Patent ID: 7311713
Filing Date: 2007-12-25
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of providing spinal interbody fusion comprising the steps of: accessing the intradiscal space between two generally opposed upper and lower vertebral bodies; providing an expandable structure comprising a top element, a bottom element and a plurality of intermediate elements, each being of substantially similar configuration, said top element being configured to contact the upper vertebral body, said bottom element being configured to contact the lower vertebral body, and said intermediate elements configured to reside between said top element and said bottom element; first introducing said top element and said bottom element into said intradiscal space; then individually introducing each of said intermediate elements consecutively between said top element and said bottom element such that an intermediate element contacts said top element and another intermediate element contacts said bottom element to relatively move said top element and said bottom element apart generally along the axis of the spine as said intermediate elements are introduced to thereby distract and support said upper and lower vertebral bodies, and introducing bone filler material between the two opposed upper and lower vertebral bodies and adjacent to and in contact with said expandable structure.