US 7,621,958 B2 · Methods and instruments for interbody fusion

Abstract

A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A distraction device for distracting the disc space between adjacent vertebrae, comprising:

an elongated stem having a height corresponding to a desired height of distraction for the disc space, said stem having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis therebetween and a length along said axis that is sized to be maintained within the disc space when said elongated stem is driven into the disc space;
and
a flange at said first end projecting outward from said longitudinal axis of said stem, said flange having a bone contacting face for contacting at least one of the vertebrae when said stem is driven into the disc space and for transmitting a reduction force to the vertebra upon application of an external force to the distraction device;
and
wherein said elongated stem defines a bore extending between said first end and said second end, said bore including a keyed bore adjacent said second end, said keyed bore having a non-circular configuration for receiving a complementary-shaped portion of a tool therethrough, and wherein said bore includes a threaded bore adjacent said first end for receiving a threaded portion of a tool therein.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and instruments for interbody fusion

Life of this patent

Methods and instruments for interbody fusion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22