Instruments and methods for inserting artificial intervertebral implants
AssigneeSpineCore, Inc.
InventorMichael W. Dudasik
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for preparing a disc space and inserting an intervertebral disc implant therein are disclosed. Among the various instruments disclosed are a midline marker, a reference pin drill and insertion guide, a pin drill guide, a chisel guide, a sizer, a serrated broach, an implant dispenser, and an implant insertion tool. Methods of utilizing these tools are also disclosed.
Claims19
A method of marking first and second adjacent vertebral bodies separated by an intervertebral disc, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a midline marker including a first lateral extension having a first barbed spike, a second lateral extension having a second barbed spike, a first vertical extension including a first recess, and a second vertical extension including a second recess;
- inserting the first and second barbed spikes in the intervertebral disc so that the first recess is aligned with the first vertebral body, the second recess is aligned with the second vertebral body, and the first and second vertical extensions are aligned with a midline of the intervertebral disc;
- and
- using the first recess to mark the first vertebral body and the second recess to mark the second vertebral body.
A method of marking first and second adjacent vertebral bodies separated by an intervertebral disc, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a midline marker including a first lateral extension having a first barbed spike, a second lateral extension having a second barbed spike, a first vertical extension including a first recess, and a second vertical extension including a second recess;
- inserting the first and second barbed spikes in the intervertebral disc so that the first recess is aligned with the first vertebral body, the second recess is aligned with the second vertebral body, and the first and second vertical extensions are aligned with a midline of the intervertebral disc;
- using the first recess to mark the first vertebral body and the second recess to mark the second vertebral body;
- inserting reference pins into the first and second vertebral bodies at the location of the markings;
- and
- guiding an implant between the first and second adjacent vertebral bodies using the reference pins so that the implant is positioned between the first and second vertebral bodies.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.