Patent ID: 8795369

Claim:
A method for treating a compression fracture of a vertebral body, comprising the steps of: forming a T-shaped cavity in the vertebral body; coupling a one rod extension to a proximal end of an implant; advancing the implant into the cavity in the vertebral body, the implant having a base and an elevation platform, configured in an insertion configuration that matches the T-shaped cavity in the vertebral body; elevating the elevation platform by inserting a distraction shim; removing the distraction shim; guiding a support structure along the rod extension and into position between the base and the elevation platform; coupling a second rod extension to a proximal end of the implant; advancing a cannulated shaft of a blocking instrument to the vertebral body over the second rod extension; and securing the cannulated shaft of the blocking instrument to the second rod extension with a set screw; wherein the blocking instrument is secured relative to the implant prior to insertion of the distraction shim.