Patent ID: 8535380
Filing Date: 2013-09-17
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of using an orthopedic support device comprising: positioning the device at a target site, wherein the device has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the longitudinal axis has a radius of curvature less than about 40 cm, and wherein the device comprises a first plate, a second plate opposite to the first plate, a first wedge between the first plate and the second plate at a first end of the device, and a second wedge between the first plate and the second plate at a second end of the device, wherein said wedges have respective wedges axes midway between edges of said wedges generally along respective directions of motion of said wedges and a linear actuator having a linear actuator longitudinal axis wherein the linear actuator longitudinal axis extends in a straight line, wherein the linear actuator extends through the first wedge and the second wedge, wherein said linear actuator longitudinal axis forms non-zero angles with respect to said wedge axes wherein the first plate has a first extension extending in the direction of the second plate, and wherein the second plate has a first receiver configured to receive the first extension; and expanding the device at the target site, wherein expanding the device at the target site comprises longitudinally moving the first wedge and the second wedge toward the longitudinal middle of the device, and wherein the first extension slides in the first receiver during the expansion of the device.