Interbody fusion devices, systems and methods

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a method of inserting a lateral implant within an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebral member and a lower vertebral member includes creating a lateral passage through a subject in order to provide minimally invasive access to the intervertebral space, at least partially clearing out native tissue of the subject within and/or near the intervertebral space, positioning a base plate within the intervertebral space, wherein the base plate comprise an upper base plate and a lower base plate and advancing an implant between the upper base plate and the lower base plate so that the implant is urged into the intervertebral space and the upper vertebral member is distracted relative to the lower vertebral member.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of inserting an implant within an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebral member and a lower vertebral member, the method comprising:
 positioning an upper endplate and a lower endplate within the intervertebral space;   securing an alignment member of a guiding assembly to each of the upper endplate and the lower endplate, wherein the alignment member is configured to extend from the endplates to an anatomical location away from the endplates; and   advancing an implant between the alignment members and between the upper and lower endplates so that the implant is urged into the intervertebral space.   
     
     
         2 . A spinal fusion system comprising:
 an endplate system configured for placement within an intervertebral space of a subject, wherein the endplate system comprises an upper endplate and a lower endplate; and   an implant configured to be advanced and positioned between the upper endplate and the lower endplate to secure the implant within the intervertebral space;   wherein, when the implant is advanced between the upper endplate and the lower endplate, the upper endplates engage the upper vertebral member, and the lower endplate engages the lower vertebral member; and   wherein, upon advancement of the implant between the upper and lower endplates, the upper vertebral member is distracted relative to the lower vertebral member.