Device and method for preparing a space between adjacent vertebrae to receive an insert
OwnerGary K. Michelsoninventor
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Abstract
A device and method for use in a human spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies and into the vertebral end plates to receive an implantable insert. The device includes a handle, a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. An abrading element is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to move the abrading element in at least one degree of freedom to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Claims30
An apparatus for preparing an implantation space in the human spine to receive an insert between adjacent vertebral bodies, comprising:
- a handle;
- a shaft operably connected to said handle,
- a drive mechanism adapted to be operably connected to a power source;
- and
- an abrading element operably coupled to a distal end of said shaft for movement by said drive mechanism, said abrading element being moved in a direction different than which said shaft is moved, said abrading element having at least one abrading surface selected to create a predetermined surface contour of the adjacent vertebral bodies as said abrading element is moved by said drive mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.