Patent ID: 8668720

Claim:
A disc distraction device comprising a first attachment member having an end configured to be attached to one vertebral body, a second attachment member having an end configured to be attached to another vertebral body, a non-compressible rigid interconnection member coupled to both the first and second attachment members along a first axis proximate an end of the attachment members opposite to the ends configured to be attached to the vertebral bodies, and a compressible member coupled to the first and second attachment members along a second axis and under compression, wherein the second axis is spaced apart from the first axis and is closer to the ends of the attachment members configured to be attached to the vertebral bodies, and wherein a separating force provided by the compressible member when the compressible member is compressed causes the ends of the vertebral body attachment members configured to be attached to the vertebral bodies to separate and cause the first and second attachment members to pivot at the first axis.