Disk preparation tool with flexible cutting element

摘要

A tool for preparing vertebral surfaces following a discectomy has a body and a rotary cutting tool mounted at the distal end of a lever which extends through the body. The proximal end of the lever can be squeezed toward the body to force the cutting tool against the vertebral surface facing it, while the tool is rotated by turning a crank supported on the tool body, or by a motor. The cutting tool is preferably a flexible rasp or blade which can conform to and control the convexity of the prepared surface.

主权项

1. A tool for preparing a surface of an end plate on a vertebral body, said tool comprising:
a body, a rotary head supported on the body, a mechanism for turning the rotary head, and a cutting tool mounted on the rotary head, wherein the cutting tool is a flexible rasp which can deflect from its original shape to follow irregularities it encounters in the end plate without undergoing permanent deformation and the aspect ratio of the rasp is at least 3:1, so that it may be inserted through a small surgical aperture.