Dynamic lordotic guard with movable extensions for creating an implantation space posteriorly in the lumbar spine and method for use thereof

A guard for use in human spinal surgery across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies, comprising:

• a body having a leading end and an opposite trailing end, said body having a first portion and a second portion in pivotal relationship to one another proximate said leading end between an open position and a closed position, said first and second portions defining an opening for providing a protected pathway to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies, said first and second portions having opposed interior portions adapted to guide therethrough a bone removal device sized to form an implantation space across the disc space and at least in part into the adjacent vertebral bodies;
• and
• at least one disc space penetrating extension extending from said leading end of said body adapted for insertion at least in part into the disc space, said extension having a first portion extending from said first portion of said body, said first portion of said extension having a contact surface adapted to bear against one of the adjacent endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said extension having a second portion extending from said second portion of said body, said second portion of said extension having a contact surface adapted to bear against the other of the adjacent endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said contact surfaces of said first and second portions being in pivotal relationship to one another from an insertion position to a deployed position to move the adjacent vertebral bodies apart upon movement of said first and second portions of said body from the open position to the closed position, said contact surfaces of said first and second portions being pivotal about an axis that passes through at least a portion of the pathway to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies.