Patent ID: 7244258
Filing Date: 2007-07-17
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing a spinal disc space between a pair of vertebral endplates for insertion of an implant therebetween, comprising: inserting a guide sleeve to the disc space from an anterior approach, the guide sleeve having a working channel providing access to a first disc space location and a second disc space location; distracting the disc space to a desired disc space height; preparing the first disc space location through the working channel including reaming the first disc space location for insertion of a first implant therein; inserting a reamer plug through the working channel into the first disc space location after reaming the first disc space location; preparing the second disc space location through the working channel for insertion of a second implant therein after inserting the reamer plug; inserting the second implant through the working channel into the second disc space location, the second implant being tapered to establish a desired lordotic angle between the vertebral endplates; removing the reamer plug from the first disc space location after inserting the second implant; and inserting the first implant through the working channel into the first disc space location, the first implant being tapered to establish a desired lordotic angle between the vertebral endplates.