Patent ID: 6855148
Filing Date: 2005-02-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A shim assembly for maintaining distraction of a disc space, the assembly comprising: a shaft having a first end a second end; a blade connected to said first end of said shaft, said blade having a length extending between a leading end and a trailing end, a height extending between a top surface and a bottom surface, and a thickness extending between a first side surface and a second side surface, and a pair of shoulders at said trailing end extending from said shaft to a respective one of said top and bottom surfaces; and a driver having a distal end, a proximal end, and a handle extending therebetween, said driver including a channel at its distal end slidably disposed about said shaft, whereby said channel has a driving end to impact said shoulders upon manipulation of said driver to insert said blade a desired depth into the disc space.