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Expandable interbody fusion cage and method for insertion

  • US 6,436,140 B1
  • Filed: 05/16/2001
  • Issued: 08/20/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/28/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An interbody fusion apparatus, comprising:

  • a hollow body having an outer bone engaging surface and an inner surface defining an internal chamber and a retaining mechanism, said body having a fixed portion and an expandable portion and defining at least a first branch and a second branch, said first branch and said second branch interconnected at said fixed portion, and said first branch moveable with respect to said second branch at said expandable portion;

    an expansion member sized to be at least partially received within said internal chamber and having an outer surface adapted to engage said retaining mechanism, whereby movement of said expansion member within said internal chamber urges said first branch to move with respect to said second branch thereby expanding said expandable portion, said expansion member retained in position by engagement with said retaining mechanism of the body; and

    an insertion tool having an outer sleeve adapted to engage said body to transmit compressive force and an inner shaft moveably disposed within said outer sleeve and sized to be inserted into at least a portion of said interior chamber, said inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end configured to removably engage said expansion member, whereby movement of said inner shaft with respect to said outer sleeve moves said expansion member in relation to said body.

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