Method and instrumentation for posterior interbody fusion

A method of dura retraction for posterior access in the spine, the method comprising:

• providing a retractor having a retractor blade pivotally connected to a handle with a locking mechanism to selectively lock the handle to the retractor;
• exposing a portion of the dura;
• inserting the retractor with the handle in an insertion position and the locking mechanism in a locked position;
• retracting the dura to expose underlying spinal elements;
• unlocking the locking mechanism to allow the handle to pivot in relation to the retractor blade;
• pivoting the handle to a holding position;
• and
• locking the locking mechanism to maintain the handle in the locked position.

A template for straddling the dura in a spinal surgery to facilitate marking a surgical site, said template comprising:

• a body portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, and an opening formed between said upper surface and said lower surface;
• a shaft having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said upper surface;
• a working tube positioned in substantial alignment with said opening and extending from said lower surface, said tube having a first diameter;
• and
• a locator extension engaged with said body, said locator extension extending from said lower surface and spaced from said working tube to provide a space for the dura, said locator extension have a second diameter that is less than said first diameter.

A spinal disc space distractor assembly, the assembly comprising:

• an outer shaft having a first end and an opposite second end, said shaft including a first driving shoulder adjacent said first end for transmitting rotational force and an opposite second driving shoulder adjacent said second end for receiving a rotational force;
• an inner shaft slidably disposed within at least a portion of said outer shaft, said inner shaft having a first connection end and an opposite second connection end, said first connection end disposed adjacent said first end;
• a distraction tip, said tip having a driving surface adapted for engagement with said first driving shoulder and a connection surface adapted for engagement with said first connection end;
• and
• a handle having a connection mechanism selectively engagable with said second connection end and a handle driving surface adapted for engagement with said second driving shoulder to transmit rotational force;
• wherein with said inner shaft connected to said tip, connection of said connection mechanism with said inner shaft second connection end maintains said first driving end in engagement with said driving surface and said second driving end in engagement with said second driving surface.

A spinal disc space distractor, comprising:

• a shaft having a first end and an opposite second end with a longitudinal axis extending between said first end and said second end;
• a distractor tip disposed adjacent said first end;
• and
• said shaft defining a window extending transverse to said longitudinal axis.