Patent ID: 8197544

Claim:
A method for distracting opposing vertebral bodies of a spine in a space therebetween, said vertebral bodies comprising spaced opposing endplates adjacent said space, comprising the steps of: providing access to said space 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 space between opposing endplates to maintain the vertebral bodies in a distracted position, the component positioned within the space 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 space 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 space adjacent the distraction component.