Patent ID: 9358134
Filing Date: 2016-06-07
CPC Classification: A61F

Claim Text:
1. A method of inserting a spinal implant between opposing tissue surfaces of a spine, comprising the steps of: releasably attaching an inserter to said spinal implant, said spinal implant including a hollow body having a proximal open end, a distal open end and a distal facing engagement surface, such that an expandable distal end of said inserter defines a tapered distal tip that extends exteriorly distally beyond the distal open end of said implant, said distal tip defining a proximal facing latching surface that upon expansion of said expandable distal end is in releasable engagement with said implant engagement surface; inserting said implant with said inserter attached thereto between opposing tissue surfaces of said spine with the tapered distal tip of the distal end of said inserter providing an initial distraction of said tissue surfaces; and contracting said expandable distal end of said inserter to remove said inserter from said implant.