Expandable variable angle intervertebral fusion implant

Abstract

An expandable intervertebral fusion implant includes a pair of semi-cylindrical shells having mating surfaces which resist shifting when the parts are assembled. The shells have pillars provided with teeth which permit the shells to be ratcheted outward after they have been placed between spinal elements. The pillars are curved, or extend from their shells at a non-perpendicular angle, so that the resulting implant is tapered, to accommodate non-parallel spinal element end plates and thus maintain proper spinal curvature.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.