Devices and techniques for a posterior lateral disc space approach
AssigneeSDGI Holdings, Inc.
InventorsGeorge Frey, Mingyan Liu, Loic Josse, Lawrence M. Boyd
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing disc space preparation and implant insertion from a unilateral approach to the spine through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include spreaders, distractors, reamers, scrapers, cutters, chisels, pushers and implant inserters. A surgical procedure is provided that allows bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with at least one interbody fusion device inserted into the disc space via a unilateral approach. Implants for insertion into the disc space are also provided.
Claims73
A method for inserting an implant in a spinal disc space, comprising:
- creating a posterior lateral opening into the disc space;
- providing an implant for insertion into the disc space;
- positioning a leading end of the implant at the opening;
- and
- alternately applying pushing and pivoting forces to the implant to position the implant through the opening and in the disc space along a non-linear insertion path.
A method for inserting an implant in a spinal disc space, comprising:
- providing a posterior lateral opening into the disc space;
- selecting an implant for insertion into the disc space;
- securing a trailing end of an implant to the implant inserter;
- positioning a leading end of the implant at the opening;
- engaging a pusher to the implant inserter;
- applying an impaction force to the implant with the pusher to push the implant through the opening and into the disc space;
- and
- applying a pivoting force to the implant with the implant inserter to move the leading end of the implant towards a distal portion of the disc space.
A method for inserting an implant in a spinal disc space, comprising:
- creating a posterior lateral opening into the disc space;
- providing an implant for insertion into the disc space;
- providing an inserter instrument including a shaft and a bend adjacent a distal end of the shaft;
- and
- positioning the implant in the disc space along a non-linear insertion path with the bend of the inserter instrument positioned through the posterior lateral opening and the distal end of the inserter instrument in contact with the implant.
A method for inserting an implant in a spinal disc space, comprising:
- providing a posterior lateral opening into the disc space;
- selecting an implant for insertion into the disc space;
- positioning a leading end of the implant at the opening;
- manipulating a first instrument to position the implant through the opening and into the disc space;
- and
- manipulating a second instrument to advance the implant distally into the disc space to position the leading end of the implant on a side of the spinal column axis opposite the opening and a trailing end of the implant is positioned on a side of the spinal column axis adjacent to the opening.
A method for inserting an implant in a spinal disc space, comprising:
- creating a posterior lateral opening into the disc space;
- providing an implant for insertion into the disc space;
- positioning a leading end of the implant at the opening;
- and
- applying pushing and pivoting forces to the implant to position the implant through the opening and in the disc space along a non-linear insertion path, wherein applying pushing and pivoting forces includes applying pushing and pivoting forces with an inserter instrument engaged to a trailing end of the implant and a pusher instrument engaged to the inserter instrument.
A method for inserting an implant in a spinal disc space, comprising:
- creating a posterior lateral opening into the disc space;
- providing an implant for insertion into the disc space;
- positioning a leading end of the implant at the opening;
- applying pushing and pivoting forces to the implant to position the implant through the opening and in the disc space along a non-linear insertion path;
- and
- placing bone growth material around the implant.
A method for inserting an implant in a spinal disc space, comprising:
- creating a posterior lateral opening into the disc space;
- providing an implant for insertion into the disc space;
- positioning a leading end of the implant at the opening;
- pushing the implant through the opening and into the disc space;
- and
- pivoting the implant in the disc space to move the implant in the disc space so that a leading end of the implant is positioned in a distal portion of the disc space and a trailing end of the implant is positioned at a proximal portion of the disc space to bi-laterally support vertebrae on each side of the disc space, wherein pushing and pivoting the implant are conducted alternately.
A method for inserting an implant in a spinal disc space, comprising:
- creating a posterior lateral opening into the disc space;
- providing an implant for insertion into the disc space;
- positioning a leading end of the implant at the opening;
- pushing the implant through the opening and into the disc space;
- and
- pivoting the implant in the disc space to move the implant in the disc space so that a leading end of the implant is positioned in a distal portion of the disc space and a trailing end of the implant is positioned at a proximal portion of the disc space to bi-laterally support vertebrae on each side of the disc space, wherein pushing and pivoting the implant includes pivoting and pushing the implant with an implant inserter engaged to the trailing end of the implant and a pusher instrument engaged to the inserter instrument.
A method for inserting an implant in a spinal disc space, comprising:
- creating a posterior lateral opening into the disc space;
- providing an implant for insertion into the disc space;
- positioning a leading end of the implant at the opening;
- pushing the implant through the opening and into the disc space;
- pivoting the implant in the disc space to move the implant in the disc space so that a leading end of the implant is positioned in a distal portion of the disc space and a trailing end of the implant is positioned at a proximal portion of the disc space to bi-laterally support vertebrae on each side of the disc space;
- and
- placing bone growth material around the implant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.