Instruments and method for inserting an intervertebral implant
AssigneeSpine Solutions, Inc.
InventorsTheirry Marnay, Rudolf Bertagnoli, Frank Magee, Stephan Eckhof, David L. Nichols, Christophe Geisert
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Instruments and methods for inserting an intervertebral implant. Insertion of the implant is accomplished by grasping the implant between the arms of an insertion instrument having arms which separate from each other and close against each other onto the implant, such that the ends of the arms of the insertion instrument engage recesses of the implant. A spacer may be provided between the arms of the insertion instrument to help position the implant while held by the arms.
Claims13
A combination instrument and an intervertebral implant for at least partial insertion into an intervertebral space between an upper vertebra having an upper vertebral surface and a lower vertebra having a lower vertebral surface, the combination instrument and intervertebral implant comprising:
- an upper part having an upper surface engagable with the upper vertebral surface, a concave spherical portion and an upper raised keel having an upper keel width;
- a lower part having a lower surface engagable with the lower vertebral surface, an upper convex surface and a lower raised keel having a lower keel width, the concave spherical portion mating with the upper convex surface in an assembled configuration;
- an upper arm having an upper forward end with an upper forward arm width;
- and
- a lower arm having a lower forward end with a lower forward arm width, the upper arm movably mounted to the lower arm to selectively engage the upper part and the lower part, respectively, the upper keel width being greater than the upper forward arm width and the lower keel width being greater than the lower forward arm width.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.