A method for performing percutaneous interbody fusion is disclosed. The
method includes the steps of inserting a guide needle posteriorly to the
disc space, inserting a dilator having an inner diameter slightly larger
than the outer diameter of the guide needle over the guide needle to the
disc space to enlarge the disc space, and successively passing a series
of dilators, each having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer
diameter of the previous dilator, over the previous dilator to the disc
space the gradually and incrementally increase the height of the disc
space. Once the desired disc height is achieved, the guide needle and all
the dilators, with the exception of the outermost dilator, are removed.
An expandible intervertebral disc spacer is then passed through the
remaining dilator and positioned in the disc space. Th disc spacer is
expanded to the required disc height, and then a bone matrix is passed
through the dilator to fill the disc space. The dilator is then removed.
An expandible intervertebral disc spacer is also disclosed, having a
tapered bore that causes greater expansion of one end of the spacer with
respect to the other. A kit for performing the percutaneous interbody
fusion procedure is also disclosed.