant, and a lateral aperture width extending between said first sidewall to said second sidewall, wherein the longitudinal aperture length is greater than the lateral aperture width; and a first bone screw configured for introduction through a lateral approach, the bone screw being securable to said first implant and including a tulip-shaped housing; a second bone screw dimensioned to be introduced through a generally lateral approach, the second bone screw being securable to one of the lateral aspect of a vertebral body and a second implant positioned in a second intervertebral space and including a tulip-shaped housing; and an elongate member configured to be coupled to said tulip-shaped housings of said first and second bone screws.