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Methods and apparatus for insertion of vertebral body distraction and fusion devices

  • US 9,498,270 B2
  • Filed: 01/08/2015
  • Issued: 11/22/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An inserter apparatus configured to insert and expand a distractible intervertebral body fusion device into an intervertebral disc space defined between adjacent vertebrae of a patient, comprising:

  • a frame having a proximal end and a distal end;

    a handle extending from the frame between the proximal end of the frame and the distal end of the frame at a non-parallel angle to the frame;

    an actuation control positioned along the handle;

    a device engagement assembly, including a drive shaft extending longitudinally through the frame and configured to extend distally from the frame and a device interface including a distal portion having a surface adapted to conformably engage an outwardly facing surface of a distractible intervertebral body fusion device,wherein operation of the actuation control along the handle causes the device engagement assembly to engage the distractible intervertebral body fusion device prior to insertion into the intervertebral disc space when the distractible intervertebral body fusion device is positioned proximate the device engagement assembly, and whereinthe drive shaft is configured to engage the distractible intervertebral body fusion device such that rotation of the drive shaft causes the distractible intervertebral body fusion device to expand between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration after the device has been implanted into the intervertebral disc space.

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