Modular interbody devices and methods of use

A method of inserting a modular interbody device into an intervertebral space between first and second vertebral members comprising:

• inserting a pair of end members positioned on opposing sides of a lifting mechanism of a distracter into the intervertebral space with the distracter spacing apart the end members in a non-overlapping orientation, wherein ribbons connect the distracter to a handle;
• positioning the end members and the lifting mechanism in the intervertebral space relative to the first and second vertebral members;
• deploying the lifting mechanism and increasing the spacing between the end members while the lifting mechanism remains positioned in the intervertebral space;
• bending an intermediate section of at least one ribbon of the ribbons that is positioned between a distal section connected to the distracter and a proximal section connected to the handle;
• while said at least one ribbon is bent, inserting an intermediate member into the intervertebral space and between the end members while the lifting mechanism remains positioned in the intervertebral space and the end members remain spaced apart;
• and
• supporting the end members with the intermediate member and removing the lifting mechanism from the intervertebral space.

A method of inserting a modular interbody device into an intervertebral space between first and second vertebral members comprising:

• inserting a pair of end members connected to a distal end of an elongated handle into the intervertebral space while the end members are spaced apart a distance and out of contact with each other, wherein ribbons connect a distractor to the handle;
• positioning the end members in the intervertebral space relative to the first and second vertebral members;
• generating a distraction force within the intervertebral space and increasing the distance between the end members;
• bending an intermediate section of at least one ribbon of the ribbons that is positioned between a distal section connected to the distracter and a proximal section connected to the handle;
• while said at least one ribbon is bent, moving an intermediate member attached to the handle along the handle from a proximal section towards the distal end and into the space between the end members while the handle remains connected to the end members, the intermediate member including a first section positioned on a first side of the handle and a second section positioned on an opposing second side of the handle;
• connecting together engagement features on the end members and the first and second sections of the intermediate member while the handle remains connected to the end members;
• and
• removing the handle from the end members.

A method of inserting a modular interbody device into an intervertebral space between first and second vertebral members comprising:

• connecting an intermediate member to a distal end of an elongated handle with a first section of the intermediate member on a first side of the handle and a second section of the intermediate member on an opposing second side of the handle;
• sliding the intermediate member along the handle away from the distal end;
• positioning a first endplate on a superior side of the distal end of the handle and positioning a second endplate on an inferior side of the distal end of the handle with the endplates being spaced apart in a non-overlapping orientation;
• inserting the first and second endplates and the distal end of the handle into the intervertebral space with the intermediate member spaced away from the intervertebral space;
• expanding the distal end of the handle and moving the first and second endplates farther apart and into contact with the vertebral members;
• after moving apart the first and second endplates and while the endplates are positioned on the distal end of the handle, sliding the intermediate member along the handle and between first and second endplates with elongated engagement features on the intermediate member engaging with corresponding elongated engagement features on the first and second endplates;
• removing the distal end of the handle from the first and second endplates and the intermediate member;
• and
• supporting the endplates within the intervertebral space with the intermediate member.