Patent ID: 8673011
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for spinal surgery, comprising: a first supporting member having a first longitudinal passage extending therethrough, and having a first supporting end configured to engage tissue; a second supporting member having a second longitudinal passage extending therethrough and a second supporting end, the second longitudinal passage being dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the first supporting member, the second supporting end being configured to engage tissue, wherein the first and second supporting members are configured to move with respect to each other; and an expansion member configured for removable placement between the first and second supporting members to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relationship, the expansion member including a backspan, a locking portion disposed on the backspan, and first and second legs extending from the backspan, the locking portion including at least one movable cantilevered arm coupled to the locking portion, the at least one movable cantilevered arm being configured to engage one of the first and second supporting members to releasably secure the expansion member between the first and second supporting members, the at least one movable cantilevered arm being pivotable between a first configuration where the at least one movable cantilevered arm engages the one of the first and second supporting members and a second configuration where the at least one movable cantilevered arm disengages from the one of the first and second supporting members.