Insertion guide for a spinal implant
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of inserting a multi-piece spinal implant comprising:
- providing an insertion guide defined by a channel having at least two slots therein;
inserting at least a portion of the insertion guide into an intervertebral space between two vertebrae;
placing each piece of the multi-piece spinal implant into the channel such that each implant piece engages at least one slot and the spinal implant pieces cooperate with one another; and
moving the spinal implant pieces into the intervertebral space while maintaining the spinal implant pieces in cooperation with one another and allowing slight canting of the spinal implant pieces with respect to each other.
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Abstract
A spinal implant insertion guide is disclosed. The insertion guide includes at least one channel suitable for receiving and facilitating movement of a spinal implant into an intervertebral space between two vertebrae and a portion suitable for insertion into the intervertebral space. In embodiments for use with spinal implant having multiple pieces, the pieces of the spinal implant remain in cooperation throughout movement. The guide may further include a plunger for facilitating the movement of the spinal implant.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of inserting a multi-piece spinal implant comprising:
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providing an insertion guide defined by a channel having at least two slots therein;
inserting at least a portion of the insertion guide into an intervertebral space between two vertebrae;
placing each piece of the multi-piece spinal implant into the channel such that each implant piece engages at least one slot and the spinal implant pieces cooperate with one another; and
moving the spinal implant pieces into the intervertebral space while maintaining the spinal implant pieces in cooperation with one another and allowing slight canting of the spinal implant pieces with respect to each other. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A multi-piece spinal implant insertion guide comprising:
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a channel including at least two slots lying in a transverse plane, each of the at least two slots capable of engaging a different portion of a multi-piece spinal implant; and
at least one extension suitable for insertion into an intervertebral space, wherein said guide is configured so that the pieces of the multi-piece spinal implant remain in cooperation throughout movement in said channel and are capable of slight movement with respect to each other. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A multi-piece spinal implant insertion guide comprising:
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a channel including at least two slots lying in a transverse plane, each of the at least two slots capable of engaging a different portion of a multi-piece spinal implant;
at least one extension suitable for insertion into an intervertebral space; and
,a plunger for facilitating movement of the spinal implant pieces, wherein said guide is configured so that the pieces of the multi-piece spinal implant remain in cooperation throughout movement in said channel and are capable of slight movement with respect to each other.
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Specification