Patent ID: 6500206
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A system for inserting a spinal implant between first and second vertebrae as part of a spinal surgical procedure in which a substantial portion of an intervertebral disk has been removed, comprising:an implant comprising a body having a generally rectangular shape; and an instrument, comprising: a handle; a neck coupled to the handle; and a head coupled to the neck distally from the handle, wherein the head is selected from the group consisting of: (A) an impactor head having a generally rectangular shape and a distally positioned gripping surface and further having means for enhancing the gripping surface of the head; (B) a scraper having first and second longitudinally extending side members coupled transversely to a longitudinally extending body member, wherein the distal edges of said longitudinally extending side members are configured for either cutting or crushing bone tissue; (C) an insertion member coupled transversely to a laterally extending body member; and (D) a spacer head configured to prepare an intervertebral space to receive said implant, the spacer head having a body portion and a tapering nose section extending therefrom, the height of the body portion being greater than the thickness of the body portion, the nose section tapering inwardly and distally away from the body portion.