In-situ formed intervertebral fusion device and method
An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.
1. A method of making an intervertebral fusion device, comprising:
a) inserting an expandable member into an intervertebral disc space, the member having a proximal end portion and a free distal end portion;
b) forming the expandable member into a generally toroidal shape in the intervertebral disc space by positioning the free distal end portion adjacent to the proximal end portion, the generally toroidal shape defining a central cavity that is external to the expandable member;
c) expanding the expandable member with a load-bearing component to form an expanded member; and
d) inserting an osteobiologic component into the central cavity of the expanded member.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein expanding the expandable member comprises inserting the load-bearing component into the expandable member.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein expanding the expandable member comprises increasing the height of the expandable member.