Patent ID: 7291170

Claim:
An intervertebral cage configured for insertion between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra, comprising: an elongated main wall having first and second opposing ends thereof; a first return part extending away from the first end of the main wall; a second return part extending away from the second end of the main wall; a first end part extending from the first return part and terminating at a first end face; a second end part extending from the second return part and terminating at a second end face; a substantially planar upper surface configured for contact with the upper vertebra, the upper surface comprising teeth and at least portions of the main wall, the first return part, the second return part, the first end part, and the second end part; a substantially planar lower surface configured for contact with the lower vertebra, the lower surface comprising teeth and at least portions of the main wall, the first return part, the second return part, the first end part, and the second end part; a gap formed between the first end face and the second end face, the gap open at the upper surface and the lower surface and extending therebetween so that the first end part and the second end part are connected only through the first return part, the second return part, and the main wall; a cavity delimited by the main wall, the first return part, the second return part, the first end part, and the second end part, the cavity open along the upper surface and the lower surface, with the intervertebral cage opened to the cavity along the gap; a coupler for a placement instrument adapted to place the cage between the upper and lower vertebrae; and an instrument for inserting the cage between the upper and lower vertebrae, the instrument comprising a rod attachable to the coupler, a first outward curved portion adapted to reach around the second end part of the cage, and a second incurvate portion attached to the first outward curved portion, the second incurvate portion adapted to close the gap and couple with the first end face.