Abstract: A system is provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebra without excision of bone or resection of ligaments comprising an expansion device and a deployment system which includes a hollow expandable insert and an expansion insert. The expandable insert includes a cylindrical body having a pair of slots having a threaded outer surface. The expandable insert is located with the slots oriented perpendicular to the vertebral column between the vertebrae. The thread cuts into the cortical bone contiguous to the intervertebral space but not substantially into the cancellous bone. The expandable insert is internally threaded. The expansion insert is externally threaded and arranged to be screwed into a bore in the expandable insert by the deployment system, whereupon the slots open to spread the vertebrae apart. The deployment system includes a tool having projecting fingers located within the slots to enable the expandable insert to be screwed into the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing the vertebral column without requiring the excision of bone from the superior or inferior vertebrae or the resection of the adjacent longitudinal proximal or distal ligaments. The system includes a stabilizing device and a deployment system composed of first and second coacting tools. The stabilizing device is made up of an expandable threaded insert and an expansion screw. The threaded insert is a hollow cylindrical member having a central cylindrical threaded bore, and a self tapping helical thread extending about the outer periphery of the member. The member is split at its proximal end in communication with the bore to form a pair of slots extending parallel to its longitudinal axis. The expandable insert is arranged to be screwed by the first tool into the intervertebral space between the superior and inferior vertebrae to a desired depth and with the slots oriented in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vertebral column.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing the vertebral column without requiring the excision of bone from the superior or inferior vertebrae or the resection of the adjacent anterior or posterior longitudinal ligaments. The system includes a stabilizing device and a deployment system composed of first and second coacting tools. The stabilizing device is made up of an expandable threaded insert and an expansion screw. The threaded insert is a hollow cylindrical member having a central cylindrical threaded bore, and a self tapping helical thread extending about the outer periphery of the member. The member is split at its proximal end in communication with the bore to form a pair of slots extending parallel to its longitudinal axis. The expandable insert is arranged to be screwed by the first tool into the intervertebral space between the superior and inferior vertebrae to a desired depth and with the slots oriented in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vertebral column.