Patent ID: 6443989
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A posterior interbody device that is anteriorly variably expandable; said device comprising:a) a U-shaped body having an upper wall and a bottom wall hingeably joined by rear wall; said rear wall having a threaded bore, said upper and lower walls having a non-expanded configuration; b) said upper and lower walls each having an anterior mating region that face each other; c) an elongate expansion member; said expansion member being threaded and being operably threadedly received in said rear wall bore; d) said expansion member having a wedge that is sized, shaped and positioned to engage said upper and lower anterior mating regions as said expansion member is threadedly advanced into said bore such that anterior ends of upper and lower walls are urged into an expanded configuration wherein said upper and lower walls become spaced greater than said non-expanded configuration.