Systems and methods using expandable bodies to push apart cortical bone surfaces
First Claim
1. A system adapted for pushing apart cortical bone surfaces comprising an expandable body having a collapsed configuration for insertion into a space defined between cortical bone surfaces, the expandable body capable of being expanded in response to interior fluid pressure, and a passage communicating with the expandable body and with a source of fluid to convey fluid to cause expansion of the expandable body within the space, thereby pushing apart the cortical bone surfaces.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods insert an expandable body in a collapsed configuration into a space defined between cortical bone surfaces. The space can, e.g., comprise a fracture or an intervertebral space. The systems and methods cause expansion of the expandable body within the space, thereby pushing apart the cortical bone surfaces to, e.g., reduce the fracture or push apart adjacent vertebral bodies as part of a therapeutic procedure.
212 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A system adapted for pushing apart cortical bone surfaces comprising
an expandable body having a collapsed configuration for insertion into a space defined between cortical bone surfaces, the expandable body capable of being expanded in response to interior fluid pressure, and a passage communicating with the expandable body and with a source of fluid to convey fluid to cause expansion of the expandable body within the space, thereby pushing apart the cortical bone surfaces.
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10. A method for pushing apart cortical bone surfaces comprising the steps of
inserting an expandable body in a collapsed condition into a space defined between cortical bone surfaces, and expanding the expandable body within the space to push apart the cortical bone surfaces.
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12. A method for pushing apart adjacent vertebral bodies comprising the steps of
inserting an expandable body in a collapsed condition into an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebral bodies, and expanding the expandable body within the intervertebral space to push apart the adjacent vertebral bodies.
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14. A method for reducing a fracture between cortical bone surfaces comprising the steps of
inserting an expandable body in a collapsed condition into the fracture, and expanding the expandable body within the fracture to push apart the cortical bone surfaces.
Specification