Patent ID: 7485120

Claim:
A system for implanting a pair of fusion cages or similar fusion-inducing devices into a spinal disc space, the system comprising: a guide body defining a proximal end, a distal end adapted for engagement with the disc space, and a central axis extending through the proximal and distal ends; and first and second rod retaining members positioned at opposite sides of the guide body, respectively, each defining a guide axis and adapted to selectively retain a rod unit, respectively, along the corresponding guide axis, wherein the guide axes are aligned along a transverse plane; wherein the guide axes and the central axis are co-planar, and the guide axes are angularly positioned relative to the central axis such that the guide axes intersect the central axis adjacent and distal the distal end of the guide body and extend in a laterally spaced manner relative to corresponding sides of the distal end, wherein the proximal end of the guide body is proximal the rod retaining members, and the distal end of the guide body is distal the rod retaining members, and further wherein the distal end of the guide body includes an expandable tip, which expandable tip is expandable only in a direction perpendicular to the transverse plane.