Laterally expanding intervertebral fusion device

摘要

This invention relates to intervertebral spacers for use in orthopedic treatment of spinal defects. The intervertebral space is formed of a shape memory polymer. The spacer can be fabricated into a desired configuration and then deformed into an alternative or deformed configuration. Cooling the deformed spacer effectively freezes the spacer into its deformed conformation. The deformed configuration can be selected to facilitate implantation of the spacer into a prepared disc space between adjacent vertebrae. During operation, the surgeon can heat the spacer to allow it to revert to its original configuration. The spacer in its original conformation is sized to restore and/or maintain the adjacent vertebrae in a desired conformation and disc space height.