Patent ID: 7637913
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A spinal midline indicator comprising: a body of radiolucent material for insertion between adjacent vertebrae; a radiographic marker disposed centrally within the body to indicate a position of the spinal midline when the body is located between the vertebrae in an anterior-posterior radiographic image, wherein the radiographic marker extends from the within the body and comprises an elongate handle made of a radiographic material and wherein the elongate handle is connected to the body to facilitate placement of the body between the vertebrae; wherein the body carries a first radiographic marker and at least two secondary radiographic markers on opposite sides of and equidistant from the first marker, whereby the first marker indicates the position of the spinal midline when the body is placed centrally between the vertebrae and the secondary markers are seen in the radiographic image to be equidistant from lateral edges of the vertebrae; wherein the first radiographic marker is an elongate handle which is connected to the body to facilitate placement of the body between the vertebrae and which is made of a radiographic material; and wherein the handle is made of stainless steel or titanium and is embedded in the body.