METHOD AND INSERTER FOR INTERBODY FUSION

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. A method of providing interbody fusion between two opposing vertebral bodies of the spine with an expandable spinal interbody fusion device, said device including an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact a vertebral body of the spine, a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing vertebral body of said spine, said inferior endplate and said superior endplate being movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion, comprising the steps of:
inserting said device by an inserter into the intradiscal space between said two opposing vertebral bodies during surgery, said inserter including a distal end releasably attached to said device and a proximal end including an actuator; initially operating said actuator to cause said inferior endplate and said superior endplate to move apart relative to each other in a direction of expansion to expand said device; inserting a first insert movably supported by said inserter into said device after expansion of said device between said inferior endplate and said superior endplate; and then further operating said actuator to cause said superior endplate and said first insert to move apart jointly relative to said inferior endplate to further expand said device, and after said further expansion sequentially inserting a second insert movably supported by said inserter directly below and in contact with said first insert.