초록 ▼

Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a fi

Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a first arm movably coupled to a second arm. The first and second arms are laterally expandable from a first width for insertion into the disc space to a second width after insertion into the disc space. The first and second arms also define a cavity therebetween for placement of bone growth material.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]a spacer having a longitudinal axis and opposite bone engaging surfaces adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebrae, said spacer further including a first arm and a second arm movably coupled to said first arm to permit lateral movement transverse to said longitudinal

[What is claimed is:] [1.]a spacer having a longitudinal axis and opposite bone engaging surfaces adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebrae, said spacer further including a first arm and a second arm movably coupled to said first arm to permit lateral movement transverse to said longitudinal axis,wherein said first arm and second arm are coupled in a first lateral position for insertion through a portal in a disc annulus into the intradiscal space, said first arm being laterally movable with respect to said second arm to a second expanded lateral position in which said first arm is spaced a distance from said second arm, andwherein each of said first and second arms include opposing first and second ends, said first arm is movably coupled to said second arm by a pair of laterally extending portions at each of said first and second ends.