Patent ID: 7166081
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for evaluating adequate enlargement of a neural foramen comprising the steps of: providing a first measurement instrument, having a handle, a rigid tip with a first size defined by the maximum width of the tip, and a first rigid angled region between said handle and said rigid tip; locating said foramen by manipulating the first measurement instrument within the region of the neural foramen; measuring said foramen by pressing the rigid tip of the first measurement instrument against said neural foramen to determine the size of said foramen based on whether the maximum width of the rigid tip of the first measurement instrument can be inserted into or through the neural foramen; cutting away at a periphery of said neural foramen if the maximum width of the tip of the first measurement instrument cannot be inserted into said neural foramen; and repeating said locating, measuring, and cutting steps until the maximum width of the tip of said first measurement instrument can be inserted into or through the neural foramen.