Patent ID: 7491204

Claim:
A device for preparing an intervertebral space, which device includes an operative portion to be inserted into an intervertebral space, an adjustable stop mechanism which includes a stop member located rearward of the operative portion and having a height great enough to engage a vertebrae as the operative portion moves into the intervertebral space, the adjustable stop mechanism being adjustable to change the distance between the back of the operative portion and the stop member to change the insertion distance that the operative portion can move into the intervertebral space, the adjustable stop mechanism connected to the operative portion by a threaded engagement which threadedly connects the adjustable stop mechanism to the operative portion such that relative movement of the threaded engagement between the adjustable stop mechanism and the operative portion in one direction moves the stop member toward the operative portion and relative movement of the said threaded engagement in the opposite direction moves the stop member away from the operative portion, the stop member mounted to freely rotate on a threaded member of the adjustable stop mechanism, and including an abutment surface of the operative portion which prevents the stop member from rotating about the axis of the threaded member, whereby, upon relative movement between the threaded member and the operative portion, by relative movement of the threaded engagement the stop member moves toward and away from the rear of the operative portion without rotating about the axis of the threaded member.