Inserter for an expandable spinal interbody fusion device

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 comprising ramps surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cooperatively engage complementary surfaces of expansion structure within the device to cause the superior and inferior endplates to move relatively away from each other. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert between the superior and inferior endplates after expansion of the device.

主权项

1. An inserter for expanding an expandable spinal interbody fusion device and inserting a plurality of inserts therewithin, comprising:
an elongate track having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end being configured to be releasably attached to said device, said inserter including at said proximal end an actuator, said track linearly supporting said plurality of inserts for sequential individual insertion into said device, an elongate lifting platform which moves with said track and operably coupled to said actuator for translational movement in axially opposite projecting and retracting directions, said lifting platform including a lifting surface for engaging a cooperatively configured receiving surface of said device when said lifting platform is in said projecting direction to expand said device, said inserter including an elongate driver which moves independently from said track and operably coupled to said actuator for translational movement in axially opposite directions for contacting and driving an insert from said plurality of inserts into said device, wherein said lifting platform and said driver are moved in axially opposite directions in a single operational stroke of said actuator.