Methods and devices for interbody spinal stabilization

Abstract

Methods and instruments for preparing a disc space and for forming interbody devices therein are provided. The instruments include distractors having enlargeable portions positionable in the disc space for distracting the disc space. The enlargeable portions can also provide form about or against which an interbody device of a first material is placed. A second material may be placed in the disc space in the space previously occupied by the distractors.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
   
   
       37 . A spinal surgical instrument for distracting a disc space, comprising:
 a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end; and   an inflatable portion adjacent said distal end, said inflatable portion having a reduced size configuration for insertion into the disc space and an enlarged inflated configuration, wherein when in said inflated configuration said inflatable portion defines an upper vertebral endplate contacting surface and an opposite lower vertebral endplate contacting surface, each of said upper and lower vertebral endplate contacting surfaces having a vertebral endplate contacting area in the range of 0.1 square inches to 0.5 square inches.   
   
   
       38 . The instrument of  claim 37 , wherein said shaft defines an inflation lumen in communication with said inflatable portion. 
   
   
       39 . The instrument of  claim 37 , wherein each of said vertebral endplate contacting surfaces has an oval shape. 
   
   
       40 . The instrument of  claim 37 , wherein each of said vertebral endplate contacting surfaces has a circular shape. 
   
   
       41 . The instrument of  claim 37 , wherein each of said vertebral endplate contacting surfaces has a generally rectangular shape. 
   
   
       42 . The instrument of  claim 37 , wherein each of said vertebral endplate contacting surfaces has a first contacting node and a second contacting node and said inflatable portion includes a concave surface extending between said first and second contacting nodes. 
   
   
       43 . The instrument of  claim 42 , wherein when in said inflated configuration said inflatable portion is sized to contact vertebral endplates adjacent the disc space and restore the disc space to a desired disc space height, said inflatable portion is further sized and shaped in the anterior, posterior and lateral directions to occupy the disc space with a void formed between the inflatable portion and an inner wall of an annulus surrounding the disc space annulus. 
   
   
       44 . A spinal surgical device implantable in a disc space, comprising:
 a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end; and   an inflatable portion adjacent said distal end, said inflatable portion having a reduced size configuration for insertion into the disc space and an enlarged inflated configuration, wherein when in said inflated configuration said inflatable portion is sized to contact vertebral endplates adjacent the disc space and restore the disc space to a desired disc space height, said inflatable portion is further sized and shaped in the anterior, posterior and lateral directions to occupy the disc space with a void formed between the inflatable portion and an inner wall of an annulus surrounding the disc space annulus; and   a first material in the void.   
   
   
       45 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein said shape is selected from the group consisting of: a vertically-oriented cylinder, a horizontally-oriented cylinder, a sphere, a center cylinder with frusto-conically tapered ends, a banana, and a pear. 
   
   
       46 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein when inflated said inflatable portion defines an upper vertebral endplate contacting surface and an opposite lower vertebral endplate contacting surface, each of said upper and lower vertebral endplate contacting surfaces having a vertebral endplate contacting area in the range of 0.1 square inches to 0.5 square inches. 
   
   
       47 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein said shaft defines an inflation lumen in communication with said inflatable portion.