Patent ID: 8007535

Claim:
An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an injectable annular ring having inner and outer side walls defining an internal volume, the ring defining and bordering an interior cavity, the ring having upper and lower surfaces configured to engage adjacent vertebrae; a web disposed within the internal volume of the ring, the web extending transversely through the internal volume of the ring parallel to and spaced from the upper and lower surfaces, the web connecting inner and outer side walls of the ring, the web structured to control cross-sectional expansion of the ring at forces within a range that will be applied to the device when engaging adjacent vertebrae of a patient; at least one access port located on an exterior surface of an outer side wall of the ring open to the internal volume of the ring; and at least one access port located on an exterior surface of the ring open to the interior cavity bordered by the ring.