APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXPANDING OPPOSING BODY TISSUE

摘要

An elongate inserter has a distal end releasably connected to an expandable interbody fusion device and a proximal end including a trigger actuator. The interbody fusion device comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are movable in an expansion direction relative to each other in the intradiscal space. The inserter includes a lifting platform and an elevator that define cooperatively engaging ramps and ramps surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cause the superior and inferior endplates to move relatively away from each other. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert into the expanded device between the superior and inferior endplates.

主权项

1. An apparatus for expanding opposing tissue surfaces of a body, comprising:
an expandable device including an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface, a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body issue surface, said inferior endplate and said superior endplate being movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion, said device including at least one insert insertable into said device between said inferior endplate and said superior endplate upon expansion of said device, said at least one insert comprising a substantially U-shaped configuration including a pair of spaced opposing arms defining an opening therebetween, a base of said opening between said opposing arms defining a pushing surface; and an elongate inserter having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end being releasably attached to said device, said inserter including an actuator at said proximal end and an expansion component at said distal end operably coupled to said actuator to cooperate with said device to expand said device, said inserter including a driver supported by said inserter and coupled to said actuator for axial proximal and distal translational movement along said inserter, a proximal end of said driver being coupled to said actuator to effect axial translational movement of the driver, a distal end of said driver comprising a driver pushing surface residing in the opening of said at least one insert and engaging said pushing surface of said at least one insert in a manner to push said at least one insert into said device after expansion of said device upon axial distal translational movement of said driver.