Spreader tensiometer for measuring tension in an intervertebral disc space
First Claim
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1. A tensiometer for measuring tension in an intervertebral disc space between opposed vertebral surfaces, comprising:
- a) a disc space spreader adapted to enter a disc space and distract the disc space upon rotation, wherein the spreader comprises;
i) a distal pedal portion having upper and lower surfaces defining a thickness T therebetween, and lateral surfaces defining a width W therebetween, the upper and lower surfaces being adapted to enter the disc space, the lateral surfaces being adapted for bearing against the opposed vertebral surfaces, the width being greater than the thickness, wherein the lateral surfaces have a convex shape, andii) a proximal portion, andb) a torque gauge adapted to engage the disc space spreader and report a torque required for the rotation of the spreader.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a novel spreader tensiometer adapted for use in measuring tension in an intervertebral disc space.
51 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A tensiometer for measuring tension in an intervertebral disc space between opposed vertebral surfaces, comprising:
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a) a disc space spreader adapted to enter a disc space and distract the disc space upon rotation, wherein the spreader comprises; i) a distal pedal portion having upper and lower surfaces defining a thickness T therebetween, and lateral surfaces defining a width W therebetween, the upper and lower surfaces being adapted to enter the disc space, the lateral surfaces being adapted for bearing against the opposed vertebral surfaces, the width being greater than the thickness, wherein the lateral surfaces have a convex shape, and ii) a proximal portion, and b) a torque gauge adapted to engage the disc space spreader and report a torque required for the rotation of the spreader. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of measuring tension in an intervertebral disc space formed from opposed vertebral endplates, comprising:
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a) providing a tensiometer for measuring tension in an intervertebral disc space between opposed vertebral endplates, comprising; a disc space spreader comprising a distal pedal having lateral surfaces, the pedal adapted to enter a disc space and distract the disc space upon rotation, a torque gauge adapted to engage the disc space spreader and report a torque produced by rotation of the spreader, b)advancing the distal pedal into the disc space, c) rotating the pedal to bear the lateral surfaces against the opposed endplates, and a) reading a report of torque on the torque gauge.
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Specification