An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body
defining a hollow interior for receiving bone graft or bone substitute
material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over
portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device defines
truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical
form. The side walls are provided with vascularization openings, and the
body wall device includes opposite bone ingrowth slots extending through
the interrupted thread portion of the body. In another embodiment, the
tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material
having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space
and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum having
fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth
into the implant. An implant driver is provided which engages the
truncated side walls to complete the cylindrical form of the implant at
the root diameter of the interrupted threads, to thereby facilitate
threaded insertion of the implant to the intra-discal space between
adjacent vertebrae. Methods for posterior and anterior insertion of the
fusion device are also disclosed.