Minimally invasive expanding spacer and method

摘要

A spacer and method of using the spacer for positioning between and spacing vertebral members. The spacer is positionable between a first position having a reduced size to be minimally invasive when inserted into the patient between the vertebral members. The spacer is expandable up to a second position to contact the vertebral members. In one embodiment, a delivery device is attached to position the spacer within the patient. The delivery device may remain connected to the spacer, or may be removable with the spacer remaining within the patient as the delivery device is removed. In one embodiment, the spacer comprises a first member and a second member each positioned about a middle member. Middle member moves relative to the first and second members with angled surfaces contacting to deploy the spacer between the closed and open orientations.