Patent ID: 9101491
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of positioning an implant within the intervertebral disc space between a pair of adjacent vertebral endplates, said implant having a longitudinal axis, said disc space having a plane and said plane being generally parallel to said vertebral endplates, said method comprising the steps of: a) creating an operative corridor via a lateral approach to said intervertebral disc space, said operative corridor having a longitudinal axis oblique to said disc space plane; b) advancing said implant through said operative corridor, wherein said longitudinal axis of said implant is aligned with said operative corridor longitudinal axis; c) altering the orientation of a first element of said implant such that it is aligned with said disc space plane, while a second element of said implant remains aligned with said operative corridor longitudinal axis; d) advancing said first element into said disc space, e) altering the orientation of said second element such that it is aligned with said disc space plane, f) and advancing said second element into said disc space.