Interbody implantation system and method

A system for implanting an interbody device between adjacent vertebrae, the system comprising:

• an interbody device for replacing a disc between adjacent vertebrae or fusing adjacent vertebrae, the interbody device comprising:
• a flexible longitudinal rib having a length of shape memory metal disposed therein, said shape memory metal having a relaxed shape and an unrelaxed shape, and
• a plurality of spaced lobes secured thereto and extending from a same side of the longitudinal rib, said lobes having an upper vertebral contacting surface, a lower vertebral contacting surface, two lateral sides, and an aperture extending from said upper vertebral contacting surface to said lower vertebral contacting surface, said aperture allowing the sides of the lobes to deform slightly under load and capable of receive bone graft material, and wherein adjacent sides from adjacent lobes are connected to each other by a continuous curved surface between said adjacent lobes on an inner portion of said rib to enable flexion of said interbody device, each of the said plurality of lobes having substantially the same size and shape and having a plurality of chamfered edges thereon for contacting said adjacent vertebrae,
• wherein in a relaxed shape, the length of shape memory metal is not deformed and said longitudinal rib and said plurality of lobes have a shape approximating the shape of a portion of the disc being replaced, and
• wherein in an unrelaxed shape, the length of shape memory metal is deformed and said longitudinal rib and said plurality of lobes have a shape capable of being inserted through an insertion guide;
• an insertion guide having a bore therein from a proximal end to a distal end thereof to accept said interbody device in the unrelaxed shape, wherein said distal end is shaped for insertion into an intervertebral space;
• and
• an insertion rod positioned within said bore of said insertion guide whereby said interbody device is positioned within said intervertebral space by advancing said insertion rod into said insertion guide,
• wherein said insertion rod comprises a bore and an interior rod threadably engaged therein,
• wherein said interior rod comprises a distal clamp end having a plurality of fingers capable of radially outward expansion, wherein a distal end of said insertion rod maintains said plurality of fingers in a radially compressed position, and
• wherein said plurality of fingers having a shaped engagement surface for engaging a complementary engagement surface of said interbody device in said radially compressed position.