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Lockable Spinal Implant

  • US 20120245695A1
  • Filed: 06/01/2012
  • Published: 09/27/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/10/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of treating a patient'"'"'s vertebral structure, comprising:

  • a. providing a spinal implant havingi. a first member having a pressure applying surface for engaging an end of a first adjacent vertebral body,ii. a second member having a pressure applying surface for engaging an end of a second adjacent vertebral body,iii. at least one extendable support element having a contracted configuration within the implant to facilitate deployment of the implant between the first and second vertebral bodies and an extended configuration to extend the first pressure applying member to engage the end plate of the first adjacent vertebral body, andiv. a locking system with a locking element for locking the implant in an extended configuration by engaging the extendable support element or the first member with the locking element;

    b. inserting the spinal implant into a space between two vertebral bodies in the contracted configuration;

    c. extending the support members so as to expand the implant until the first pressure applying surface engages an end of the first adjacent vertebral body and urges the vertebral body into a desired position; and

    d. locking the implant in the extended configuration by moving the locking member into engagement with the extendable support element or the first member so as to fix the implant between the first and second vertebral bodies in an expanded configuration.

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