CONICALLY-SHAPED ANTERIOR FUSION CAGE AND METHOD OF IMPLANTATION

摘要

A fusion cage (20) for anterior vertebral body fusion is conically shaped and includes a rounded distal end (24). A thread (40) is formed as part of the external conical surface of the fusion cage (20). The thread (40) defines one or more flutes (52) which enhance the ability of the fusion cage (20) to be self-tapping. Apertures (54, 206, 322) are defined through the fusion cage in order to provide for contact between the engaged vertebral bone structures and bone growth inducing substances packed within the fusion cage. The fusion cage (20) is introduced through an anterior procedure and maintains or increases the lordosis between adjacent vertebral bone structures.