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Apparatus for spinal fusion

  • US 8,206,398 B2
  • Filed: 09/08/2010
  • Issued: 06/26/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for spinal fusion, comprising:

  • an expandable implant for implantation into the intradiscal space between opposing vertebrae of a spine, said implant being configured for expansion in a first direction and comprising an upper element and a lower element movable relative to each other in said first direction;

    an elongate inserter releasably coupled to said expandable implant; and

    an expandable intermediate structure between said upper element and said lower element capable of moving said upper element and said lower element within said intradiscal space in said first direction during expansion;

    said upper element, said lower element, and said intermediate structure each having at least one hole for flow therethrough of filler material, said implant further having a filler material receiving orifice defining a pathway into said implant, all of such holes and said orifice being in fluid communication.

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