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Instrument for probing and reaming a pedicle

  • US 5,573,537 A
  • Filed: 02/10/1995
  • Issued: 11/12/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/10/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for providing a screw hole in a pedicle, said pedicle having a relatively hard cortical outer portion and a relatively soft cancellous inner portion wherein said method comprises:

  • (i) providing a unitary instrument, said instrument having(a) an elongated probe member,(b) a side-cutting reamer member, and(c) an end member for rotatable connection to a rotating power sourcewherein said side-cutting reamer member is positioned between said probe member and said end member, andwherein said probe member, said reamer member and said end member rotate as a unit when said end member is operatively connected to an activated rotating power source;

    (ii) identifying a location for a screw hole on the surface of said relatively hard cortical outer portion of said pedicle;

    (iii) providing, at said location for a screw hole, an opening for said probe member in said relatively hard cortical outer portion of said pedicle;

    (iv) introducing said probe member into said opening and urging said probe member to penetrate said relatively soft cancellous inner portion of said pedicle; and

    (v) rotating said unitary instrument,wherein probe and reamer member are self-centered to provide a screw hole in said pedicle, said self-centering being consequent from deflection, as said rotating proceeds, by said relatively hard outer cortical portion of said pedicle, of said elongated probe member and said side-cutting reamer member.

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