Patent ID: 6228022
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method for preparing a disc space of a patient for implantation of a device between adjacent vertebrae comprising the steps of:a) gaining access to the disc space;b) providing a sleeve assembly including an outer sleeve having opposite fingers extending from a first end and an opposite second end, the outer sleeve defining a passage between the first end and the second end, a switching sleeve disposed within the passage and coupled to the outer sleeve at a second end, the switching sleeve having a locking channel between a pair of opposite rotatable distractors extending through the switching sleeve;c) advancing the locking channel of the sleeve assembly over the dilator until the first end of the sleeve assembly is positioned adjacent the disc space; andd) impacting the sleeve assembly to insert the distractors into the disc space to distract the disc space.