Distractor for use in spinal surgery and method of use thereof

• US 20080287955A1
• Filed: 07/18/2008
• Published: 11/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/1993
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Karlin Technology, Inc. (Medtronic Plc), SDGI Holdings Incorporated (Medtronic Plc), Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Michelson, Gary Karlin
• Application Number:
  US12/218,856
• Publication Number:
  US 20080287955A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/90
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/025 Joint distractors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1671 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1757 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0256 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 623/908 Bone
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 407/1964 Arcuate cutting edge

Abstract

Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Claims

1. A distractor, comprising:

a distraction head having a longitudinal axis and a first pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially along said longitudinal axis and defining a first working distraction height approximating a normal disc space height and a second pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially along said longitudinal axis and defining a second working distraction height approximating a second normal disc space height, said distraction head rotatable between said first distraction height and said second distraction height by rotating the distraction head about said longitudinal axis.

2. The distractor of claim 1, wherein said first pair of opposing surfaces are planar surfaces extending in a parallel alignment along said longitudinal axis.

3. The distractor of claim 2, wherein said distractor head includes:

a distractor tip having a rounded leading edge to permit insertion of said distractor head to directly achieve said second working distraction height; and

a pair of inclined surfaces extending from said leading edge to said first pair of opposing surfaces.

4. The distractor of claim 1, wherein said distractor head includes rounded surfaces adapted to engage and urge bone apart to said second distraction height during rotation.

5. The distractor of claim 1, further comprising a shaft joined with said distractor head.

6. The distractor of claim 5, wherein said shaft is integrally joined to said distractor head.

7. 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.