Patent ID: 7766918
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A spinal disc replacement surgical instrument, comprising: a first contacting member disposed along a longitudinal axis and being positionable along an endplate of a first vertebra; a second contacting member disposed along the longitudinal axis and being positionable along an endplate of a second vertebra, the first vertebra and the second vertebra defining a spinal cavity, said second contacting member being movable relative to said first contacting member; a handle assembly coupled to said first and second contacting members; at least one actuating member positioned between said first contacting member and said second contacting member, said at least one actuating member being movable by said handle assembly from a first position, wherein said first and second contacting members include an unexpanded configuration relative to one another for insertion into the spinal cavity, to a second position providing an expanded configuration relative to one another, wherein said actuating member has an arcuate distal end portion configured to displace at least one of said first contacting member and said second contacting member away from each other to move said first contacting member and said second contacting member between the first position and the second position; and said first contacting member having a first distal end and said second contacting member having a second distal end, said first end having a first end shape configured to conform to a shape of the first vertebra and said second end having a second end shape configured to conform to a shape of the second vertebra, said first end shape and second end shape being different shapes, wherein the first contacting member includes elongated aligning elements being spaced apart and disposed in transverse alignment relative to the longitudinal axis, the aligning elements being configured for non-secured engagement with the actuating member such that the actuating member is disposed for relative slidable movement between the aligning elements.