Patent ID: 7207991
Filing Date: 2007-04-24
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for performing surgery on a spinal segment including a disc space and two vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space, the method comprising the steps of: positioning one end of a hollow guard in contact with the adjacent vertebral bodies, said guard having at least one projection extending distally from a distal end of said guard, said distal end adapted to contact each of the vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused, said at least one projection adapted to penetrate the disc space so as to be located at least in part between the perimeters of the vertebral bodies where adjacent to the disc space, said at least one projection having opposed portions adapted to contact at least a portion of each of the adjacent vertebral bodies, respectively, from within the disc space; removing, through said guard, bone from the adjacent vertebral bodies to form an opening across the surgically corrected height of the disc space and into a portion of each of the two adjacent vertebral bodies; inserting, through said guard and into the opening, an implant having opposed surfaces each adapted to contact one each of the adjacent vertebral bodies, each of said opposed surfaces having at least one opening to permit for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through said implant; and utilizing an endoscope to visualize the position of at least a portion of at least one of said implant and said guard relative to the vertebral bodies.