Patent ID: 8343193
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of supporting and distracting opposing vertebral bodies of a spine in a space therebetween, said vertebral bodies comprising spaced opposing endplates adjacent said space, comprising the steps of: placing an access channel adjacent said space between said opposing endplates; introducing through said access channel a non-inflatable expandable structure into said space between said opposing endplates; expanding said expandable structure in substantially only the direction of the axis of the spine to distract and support said endplates supporting and distracting opposing vertebral bodies of a spine in a space therebetween, said vertebral bodies comprising spaced opposing endplates adjacent said space thereby increasing the height of said space between said vertebral bodies; and then, introducing bone filler through said access channel into said space at a location exteriorly of, adjacent to and in contact with said expanded structure such that said bone filler cooperates with said expanded structure and said endplates to stabilize said expanded structure.