Devices and methods for implanting fusion cages

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first and second distractors have a central axis extending therethrough when in said side-by side relation and said guide surface is offset towards said first distractor from said central axis.

A distractor assembly for performing a surgical procedure in a spinal disc space, the distractor assembly having a central axis extending therethrough, said distractor assembly comprising:

• first distractor insertable in the disc space at a first implant location offset to a first side of the central axis;
• a second distractor positionable adjacent said first distractor and insertable in the disc space at a second implant location is offset to a second side of the central axis, said second distractor having a guide surface adjacent said first distractor, wherein said guide surface is offset a distance from the central axis towards said first distractor.

A fusion device insertable in the disc space between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra, the device comprising:

• a body extending between a leading end and a trailing end, said body having a wall defining a hollow interior, said wall having upper and lower bearing surfaces separated by a height that is selected to maintain the desired spacing between the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra, said height distance being tapered from a first height at said leading end to a second height at said trailing end to restore lordosis when the device is inserted in the disc space, said height between said upper and lower bearing surface being selected so that said body contacts the cortical bone of a substantially intact upper vertebral endplate and the cortical bone of a substantially intact lower vertebral endplate when the device is inserted in an unreamed disc space.

An apparatus insertable in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae, comprising:

• a first fusion cage positionable at a first location in the disc space, said first fusion cage having a body extending between a leading end and a trailing end and defining a hollow interior opening at said trailing end;
• and
• a spacer having a connector positionable in said trailing end opening of said first cage to secure said spacer to said first fusion cage, said spacer further including a spacing member spaced from said connector and positionable outside of said body when said spacer is secured to said first fusion cage, said spacing member having a guide surface opposite said first fusion cage, wherein said guide surface guides the insertion of a second fusion cage at a second location in the disc space that is spaced from said first fusion cage.

41 The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said connector has a cross-sectional shape that is received in form fitting engagement with a trailing end wall opening of said cage.

A combination, comprising:

• a distractor having a body portion with an upper surface and a lower surface and a distraction height therebetween, said distraction height corresponding to the desired disc space height between adjacent vertebral endplates;
• and
• a fusion cage having a body extending between a leading end and a trailing end of said fusion cage, said body having an upper bearing surface and a lower bearing surface separated by a height that increases from said leading end to said trailing end along said body, said height at said leading end of said fusion cage being the same as said distraction height of said distractor, wherein said body portion of said fusion cage engages the intact adjacent vertebral endplates when said cage is inserted in the disc space.