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Method and instrumentation for vertebral interbody fusion

  • US 7,189,242 B2
  • Filed: 06/10/2002
  • Issued: 03/13/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/09/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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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, with said first working distraction height being different from said second working distraction height, said distraction head rotatable between said first working distraction height and said second working distraction height by rotating said distraction head about said longitudinal axis;

    wherein said distraction head includes a distractor tip having a rounded leading edge that is continuously rounded between said second pair of opposed surfaces to permit insertion of said distraction head to directly achieve said second working distraction height; and

    wherein said second pair of opposed surfaces includes rounded surfaces adapted to engage and urge bone apart to said second working distraction height during rotation.

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