Patent ID: 7316685
Filing Date: 2008-01-08
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An intervertebral distraction tool, comprising: a longitudinal shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a clamshell-style trial head at the distal end of the longitudinal shaft, the trial head having a proximal portion, the trial head being laterally separable from the longitudinal shaft; and a head separator having an engagement portion, the engagement portion of the head separator being longitudinally movable relative to the longitudinal shaft and engagable by the longitudinal movement with the proximal portion of the trial head; wherein when the engagement portion of the head separator engages the proximal portion of the trial head, the trial head laterally separates from the longitudinal shaft, wherein the trial head comprises first and second law members, each having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal ends being the proximal portion of the trial head, the distal ends of the first and second jaw members being hinged to one another at the distal end of the longitudinal shaft so that the proximal ends of the first and second jaw members are openable and closeable about the longitudinal shaft.