Spinal implant system and method

Abstract

A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface and includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one cavity that is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. At least one indicia is disposed with the implant body to facilitate orientation of the implant body with the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A spinal implant comprising a cage, the cage including opposite anterior and posterior walls, the walls each extending from a first vertebral engaging surface to an opposite second vertebral engaging surface, the vertebral engaging surfaces converging with the posterior wall to define a bullet nose configured for insertion along an oblique surgical pathway, the cage including a cavity extending through the vertebral engaging surfaces. 
     
     
         22 . The spinal implant recited in  claim 21 , wherein the cage includes an angled profile configuration. 
     
     
         23 . The spinal implant recited in  claim 21 , wherein the cage is angled toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         24 . The spinal implant recited in  claim 21 , wherein the anterior wall is biased toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         25 . The spinal implant recited in  claim 21 , wherein the anterior wall is angled toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         26 . The spinal implant recited in  claim 21 , wherein the anterior wall is curved toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         27 . The spinal implant recited in  claim 21 , wherein the anterior wall is biased, angled and curved toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         28 . The spinal implant recited in  claim 21 , wherein the posterior wall is smooth and free of any sharp edges. 
     
     
         29 . A surgical system, comprising:
 a spinal implant comprising a cage, the cage including opposite anterior and posterior walls, the walls each extending from a first engaging vertebral surface to an opposite second vertebral engaging surface, the vertebral engaging surfaces converging with the posterior wall to define a bullet nose configured for insertion along an oblique surgical pathway, the cage including a cavity extending through the vertebral engaging surfaces; and   an inserter configured to be attached with the anterior wall to deliver the cage through an incision along the oblique surgical pathway adjacent to a surgical site for implantation adjacent an intervertebral space.   
     
     
         30 . The surgical system recited in  claim 29 , wherein the cage includes an angled profile configuration. 
     
     
         31 . The surgical system recited in  claim 29 , wherein the cage is angled toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         32 . The surgical system recited in  claim 29 , wherein the anterior wall is biased toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         33 . The surgical system recited in  claim 29 , wherein the anterior wall is angled toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         34 . The surgical system recited in  claim 29 , wherein the anterior wall is curved toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         35 . The surgical system recited in  claim 29 , wherein the anterior wall is biased, angled and curved toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         36 . The surgical system recited in  claim 29 , wherein the posterior wall is smooth and free of any sharp edges. 
     
     
         37 . A surgical procedure, comprising:
 determining an oblique surgical pathway;   providing a cage having an angled profile configuration; and   delivering the cage through an incision along the pathway adjacent to a surgical site for implantation adjacent to an intervertebral space such that such that a first vertebral engaging surface of the cage engages an endplate of a first vertebra and a second vertebral engaging surface of the cage engages an endplate of a second vertebra.   
     
     
         38 . The surgical procedure recited in  claim 37 , wherein the cage is angled toward the pathway to facilitate insertion. 
     
     
         39 . The surgical procedure recited in  claim 37 , wherein the cage is angled toward the oblique surgical pathway. 
     
     
         40 . The surgical procedure recited in  claim 37 , wherein the anterior wall is biased, angled and curved toward the oblique surgical pathway.