Expandable support device and method of use

Abstract

An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. The device can have multiple flat sides that remain flat during expansi A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged by an engagement device. The engagement device can longitudinally expand the expandable support device. The expandable support device can be longitudinally expanded until the expandable support device is substantially in a pre-deployed configuration. The expandable support device can be then be physically translated and/or rotated.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for adjusting an expandable support device deployed in an orthopedic treatment site, the method comprising:
 engaging the expandable support device with an engagement device;   delivering a force through the engagement device to the expandable support device; and   contracting the expandable support device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising withdrawing the expandable support device from the orthopedic treatment site. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising reshaping the expandable support device within the orthopedic treatment site. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising repositioning the expandable support device within the orthopedic treatment site. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein contracting comprises radially contracting. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the force comprises a longitudinally tensile force applied to the expandable support device. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising detaching the engagement device from the expandable support device. 
     
     
         8 . A method for removing an expandable support device deployed in an orthopedic treatment site, the method comprising:
 applying a longitudinal tension to the expandable support device;   radially contracting the expandable support device; and   withdrawing the expandable support device from the orthopedic treatment site.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising engaging the expandable support device with an engagement device. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the applying a longitudinal tension to the expandable support device comprises delivering a force through the engagement device to the expandable support device. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the longitudinal tensioning causes the radially contracting. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising longitudinally expanding the expandable support device.