Patent ID: 8414593

Claim:
A device for determining an optimal size of an intervertebral implant to be inserted within an intervertebral space between two vertebrae in a patient, comprising: a first plate operatively connected to a first handle and movable in response to movement of the first handle, the first plate insertable within the intervertebral space for engagement with a first vertebral endplate; a second plate operatively connected to a second handle and movable in response to movement of the second handle, the second plate insertable within the intervertebral space for engagement with a second vertebral endplate; and at least one transducer for measuring the force applied during distraction of the intervertebral space; wherein the first handle is a movable posterior rod and the second handle is a movable anterior rod, the posterior rod operatively connected to first and second posterior distracting members, the posterior distracting members being movable in opposing radial directions in response to rotation of the posterior rod, and the anterior rod operatively connected to first and second anterior distracting members, the anterior distracting members being movable in opposing radial directions in response to rotation of the anterior rod.