A
system and method for anterior fixation of the spine utilizes a cylindrical
implant engaged in the intradiscal space at the cephalad and caudal ends of the construct. The implants are cylindrical fusion devices (10) filled with
bone material to promote
bone ingrowth and fusion of the
disc space. An attachment member (40) is connected to each of the fusion devices (10) and a spinal rod (50) is connected to each of the attachment members using an eyebolt
assembly (53, 54, 55). In a further inventive method, a revision of the construct is achieved by removing the fusion devices. Each fusion device is engaged by an elongated guide member (62) over which a cylindrical
trephine (70) is advanced. The
trephine (70) is used to extract a core (84) of
bone material around the fusion
implant, while the guide member (62) is used to remove the bone core (84) containing the fusion
implant (10). In another aspect of the invention, a removal insert (90, 90') is provided that engages an implanted fusion device (10). The removal insert (90, 90') can be used to guide the
trephine (70) around the fusion device, and is connected to a removal tool (100) once the bone core is created. The removal tool (100) includes a shaft (101) attached to the removal insert (90, 90'), and a slap hammer (104) slidably mounted on the shaft.