Patent ID: 9211195
Filing Date: 2015-12-15
Classification: A61B,A61F,G06F,H04M,H04W,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A method of distracting and fusing two adjacent vertebrae bodies, each of said adjacent vertebrae bodies having a cortical rim and an endplate with an annulus and a disc space between said adjacent vertebrae bodies, said disc space having an interior within said annulus and further having disc material within the interior of the disc space, said method comprising the following steps: a. make an incision in said annulus at a desired level to access the disc space between the adjacent vertebrae bodies, said incision being in a posterior lateral quadrant of said annulus and extending generally from an approximate location of a pedicle in said posterior lateral quadrant to a position in or proximate to an ipsilateral anterior lateral quadrant of said annulus, said incision being of sufficient length so as to simultaneously accommodate the insertion of surgical instrumentation and endoscopic instrumentation into said disc space thereby enabling endoscopic viewing of the interior of the disc space while performing discectomy and while preparing said endplates; b. through said incision, perform a discectomy of the disc material within the disc space; c. through said incision, prepare the endplates of said adjacent vertebrae bodies; d. through said incision, distract said disc space; e. through said incision, insert an implant into said disc space via said incision such that one end of said implant is at least partially received in an anterior portion of said incision such that said implant extends across said vertebrae bodies and is at least in part supported by said cortical rim so as to maintain distraction of said disc space; and f. through said incision, insert bone graft material in said disc space so as to promote fusing of said adjacent vertebrae bodies.