Patent ID: 6709438
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A bone segment spreader for temporarily increasing the space between two adjacent bone segments, for preparation and implantation of a graft, said graft acting as a spacer between said bone segments, said bone segments having hard end plates and protrusions, said protrusions interfering with access to said hard end plates, said bone segment spreader comprising:(a) an elongated one piece thin blade having a longitudinal axis, an upper surface, a lower surface, a distal end, and a proximal end; and (b) said thin blade further having a cam spreader portion at said distal end, said cam spreader serving to bear upon said end plates and increase said space between said bone segments when said spreader is inserted and rotated about said axis; and (c) a stem driving portion at the said proximal end of said blade, said stem driving portion to facilitate insertion, rotation, and removal of said bone segment spreader; and (d) said thin blade also having a clearance notch portion, with individual notches, positioned between said cam spreader portion and said stem driving portion, said individual notches providing clearance for said bone protrusions when the bone spreader is rotated about said axis.