Bi-directional fixating/locking transvertebral body screw/intervertebral cage stand-alone constructs having a central screw locking lever, and pliers and devices for spinal fusion

A method of inserting a bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body, the method including:

• inserting an intervertebral cage into a midline of a disc space between the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body until the intervertebral cage is one of flush and countersunk relative to the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body,
• wherein the intervertebral cage includes:
• a top wall, a bottom wall, and two sidewalls defining an open space capable of receiving bone filling for the biological bone fusion;
• a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide,
• wherein the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide each have an internal bore with an entry opening and an exit opening, the entry opening of the internal bore formed only in a top surface of the top wall and the exit opening formed at least partially in a bottom surface of the top wall and at least partially in a side surface of the top wall, and
• inserting the first screw member into the first internal screw guide of the selected intervertebral cage;
• inserting the second screw member into the second internal screw guide of the selected intervertebral cage;
• screwing the first screw member and the second screw member into the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body respectively;
• and
• locking the first screw member and the second screw member in the intervertebral cage using a screw locking horizontal bracket coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the screw locking horizontal bracket prevents the first screw member and the second screw from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide.

A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, comprising:

• an intervertebral cage for maintaining disc height, wherein the intervertebral cage includes:
• a top wall, a bottom wall, and two sidewalls defining an open space capable of receiving bone filling for the biological bone fusion;
• a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide,
• wherein the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide each have an internal bore with an entry opening and an exit opening, the entry opening of the internal bore formed only in a top surface of the top wall and the exit opening formed at least partially in a bottom surface of the top wall and at least partially in a side surface of the top wall, and
• wherein each of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide are angled to orient the first screw member and the second screw member bi-directionally in opposite directions;
• and
• a screw locking horizontal bracket coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the central screw locking bracket extends over the top surface of the top wall and over the screw heads of the first screw member and the second screw member and prevents the first screw member and the second screw member from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide.