Patent ID: 7803161
Filing Date: 2010-09-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An instrument for spinal surgery, comprising: a distractor insertable into the disc space, the distractor including a body portion extending between a leading end and a trailing end, the distractor further including at least one flange extending from the leading end towards the trailing end of the body portion, the at least one flange forming a slot along the body portion, wherein the body portion and the at least one flange taper in height toward the leading end of the body portion of the distractor; and a cutter including a distal cutting end, the cutter advanceable over the body portion and into the slot formed between the body portion and the at least one flange of the distractor, wherein the cutter instrument defines a channel sized to receive the body portion of the distractor when advanced thereover; the distractor includes a shaft extending proximally from the body portion and the cutter is positionable over the shaft and the body portion of the distractor in a slip fit to position the distal cutting end at a location spaced distally of the leading end of the body portion of the distractor.