Bone cutting device having a cutting edge with a non-extending center
First Claim
1. A drill for use in performing spinal surgery for forming an opening in the spine, said drill comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis and terminating in a cutting end for removing bone, said cutting end having end surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having a center which does not extend further than the rest of said cutting end, said shaft having a proximal end opposite said cutting end, said end surfaces of said cutting end and said shaft having cutting flutes extending in a helical direction over at least a portion of a length of said shaft, said center having an indented portion and at least one of said flutes intersecting said indented portion.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
295 Citations
30 Claims
- 1. A drill for use in performing spinal surgery for forming an opening in the spine, said drill comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis and terminating in a cutting end for removing bone, said cutting end having end surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having a center which does not extend further than the rest of said cutting end, said shaft having a proximal end opposite said cutting end, said end surfaces of said cutting end and said shaft having cutting flutes extending in a helical direction over at least a portion of a length of said shaft, said center having an indented portion and at least one of said flutes intersecting said indented portion.
Specification