Importance

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Abstract

A method for separating and stabilizing adjacent vertebrae (50 and 52), comprising: introducing insert (20) between vertebrae (50 and 52); rotating insert (20) to engage cam surfaces (32 and 34) thereon against vertebrae (50 and 52) to move vertebrae (50 and 52) apart; and anchoring insert (20) between vertebrae (50 and 52). A posterolateral and percutaneous method of separating and stabilizing adjacent vertebrae (50 and 52), comprising: percutaneously introducing a first insert (19a) and a second insert (19b) between adjacent vertebrae (50 and 52) with rotational axes (26a and 26b) of insert (19a) and 19b) being at a generally right angle to one another. An intervertebral insert (20) comprising a body having a posterior end (22), an anterior end (24), a rotational axis (26) between ends (22 and 24), and a pair of outwardly facing convexly curved surfaces (32 and 34) which are disposed generally parallel to rotational axis (26) and which are adapted to engage and separate opposed vertebral surfaces (50 and 52) when insert (20) is placed between adjacent vertebrae (50 and 52) and rotated.

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First Claim