Modular adjustable corpectomy cage

A system for use during a surgical procedure on a patient, the system comprising:

• an implant having a modular cage and a shim comprising a side wall having a top surface, a bottom surface, an inside surface, and an outside surface, wherein the shim comprises:
• at least one bracket on the inside surface,
• a first tool holding feature on the top surface, and
• a second tool holding feature on the bottom surface, and
• the modular cage comprising:
• a first endplate adapted to press against anatomical structures of the patient,
• a second endplate adapted to press against opposing anatomical structures of the patient,
• a body with a top body surface on which the first endplate is positioned and a first track extending along at least the lateral sides of the body, and
• a column with a bottom column surface on which the second endplate is positioned,
• a second track extending along at least the lateral sides of the column, wherein the column comprises at least one leg over which the body slides so that the at least one leg is contained at least partially within the body;
• and
• wherein the at least one bracket facilitates alignment of the shim with the modular cage, wherein the at least one bracket is configured to engage the first track, the second track, or both and secure to the first track, the second track, or both, via a snap fit;
• and
• wherein the system comprises a tool having an expander and an inserter, the tool engaging a cage tool holding feature on the modular cage and adapted to position the modular cage at a surgical site within the patient, the expander sliding the body along the at least one leg to separate the body from the column in situ and thereby define the height of the implant, and the inserter positioning the shim between the body and the column.