Abstract: A method of promoting fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies include providing a conically-shaped cage body having bone engaging projections on an outer surface thereof, the cage body including a leading end having a first diameter and a trailing end having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The method also includes positioning the leading end of the cage body adjacent an intervertebral disc space between an upper vertebral body and a lower vertebral body, whereby the upper and lower vertebral bodies have opposing end faces that define upper and lower limits of the intervertebral disc space. While urging the leading end of the cage body into the intervertebral disc space, the cage body is turned so that the bone engaging projections bite into the opposing end faces of the upper and lower vertebral bodies for anchoring the cage body to the upper and lower vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A method of promoting fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies include providing a conically-shaped cage body having bone engaging projections on an outer surface thereof, the cage body including a leading end having a first diameter and a trailing end having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The method also includes positioning the leading end of the cage body adjacent an intervertebral disc space between an upper vertebral body and a lower vertebral body, whereby the upper and lower vertebral bodies have opposing end faces that define upper and lower limits of the intervertebral disc space. While urging the leading end of the cage body into the intervertebral disc space, the cage body is turned so that the bone engaging projections bite into the opposing end faces of the upper and lower vertebral bodies for anchoring the cage body to the upper and lower vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A fusion cage for promoting fusion with one or more bone structures including a conically-shaped cage body including a proximal end having a first diameter and a distal end having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter of the proximal end is greater than the second diameter of the distal end.

Abstract: A method for performing a surgical procedure includes the steps of providing a surgical retractor including a sleeve member having two opposed retractor arms at its distal end portion, at least partially inserting the retractor arms of the retractor within a space defined between adjacent bony structures whereby first and second supporting surfaces of each retractor arm respectively engage the opposed structures thereby distracting the structures, and performing the surgical procedure. A method for inserting a spinal implant is also disclosed. Instrumentation for performing the procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fusion cage for vertebral body fusion is conically-shaped. A thread is formed as part of the external conical surface of the fusion cage. Apertures 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 is introduced and maintains or increases the lordosis between adjacent vertebral bone structures.