Patent ID: 6428544
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An intervertebral spacer insertion and removal tool assembly for manipulating intervertebral space distraction members, said distraction members being flat cylindrical, disc-shaped, members of a first diameter, said members each having a deep circumferential groove, which groove forms a channel therein, the base of the channel forming a central axial core having a second diameter, said intervertebral spacer insertion and removal tool assembly comprising:a first element having first and second ends, said first end forming a handle portion, said second end forming a partial-circular hook-shaped enclosure having a diameter accommodating the second diameter for retaining therein the central axial core of each of said intervertebral space distraction members, said partial-circular enclosure extending for greater than a semi-circle, said enclosure also including an opening, said opening having a width less than the second diameter such that introduction of each of said distraction members therethrough requires the selective application of a force; and a second element having first and second ends, said first end forming a handle portion, said second end forming a bifurcated pair of spaced apart curvate hook-shaped tines which have a radius of curvature greater than that of each of the flat cylindrical, disc-shaped; members having the first diameter, and which engages both the first element and the corresponding distraction member to facilitate selective introduction and removal of the distraction member from the enclosure.