Dynamic corpectomy calipers and methods of use thereof
AssigneeInstitute for Musculoskeletal Science and Education, Ltd.
InventorGregory Bailey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Corpectomy calipers are provided that are capable of measuring both the distance and the angle between two bodies, in particular between two vertebral bodies in an individual. The calipers provided are capable of providing reliable measurements without the need for repeated measurements. The calipers described herein offer a simple and inexpensive solution. Methods of using the calipers are provided, for example, in determining the size and spacing of a void in a corpectomy or intervertebral fusion procedure.
Claims18
A device comprising:
- a distal end comprising a contacting portion comprising a first contacting surface and a second contacting surface;
- a proximal end comprising a scissor-like caliper portion;
- and
- one or more scales indicating the distance and the angle between the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface.
A method of using a device for measuring a space in a patient's spine, wherein the device comprises:
- a distal end comprising a contacting portion comprising a first contacting surface and a second contacting surface;
- a proximal end comprising a scissor-like caliper portion;
- and
- one or more scales indicating the distance and the angle between the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface,
- the method comprising:
- (i) inserting the distal end of the device into the space,
- (ii) contacting the first contacting surface with a first body and contacting the second contacting surface with a second body, and
- (iii) measuring the distance and the angle between the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface from the one or more gauges.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.