Patent ID: 6666891
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for performing a percutaneous interbody fusion procedure following a percutaneous discectomy procedure, comprising the steps of:making an incision adjacent to a fusion site; inserting a guide needle through the incision to a position in the disc space between a first and second vertebra at the fusion site, the guide needle having an outer diameter substantially the same as a length of the incision; inserting at least one dilator over the guide needle to enlarge the disc space to a first desired height; removing the guide needle from the dilator; inserting an expandible intervertebral disc spacer into the disc space through the dilator; expanding the disc spacer to enlarge the disc space to a second desired height; inserting a bone matrix compound into the disc space through the dilator; removing the dilator; and closing the incision.