SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR A LATERALLY EXPANDING IMPLANT

摘要

An implant for a spinal column and a method for inserting the same into a patient is disclosed. The implant includes an elongated body positionable in a spinal disc space. The body comprises a first body member and a second body member that each include at least one wedge extending into an interior cavity. A front bracket is connected with a leading portion of the first and second body members and a rear bracket connected with a trailing portion of said first and second body members. The brackets allow the first and second body members to move between an expanded state and an unexpanded state. An expansion component is positioned within the interior cavity when the implant is in an expanded state and the implant is then positioned in an unexpanded state. The expansion component includes at least one inverted wedge in engagement with the wedge of the first and second body members. The inverted wedge is operable to cause the first and second body members to expand way from one another to the expanded state. A bone graft member is then inserted into the interior cavity defined by the first and second body members.