Patent ID: 6814737
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of inserting a spinal implant or bone graft comprising the steps of:a) inserting a spinal implant insertion instrument into the intervertebral space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, wherein said spinal insertion instrument comprises a hollow body comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a first guide, wherein said first guide extends from said distal end of said hollow body, and a handle element comprising a handle proximal end, a handle distal end, and a retractable guide, wherein said retractable guide extends from said handle distal end; and said handle distal end is hingedly attached to said distal end of said hollow body, such that said retractable guide opposes said first guide, wherein said first guide and said retractable guide are inserted, in an un-retracted position, into the intervertebral space between said first and said second vertebrae, wherein an outer surface of said first guide is positioned against a lumbar dural tube; b) retracting said spinal implant insertion instrument by compressing said handle element into said hollow body, wherein said retractable guide retracts a nerve root away from the lumbar dural tube; c) locking said retractable guide in the retracted position; d) inserting a spinal implant or bone graft through said hollow body into the intervertebral disc space; e) positioning said spinal implant or bone graft in the intervertebral space; and f) removing said spinal implant insertion instrument from the intervertebral space.