METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLANTING AN INTERBODY DEVICE

摘要

An interbody implant comprises one or more elongate members that have superior and inferior surfaces with a height, and medial and lateral surfaces having a width. The height is set so the implant fits into the intervertebral space. The width is less than the height. The interbody implant has a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The interbody implant is inserted into the intervertebral space in the first configuration such that medial and lateral surfaces contact the vertebral bodies, and the interbody implant is then actuated into the second configuration such that superior and inferior surfaces engage the vertebral bodies. Actuation of the implant from the first configuration to the second configuration distracts the vertebral bodies. The implant is actuated into the third configuration where the width of the implant is greater than width of the implant in the first or the second configuration.