Patent ID: 6440139
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An apparatus adapted for use in spinal surgery for creating an implantation space of selected shapes and dimensions at least in part within and across the height of the disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine, each of the adjacent vertebral bodies having an endplate adjacent to the disc space, said apparatus comprising:a milling block configured at least in part for placement across the height of the disc space and against at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the two adjacent vertebral bodies, said milling block having a leading face for placement against the two adjacent vertebral bodies and an opposite trailing face, said milling block having a width and at least one non-circular access aperture configured to provide access for the width of the implantation space to be prepared into each of the two adjacent vertebral bodies from said trailing face and through said leading face of said milling block; and a bone cutting device for removing at least a portion of bone from the two endplates adjacent the disc space, said bone cutting device being configured to access at least one of the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies through said access aperture, said bone cutting device operating in cooperation with and at least in part through said access aperture of said milling block.