Expandable Intervertebral Implant

摘要

An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
providing an intervertebral implant comprising:
an upper portion having an upwardly-facing vertebral engagement surface and an opposed inner surface;a lower portion having a downwardly-facing vertebral engagement surface and an opposed inner surface;an inner core including a pair of first sloped engagement surfaces, one of the pair of first sloped engagement surfaces configured to engage the inner surface of the upper portion and a pair of second sloped engagement surfaces, one of the pair of second sloped engagement surfaces configured to engage the inner surface of the lower portion; anda biasing member that abuts the inner core,wherein the first sloped engagement surfaces are sloped in the same direction, moving the inner core, thereby causing at least one of the pair of first sloped engagement surfaces to ride along the inner surface of the upper portion and at least one of the pair of second sloped engagement surfaces to ride along the inner surface of the lower portion, thereby causing the implant to move to an expanded position whereby the upper portion and the lower portion deflect away from each other; and inserting the intervertebral implant into an intervertebral disc space.