Patent ID: 8353912
Filing Date: 2013-01-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A discectomy method comprising: providing an ultrasonic instrument having a probe head with a longitudinal axis and a distal end face having a cylindrically concave profile, said probe head having a pair of lateral faces extending parallel to said axis, said lateral faces having knurled surfaces; manipulating said ultrasonic instrument to insert said probe head into a spinal column of a patient, between adjacent vertebrae thereof; with said distal end face in contact with an annulus fibrosis of the spinal disc, operating said ultrasonic surgical instrument to remove at least a substantial portion of the annulus fibrosis of said spinal disc; and with one of said lateral end faces in contact with a first vertebral face of a respective one of said adjacent vertebrae, operating said ultrasonic instrument to level said vertebral face.