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Expandable bone implant

  • US 9,925,055 B2
  • Filed: 05/25/2016
  • Issued: 03/27/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/08/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of restoring height to a fractured target bone, the method comprising:

  • positioning a distal end of a cannulated body adjacent a target bone, the cannulated body being substantially straight and having a proximal end spaced from the distal end;

    inserting an opening device through the cannulated body such that a distal end of the opening device extends distally beyond the distal end of the cannulated body and into the target bone, the opening device defining a cannula, the distal end of the opening device having a cutting member, wherein a distal portion of the opening device located proximate the cutting member is substantially axially straight while located within the cannulated body and is axially curved after extending beyond the distal end of the cannulated body;

    engaging bone material within the target bone with the cutting member in a manner forming a curved guide path within the target bone; and

    inserting an expandable implant through the cannulated body and through the cannula of the opening device and along the curved guide path within the target bone, wherein a central axis of the expandable implant is curved while the expandable implant is positioned along the curved guide path.

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