Expandable interbody fusion device
First Claim
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1. An expansion member for use in an expandable interbody fusion device for implantation into the intradiscal space between opposing vertebral bodies in a spine, comprising:
- a unitary elongate body including a leading distal end, a trailing proximal end, and opposed lateral edges therebetween defining a maximum width, said body being sized and configured to move within an expandable interbody fusion device and to cause expansion of said device upon such movement, said body having a first beveled surface inclining in a first direction and extending across said maximum width from one lateral edge to the other, said first beveled surface defining a lifting surface, said body including a second beveled surface inclining in said first direction spaced proximally axially from said first beveled surface, said body including a locking surface and a bone filler facilitator selected from the group of facilitators consisting of tunnels, grooves and holes for receipt therein of a bone filler.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.
128 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An expansion member for use in an expandable interbody fusion device for implantation into the intradiscal space between opposing vertebral bodies in a spine, comprising:
a unitary elongate body including a leading distal end, a trailing proximal end, and opposed lateral edges therebetween defining a maximum width, said body being sized and configured to move within an expandable interbody fusion device and to cause expansion of said device upon such movement, said body having a first beveled surface inclining in a first direction and extending across said maximum width from one lateral edge to the other, said first beveled surface defining a lifting surface, said body including a second beveled surface inclining in said first direction spaced proximally axially from said first beveled surface, said body including a locking surface and a bone filler facilitator selected from the group of facilitators consisting of tunnels, grooves and holes for receipt therein of a bone filler. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
Specification