MIDDLE EXPANDABLE INTERVERTEBRAL DISK IMPLANT AND METHOD
2104391 9214423 PCTABS00015 Artificial disk implant and methods for implanting same, the implant having a member (32, 34, 36, 77, 92, 94) for adapting in size and shape to the anatomical space between vertebrae, and apparatus (25, 42, 60, 112) for expanding the implant in the middle portion thereof to conform to the space. In one embodiment, there is provided an artificial intervertebral disk implant having a cylindrical body (20, 41, 56, 88) comprised of cylindrical subunits (32, 34, 36, 92, 94) capable of expansion. In another embodiment, rectangular members (34, 36) or elongate ribs (77) capable of expansion are provided. The implant can be used alone or in various combinations for the purpose of spinal fusion.