Patent ID: 8753395

Claim:
A surgical system for use in spinal fusion surgery, the system comprising: (a) an instrument for distracting a disc space comprising; a leading end for insertion into the disc space in order to restore proper disc height; a trailing end; and a rod portion between the leading end and the trailing end comprising a monorail on a lateral side of the rod portion, the monorail comprising a single elongated member; wherein rotation of the instrument is configured to distract the disc space; (b) at least one chisel comprising a cavity sized to receive the monorail; (c) at least one insertion tool comprising a cavity sized to receive the monorail, wherein the monorail of the instrument and the cavity of either the chisel or the insertion tool are coupled to permit longitudinal movement between the instrument and either the chisel or the insertion tool, wherein, after rotation of the instrument, one of the insertion tool or the chisel is insertable into the disc space; and (d) an implant coupled to the insertion tool, the implant including a channel configured to engage the monorail; wherein once coupled, the instrument and either the chisel or the insertion tool cannot be uncoupled laterally; and wherein the system provides controlled access to the disc space during spinal fusion surgery.