Patent ID: 7909869
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An intervertebral implant for a human spine, comprising: a cage element comprising a superior surface and an inferior surface, wherein the inferior surface of the cage element is configured to support a first vertebra of the human spine to inhibit movement of the first vertebra towards a second vertebra, and wherein the superior surface of the cage element comprises a first opening; an insert comprising a support surface for the second vertebra, wherein the support surface, during use, supports at least a portion of the second vertebra above and away from the superior surface of the cage element and inhibits movement of the second vertebra towards the first vertebra, and wherein the insert, during use, is inserted at least partially into the cage element; and an expansion member that, during use, is inserted in the cage element through an opening in a side of the cage element to expand the intervertebral implant by elevating the insert to move a portion of the insert through the first opening in the superior surface of the cage element so that at least a portion of the support surface of the insert is raised above and away from the superior surface of the cage to support at least a portion of the second vertebra above and away from the superior surface of the cage element.