US Patent 7220280 Spreader implant for placement between vertebrae

An implant for placement between vertebrae, with two sidepieces joined together at one end, each of which can be placed against one of the vertebrae, and with a device for vertical distraction of the sidepieces. In the initial position for the distraction, the outside surfaces of the sidepieces that face the vertebrae converge towards the free ends of the sidepieces. This wedge shape of the implant facilitates the insertion of the implant into the intervertebral space.