Patent ID: 7621958

Claim:
A distraction device for distracting the disc space between adjacent vertebrae, comprising: an elongated stem having a height corresponding to a desired height of distraction for the disc space, said stem having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis therebetween and a length along said axis that is sized to be maintained within the disc space when said elongated stem is driven into the disc space; and a flange at said first end projecting outward from said longitudinal axis of said stem, said flange having a bone contacting face for contacting at least one of the vertebrae when said stem is driven into the disc space and for transmitting a reduction force to the vertebra upon application of an external force to the distraction device; and wherein said elongated stem defines a bore extending between said first end and said second end, said bore including a keyed bore adjacent said second end, said keyed bore having a non-circular configuration for receiving a complementary-shaped portion of a tool therethrough, and wherein said bore includes a threaded bore adjacent said first end for receiving a threaded portion of a tool therein.