Patent ID: 7842043
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for manipulating an orthopedic device having first and second baseplates rotatably coupled to one another, the first baseplate having a first vertebral body contacting surface and first, second and third confronting surfaces angled with respect to one another, the second baseplate having a second vertebral body contacting surface and first, second and third confronting surfaces angled with respect to one another, the apparatus comprising: at least one shaft having a longitudinal axis and a shaft distal end having first, second and third forward surfaces angled with respect to one another the first, second, and third forward surfaces configured to engage the confronting surfaces of the baseplates for axial rotationally aligning the baseplates with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft in at least two of a plurality of possible axial rotationally aligned positions, wherein when the apparatus is engaged to the orthopedic device during manipulation at least two of the first, second and third forward surfaces of the apparatus engage at least two of the first, second and third confronting surfaces of the first baseplate and at least two of the first, second and third forward surfaces of the apparatus engage at least two of the first, second and third confronting surfaces of the second baseplate, and the first baseplate may rotate and angulate with respect to the second baseplate such that the first vertebral body contact surface of the first baseplate may lordotically angle with respect to the second vertebral body contact surface of the second baseplate.