Patent ID: 7655027
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for expanding an expandable spinal implant having an upper portion, a tower portion, and an expander between the upper and lower portions adapted to increase the height of the implant, the method comprising: providing an implant holder having a passage therethrough adapted to receive an expander driver; attaching the implant holder to the implant; inserting the expander driver having a shaft through the passage of the implant holder to engage the expander of the implant; rotating the expander driver to rotate the expander from a first position where a first set of contact surfaces of the expander engage the upper and lower portions to a second position to engage a second set of contact surfaces of the expander with the upper and lower portions and expand the expandable implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height; and restraining movement of the expander and the first and second sets of contact surfaces of the expander, during rotation of the expander, along a longitudinal axis of the implant to maintain the expander in the same location along the longitudinal axis throughout rotation.