An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Smart surgical instrument patches, instruments, systems, and methods. The smart surgical instrument patch may include a flexible substrate with electronic components electronically connected to one another. The electronic components may include one or more sensors, a processor, a power source, and a wireless communication unit. The patch may be affixed to an instrument, such as an inserter for installing an expandable implant. During operation of the instrument, the smart surgical instrument patch may provide real time information to the user, such as amount of implant expansion and lordosis profile.

Smart surgical instrument patches, instruments, systems, and methods. The smart surgical instrument patch may include a flexible substrate with electronic components electronically connected to one another. The electronic components may include one or more sensors, a processor, a power source, and a wireless communication unit. The patch may be affixed to an instrument, such as an inserter for installing an expandable implant. During operation of the instrument, the smart surgical instrument patch may provide real time information to the user, such as amount of implant expansion and lordosis profile.