Patent ID: 8523768
Filing Date: 2013-09-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spinal shim device configured to releasably attach to a spinal access retractor blade and to penetrate into a spinal disc space for anchoring the spinal access retractor blade to the disc space, the shim device comprising: a proximal portion configured to releasably attach to a spinal access retractor blade, a distal extension configured to extend distally of the spinal access retractor blade and penetrate into a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae, and a maximum longitudinal length extending from a proximal-most end of the proximal portion to a distal-most end of the distal extension and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shim device, wherein the maximum longitudinal length of the shim device is less than a maximum longitudinal length of the spinal access retractor blade to which the proximal portion is configured to releasably attach; the distal extension including: a tapered tip region, and a distal lateral width that is generally consistent along a portion of the distal extension that is adjacent to the tapered tip region; the proximal portion having a proximal lateral width that is greater than the distal lateral width of the distal extension, the proximal portion defining a generally concave forward surface portion, and the proximal portion having first and second blade attachment structures extending rearwardly to releasably engage with the spinal access retractor blade when the proximal portion releasably attaches to the spinal access retractor blade, the first and second blade attachment structures being positioned on opposite lateral sides of the longitudinal axis of the shim device.