Expandable fusion device for positioning between adjacent vertebral bodies

Abstract

In some embodiments, system and/or method may include an intervertebral implant for a human spine including an upper body, a lower body, first and second expansion members, and an expansion mechanism. A superior surface of the upper body may function to engage a first vertebra of the human spine. An inferior surface of the lower body may function to engage a second vertebra of the human spine. The first expansion member may include at least a first angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. The second expansion member may include at least a second angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. An expansion mechanism may convey, during use, the first and second angled portions in opposing directions increasing a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body.

1 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method for maintaining the spacing between two adjacent vertebral bodies, comprising:
 removing at least a portion of a disc between two vertebrae of the human spine to create a disc space between the two vertebrae;   positioning an unexpanded intervertebral implant in the disc space between the two vertebrae, wherein the intervertebral implant comprises:
 an upper body comprising an inferior surface and a superior surface; 
 a lower body comprising a superior surface and an inferior surface; 
 a first expansion member comprising at least a first angled portion positionable, during use, between the inferior surface of the upper body and the superior surface of the lower body, wherein at least the first angled portion is oriented towards a first end of the intervertebral implant; 
 a second expansion member comprising at least a second angled portion positionable, during use, between the inferior surface of the upper body and the superior surface of the lower body, wherein at least the second angled portion is oriented towards a second end of the intervertebral implant, wherein at least the second angled portion is oriented in an opposing direction relative to at least the first angled portion; and 
 an expansion mechanism; 
   moving the first and second expansion members in opposing directions using the expansion member; and   increasing a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising engaging a first vertebra of the human spine using the superior surface of the upper body. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising engaging a second vertebra of the human spine using the inferior surface of the lower body. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 increasing a size of an opening between the first and second angled portions as the first and second angled portions are conveyed in opposing directions; and   positioning graft material in the opening between first and second angled portions.