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 ▼

1. A method for maintaining a longitudinal intradiscal space between two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: providing a vertebral spacer having a first portion moveably coupled to a second portion at a connection end of the vertebral spacer, the first portion being separate from the second p

1. A method for maintaining a longitudinal intradiscal space between two adjacent vertebrae, the method comprising: providing a vertebral spacer having a first portion moveably coupled to a second portion at a connection end of the vertebral spacer, the first portion being separate from the second portion at a first end of the vertebral spacer opposite said connection end, the first portion and the second portion defining a socket at the first end, the first portion and second portion moveable between an insertion configuration and an expanded spacer configuration; coupling a tool to the socket at the first end; inserting the vertebral spacer into the disc space with the vertebral spacer in the insertion configuration; and moving the vertebral spacer into the expanded configuration.