The invention is directed to a fusion cage designed for lateral placement. The cage is roughly rectangular in shape and hollow on the inside to accommodate bone graft material. Staples can be incorporated into the fusion cage to assist in securing the cage in position in the spine. A rod can be attached to the staples to assist in positioning the staples. A cable can be attached to the rod to assist in positioning the cage and to assist in positioning the spine. A lateral plate can be used with the cage to further assist in maintaining the cage and the spine in the desired position.