Patent ID: 8157806

Claim:
A method for treating a damaged vertebral body and restoring lordosis, the method comprising: (a) inserting a first end of a first elongated member into a first vertebral body; (b) inserting a first end of a second elongated member into a second vertebral body, wherein the first and second vertebral bodies are adjacent the damaged vertebral body; (c) coupling a second end of the first elongated member to a fixation rod and securing the second end of the first elongated member to the fixation rod with a first clamp; (d) coupling a second end of the second elongated member to the fixation rod and securing the second end of the second elongated member to the fixation rod with a second clamp; (e) moving at least one of the first and second elongated members relative to one another to change the position of at least one of the first and second vertebral bodies with respect to away from the damaged vertebral body and maintaining the at least one of the first and second vertebral bodies away from the damaged vertebral body; (f) inserting a cannula, via a posterior approach, into the damaged vertebral body, the cannula having a lumen dimensioned to provide a passage into the damaged vertebral body; (g) inserting a disruption device through the lumen of the cannula and into the damaged vertebral body; (h) fracturing a sidewall of the damaged vertebral body using the disruption device; (i) restoring a height of the damaged vertebral body to restore lordosis; and (j) augmenting the vertebral body.