Patent ID: 8100917
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An instrument for spinal disc space distraction, comprising: a blade having a length extending between a leading end and a trailing end, a height extending between a top surface and a bottom surface, and a thickness extending between a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein said first side surface and said second side surface are substantially parallel to one another and said blade includes a height to thickness ratio greater than 3; and a shaft having a first end and an opposite second end and a pair of opposite side surfaces extending therebetween, said first end connected to said trailing end of said blade, said opposite side surfaces of said shaft being substantially parallel to one another and each being co-planar with a respective one of said first and second side surfaces of said blade, wherein said blade includes a pair of shoulders at said trailing end that extend from said shaft to a respective one of said top and bottom surfaces of said blade and said pair of shoulders face said second end of said shaft to receive a driving force that is directed toward said leading end of said blade, wherein said height from said top surface to said bottom surface of said blade at said shoulders is greater than a height of said shaft from one of said opposite sides to the other of said opposite sides at said first end of said shaft where said blade and said shaft are connected.