Patent ID: 8734519
Filing Date: 2014-05-27
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for introducing a joint assembly to an intervertebral space between a pair of vertebral bodies of a patient, said method comprising: introducing upper support components interconnected by pivot joints into a surgical site; arranging the upper support components interconnected by the pivot joints in situ into an upper support; introducing lower support components into the surgical site; and arranging the lower support components in situ into a lower support, wherein the support components are introduced from a posterior approach of the patient and distal components are pivoted about the pivot joints toward proximal components to form the supports and wherein the upper support and the lower support are arranged to articulate with respect to one another, wherein the distal components are inserted at least partially into the intervertebral space before the proximal components, and wherein the upper and lower components each comprise a middle component folded under the proximal component and wherein the distal components are pivoted toward the proximal components before the middle components are unfolded from the proximal components.