Patent ID: 8147521

Claim:
A system for treating spinal deformities comprising: a first spinal fusion implant having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end extending between and transverse to an upper surface and a lower surface, and opposing sidewalls extending between said distal and proximal ends, said first implant dimensioned to be introduced into a first intervertebral space between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body through a generally lateral approach such that said upper surface contacts said first vertebral body and said lower surface contacts said lower vertebral body; wherein said implant has a length dimensioned to extend from a first lateral aspect to a second lateral aspect of the intervertebral space when said implant is positioned in said intervertebral space; said implant further including first and second fusion apertures that each extend between a top surface and a bottom surface and permit bone growth between the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body when said implant is positioned within the interbody space, said first and second fusion apertures being adjacent to one another and separated by a medial support extending between said opposing sidewalls and generally parallel to said distal and proximal ends; a first bone screw dimensioned to be introduced through a generally lateral approach and secured through an aperture opening on the proximal end to at least one of said medial support and said distal end of said first implant; a second bone screw dimensioned to be introduced through a generally lateral approach and secured to one of the lateral aspect of a vertebral body and a second implant positioned in a second intervertebral space; and an elongate member dimensioned to be coupled to said first and second bone screws to move the first and second vertebral bodies to minimize the spinal deformity.