Abstract: Provided herein are shape memory polymer spinal cages including polymers with intended deployment at temperatures far below the onset of the glassy transition of the shape memory polymer. The described shape memory polymer spinal cages are adapted to be deployed by mechanical activation rather than thermal activation or activation by other stimuli. Thus, the shape memory polymers used herein are configured to have transition temperatures far above their temperatures of intended use, thereby requiring mechanical activation to recover stored strains.