Patent ID: 7789912

Claim:
A method for distracting surfaces of a bone comprising the steps of: providing access to the interior of the bone through a working channel cannula; introducing through said working channel cannula an elongate distraction component, having a length between a distal end and a proximal end, into the interior of the bone between opposite surfaces of the bone to maintain the surfaces in a distracted position, the component positioned within the interior of the bone with the distal end disposed distal from said proximal end; introducing through said working channel cannula an elongate injection cannula having at least one opening directly into the cancellous portion of the bone and moving said injection cannula alongside the length of and exterior to the distraction component such that said at least one opening moves distally beyond the proximal end of said component; and injecting a fluent material through the injection cannula directly into the interior of the bone adjacent the distraction component.