US 2004/0024408 A1 · Methods and instrumentation for vertebral interbody fusion

Abstract

Methods and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation for insertion of implants from an anterior approach to the spine are provided. The instruments include a guide sleeve defining a channel having overlapping cylindrical working channel portions and lateral non-distracting extensions extending from reduced thickness wall portions. The guide sleeve has an overall reduced width configuration. A pair of distractors are provided. A first distractor includes a shaft and distal tip, each having convex walls. A second distractor includes a shaft and distal tip including a recessed area at least along the tip. The first distractor is at least partially received within the recessed area of the second distractor when the first and second distractors are in side-by-side relation and a reduced overall width of the distractors is obtained. Preferably, the first and second distractors are used with the guide sleeve. Methods using the disclosed instruments are also provided.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A surgical instrument assembly for distracting a spinal disc space, comprising:

a first distractor including:
a first shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end;
a first distractor tip extending from the distal end of said first shaft, said first distractor tip including opposite first and second surfaces defining a first distraction height;
a projection extending from a medial side of said first shaft;
a second distractor including:
a second shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end;
a second distractor tip extending from the distal end of said second shaft, said second distractor tip including opposite first and second surfaces defining a second distraction height substantially equal to said first distraction height;
a notch formed in a medial side of said second shaft;
a guide sleeve defining a working channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said first and second distractors are received in said working channel of said guide sleeve with said projection positioned in said notch;
and
a distractor driver cap coupled to the proximal end of said first and second distractors and said guide sleeve, said distractor driver cap having a side opening wherein said distractor driver cap is side-loaded onto said first and second distractors and said guide sleeve.

8 more elements

A method for preparing a spinal disc space between a pair of vertebral endplates for insertion of an implant therebetween, comprising:

inserting a guide sleeve to the disc space from an anterior approach, the guide sleeve having a working channel providing access to a first disc space location and a second disc space location;
distracting the disc space to a desired disc space height;
preparing the first disc space location through the working channel for insertion of a first implant therein;
inserting a reamer plug through the working channel into the first disc space location;
preparing the second disc space location through the working channel for insertion of a second implant therein after inserting the reamer plug;
inserting the second implant through the working channel into the second disc space location, the second implant being tapered to establish a desired lordotic angle between the vertebral endplates;
removing the plug from the first disc space location after inserting the second implant;
and
inserting the first implant through the working channel into the first disc space location, the first implant being tapered to establish a desired lordotic angle between the vertebral endplates.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and instrumentation for vertebral interbody fusion

Life of this patent

Methods and instrumentation for vertebral interbody fusion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26