Patent ID: 7892261
Filing Date: 2011-02-22
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of changing a spatial relationship between a first vertebra having a first central longitudinal axis and a second vertebrae having a second central longitudinal axis, the first and second vertebrae interconnected at a joint in a patient's body, the method comprising: providing a spinal implant including a unitary body having superior and inferior faces; positioning the spinal implant in the joint between the first and second vertebrae; expanding at least a portion of the joint by moving the spinal implant into the joint to apply a force against the first and second vertebrae with the spinal implant, such that the spatial relationship between the first and second central longitudinal axes changes as the spinal implant is moved into the joint; affixing only one of the superior and inferior faces to one of the first and second vertebrae such that the other of the superior and inferior faces moves freely with respect to the other of the first and second vertebrae; and maintaining a freedom of movement of the other of the superior and inferior faces after the one of the superior and inferior faces has been affixed.