Apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion

摘要

An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers in interlocking engagement. The expansion members are formed to each have a generally U-shaped rearward facing opening. The superior and inferior endplates have openings through their outer surfaces in at least partial alignment and communication with the rearward facing openings of the expansion members. The inferior endplate has a fully bounded cavity for telescoping receipt of the superior endplate. The inferior endplate also has a fully bounded channel extending through the rear endwall thereof in direct communication with the rearward facing opening of at least one expansion member for the receipt of bone graft material into the device to promote fusion between opposing vertebral bodies of the spine.

主权项

1. An apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion, comprising:
an expandable device including a first outer surface for contacting one vertebral body in a spine and a second outer surface for contacting a second opposing vertebral body in said spine, a front end and a rear end, and an interior cavity therewithin, said rear end including a rear endwall between said first outer surface and said second outer surface, said rear endwall having a channel extending therethrough in communication with said interior cavity and an attachment surface on said rear endwall spaced from said channel; and an inserter releasably attached to said device at said rear end without passing through said interior cavity to the front end of said device, said inserter comprising an elongate track for inserting an insert into said expandable device and an elongate guide pin detachably connected to said inserter track, said track being releasably attached to said device at said rear endwall, said guide pin being releasably attached to said device at said attachment surface, said track being removable from said device and said guide pin to expose said channel while said guide pin remains attached to said device, wherein said inserter supports a plurality of inserts for sequential insertion into said channel, one beneath the other, each of said inserts having a rearward facing opening and a pushing surface engaged by a driver of said inserter to insert said inserts into said device.