Patent ID: 8435269
Filing Date: 2013-05-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for performing a spinal fusion procedure on a spinal segment of a human spine, the spinal segment including at least a first vertebra and a second vertebra separated from the first vertebra by an intervertebral disc space, comprising the steps of: (a) anchoring a first anchor portion to a first pedicle, the first anchor portion being connected to a first retractor blade of a retractor assembly; (b) anchoring a second anchor portion to a second pedicle, the second anchor portion being connected to a second retractor blade of the retractor assembly; (c) connecting the first retractor blade to a first arm of a retractor body of the retractor assembly and connecting the second retractor blade to a second arm of the retractor body; (d) operating the retractor body to increase the distance between the first arm and the second arm to expand an operating corridor between the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade; (e) advancing a third retractor blade through the operative corridor to the spinal segment; connecting the third retractor blade to a translating arm of the retractor body, and operating the retractor body to translate the translating arm and further expand the size of the operating corridor; (f) preparing the intervertebral disc space to receive an implant; (g) implanting a fusion implant in the intervertebral disc space; (h) disconnecting the first retractor blade from the first anchor portion, and after disconnecting the first retractor blade from the first anchor portion, attaching a first receiver portion to the first anchor portion; (i) disconnecting the second retractor blade from the second anchor portion, and after disconnecting the second retractor blade from the second anchor portion, attaching a second receiver portion to the second anchor portion; (j) inserting and locking a rod into the first receiver portion and second receiver portion; and (k) removing the first and second retractor blades from the operative corridor and closing the operative corridor.