Patent ID: 8246572

Claim:
A bone graft applicator assembly useful for inserting bone graft material within or between one or more bony structures or implants comprising: an applicator assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being in the form of a funnel having attached directly thereto or formed therewith a pair of applicator tabs which extend from said funnel to said distal end of said assembly, said applicator tabs traversable between a first position defined by a distal end of one of said applicator tabs being biased toward a distal end of said other applicator tab to contact said distal end of said other applicator tab in said first position, thereby forming a closed end which is insertable within or between one or more bony structures or implants and a second position defined by said distal ends being separated by a degree of expansion defined by the size of an insert positioned therebetween, said degree of expansion thereby forming and maintaining a space for insertion of bone graft material; an insert having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal lumen there between adapted for receipt of a plunger, said insert adapted to be positioned between said applicator tabs, said insert having a particular size and shape which acts to define said degree of expansion of said applicator tabs upon insertion therebetween; and a plunger for urging bone graft material along a path defined by said applicator tabs and said insert; whereby said bone graft material when inserted within said applicator assembly is guided toward said bony structure or implant along said path defined by said applicator tabs and said insert.