Patent ID: 8066710

Claim:
A spinal disc space distractor assembly, the assembly comprising: an outer shaft having a first end and an opposite second end, said outer shaft including a first driving shoulder adjacent said first end for transmitting rotational force and an opposite second driving shoulder adjacent said second end for receiving a rotational force; an inner shaft slidably disposed within at least a portion of said outer shaft, said inner shaft having a first connection end and an opposite second connection end, said first connection end disposed adjacent said first end of said outer shaft; a distractor tip, said distractor tip having a driving surface adapted for engagement with said first driving shoulder and a connection surface adapted for engagement with said first connection end; and a handle having a connection mechanism removably and selectively engaged with said second connection end and a handle driving surface engaged with said second driving shoulder to transmit rotational force; wherein with said inner shaft connected to said distractor tip, connection of said connection mechanism with said inner shaft second connection end maintains said first driving shoulder in engagement with said driving surface and said second driving shoulder in engagement with said handle driving surface; and wherein said outer shaft includes a tapered portion extending from said first end and toward said second end.