Patent ID: 8574299
Filing Date: 2013-11-05
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An expandable device for implantation into a space between two opposing tissue surfaces of a spine to be distracted, comprising: an elongate first endplate member having an outer surface for contacting one tissue surface in a spine; an elongate second endplate member having an outer surface for contacting an opposing tissue surface in said spine, said second endplate member being movable in an expansion direction relative to said first endplate member toward the opposing tissue surface; an elongate expansion member configured to be slidingly introduced between said first endplate member and said second endplate member in an insertion direction that is substantially perpendicular to said expansion direction, to thereby move said first and second endplate members relatively apart in said expansion direction upon introduction; and an interlocking prong and locking cavity engagement defined between said expansion member and said second endplate member to prevent relative movement of said expansion member relative to said second endplate member in a direction opposite said insertion direction when said expansion member is substantially co-extensive with said second endplate member, wherein said expansion member includes a surface facing said second endplate member and said second endplate member has a surface facing said expansion member; and said locking cavity is defined in said facing surface of one of said expansion member and said second endplate member and said prong projects beyond said facing surface of the other of said expansion member and said second endplate into said locking cavity when said expansion member is substantially co-extensive with said second endplate member.