Patent ID: 6520967
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A spinal implant insertion instrument comprising:a) a hollow body, wherein said hollow body comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end, and a distal end; b) a first guide, wherein said first guide extends from said distal end of said hollow body, c) at least one handle element, wherein said handle element comprises a handle proximal end and a handle distal end; and d) at least one retractable guide, wherein said retractable guide extends from said handle distal end; wherein said handle distal end is hingedly attached to said distal end of said hollow body, such that said retractable guide opposes said first guide, wherein said instrument further comprises a hollow guide element comprising a top end, a bottom end, an inner diameter and an outer diameter, such that said hollow guide element can be inserted through said proximal end of said hollow body when said retractable guide is in a retracted position and said bottom end is positioned between said retractable guide and said first guide and said top end is positioned at said proximal end of said hollow body.