Patent ID: 7648511
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A drill assembly, comprising: an intervertebral disc replacement device including first and second members for insertion into an intervertebral disc space of a spinal column, the first and second members being separable from each other, the first member including a first articulation surface and a first flange having at least one first bone screw hole and at least one first mounting screw hole and the second member including a second articulation surface and a second flange having at least one second bone screw hole and at least one second mounting screw hole, the first and second articulation surfaces allowing for movement of the first member with respect to the second member; an insertion plate removably and directly connected with the first and second mounting screw holes of the first and second members for maintaining the first and second articulation surfaces of the first and second members in registration with one another, the insertion plate including a perimeter and a first alignment element, wherein the perimeter does not extend over the first and second bone screw holes when the insertion plate is connected with the first and second mounting screw holes; and a drill guide removably connected with at least the insertion plate, the drill guide including: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and a guide member disposed at the distal end of the shaft and operable to engage the insertion plate, wherein the guide member includes at least one guide bore aligned with one of the first or second bone screw holes and an area of a vertebral bone of the intervertebral disc space to which one of the first and second members of the intervertebral disc replacement device is to be attached and a second alignment element engaged with the first alignment element of the insertion plate.