Expandable bi-dimensional interbody and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

An expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant for an intervertebral fusion is provided. The implant includes a first hinge arm, a second hinge arm connected to the first hinge arm, and a translation member movable relative to the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm between an initial position and an engaged position. The second hinge arm is movable between a primary position and a secondary position relative to the first hinge arm. In the engaged position, the translation member biases the first hinge arm to move from a first position to a second position and biases the second hinge arm to move between a first position and a second position.

I/We claim: 
     
         1 . An expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant comprising:
 a first hinge arm;   a second hinge arm connected to the first hinge arm; and   a translation member that includes a shaft and a cam for biasing one of the first and second hinge arms in two directions.   
     
     
         2 . The expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the cam includes opposing cam surfaces for biasing one of the first and second hinge arms in opposite directions. 
     
     
         3 . The expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the cam includes opposing cam surfaces for biasing one of the first and second hinge arms in the superior and inferior directions. 
     
     
         4 . The expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the cam includes a superior cam surface and an inferior cam surface. 
     
     
         5 . The expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the shaft is integrally connected with the cam. 
     
     
         6 . The expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the shaft is a threaded shaft fixedly connected to the cam. 
     
     
         7 . The expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the translation member biases the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm. 
     
     
         8 . The expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the translation member biases the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm in opposite directions. 
     
     
         9 . The expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the translation member is positioned to bias the first hinge arm about its midportion. 
     
     
         10 . The expandable bi-dimensional intervertebral implant of  claim 1 , wherein the first hinge arm is connected to the second hinge arm about their respective midportions.