Patent ID: 8142440
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A centering tool for transverse centering between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra, the tool comprising: a support portion having a proximal end and a distal end; two handles, each having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each handle is connected to the proximal end of the support portion, and the distal end of each handle ultimately contact an uncular joint of one of the vertebrae when centering is achieved; and two pin placement guides having a proximal end and a distal end, fixedly attached to the distal ends of each of the two handles, each guide having a hollow cylinder shape for the placement of a drill or pin on each of the upper and lower vertebrae being centered along the midline CL on the vertebrae.