Patent ID: 6648895
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A surgical instrument assembly for distracting a spinal disc space, comprising:a first distractor including: a first shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a first distractor tip extending from the distal end of said first shaft, said first distractor tip including opposite first and second surfaces defining a first distraction height; a projection extending from a medial side of said first shaft; a second distractor including: a second shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a second distractor tip extending from the distal end of said second shaft, said second distractor tip including opposite first and second surfaces defining a second distraction height substantially equal to said first distraction height; a notch formed in a medial side of said second shaft; a guide sleeve defining a working channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said first and second distractors are received in said working channel of said guide sleeve with said projection positioned in said notch; and a distractor driver cap coupled to the proximal end of said first and second distractors and said guide sleeve, said distractor driver cap having a side opening wherein said distractor driver cap is side-loaded onto said first and second distractors and said guide sleeve.