Inter-body implantation system and method
First Claim
1. A system for insertion of an inter-body device into a disc space between adjacent vertebrae, said disc space being accessible through an annulotomy, said disc having been removed from said disc space through a discectomy, and said vertebrae having a plurality of pedicle screws secured thereto, comprising:
- a first bullnose having a distal end shaped to distract said disc space, a central shaft, and a proximal end for engaging a handle to which said bullnose may be secured;
an inserter tube having a distal end for placement in said annulotomy space, and a proximal end comprising a hollow handle, and a channel therebetween, the inserter tube comprising generally longitudinal opposed medial and lateral walls defining said tube, said lateral wall terminating in a curved portion at an open terminal end thereof for guiding the insertion of said first bullnose into said disc space;
a second bullnose having a distal end shaped to advance into said disc space, a longitudinal shaft, and a proximal end shaped to engage a handle, whereby said second bullnose is sized to be accepted through the channel of said inserter tube;
a trial implant pivotally secured to an articulating arm proximal end for insertion through said inserter tube into said disc space to determine proper sizing for an inter-body device;
wherein a distal end of the articulating arm slides along the curved portion of the inserter tube when said trial implant is pushed into the disc space; and
wherein said inserter tube channel is shaped to accept said first bullnose, said second bullnose, and said trial implant and articulating arm.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for implanting an inter-body device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an inter-body device having a plurality of cans secured to a flexible bridge and having a relief portion therebetween. An inserter tube and complementary bullnoses are advantageously secured to the vertebrae by an extension arm for securing the assembly precisely in place. A plurality of articulating trial implants are provided to test fit a disc space for the proper sized inter-body device.
381 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A system for insertion of an inter-body device into a disc space between adjacent vertebrae, said disc space being accessible through an annulotomy, said disc having been removed from said disc space through a discectomy, and said vertebrae having a plurality of pedicle screws secured thereto, comprising:
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a first bullnose having a distal end shaped to distract said disc space, a central shaft, and a proximal end for engaging a handle to which said bullnose may be secured; an inserter tube having a distal end for placement in said annulotomy space, and a proximal end comprising a hollow handle, and a channel therebetween, the inserter tube comprising generally longitudinal opposed medial and lateral walls defining said tube, said lateral wall terminating in a curved portion at an open terminal end thereof for guiding the insertion of said first bullnose into said disc space; a second bullnose having a distal end shaped to advance into said disc space, a longitudinal shaft, and a proximal end shaped to engage a handle, whereby said second bullnose is sized to be accepted through the channel of said inserter tube; a trial implant pivotally secured to an articulating arm proximal end for insertion through said inserter tube into said disc space to determine proper sizing for an inter-body device;
wherein a distal end of the articulating arm slides along the curved portion of the inserter tube when said trial implant is pushed into the disc space; andwherein said inserter tube channel is shaped to accept said first bullnose, said second bullnose, and said trial implant and articulating arm. - 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)
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Specification