INTERVERTEBRAL PROSTHESIS PLACEMENT INSTRUMENT

摘要

The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument which can be used to facilitate accurate positioning of a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The instrument (10) has opposed jaws 12 formed with tips (24) that are shaped for insertion between the vertebrae. The jaws can be moved apart from one another to distract the vertebrae, allowing the prosthesis to enter between the vertebrae. The jaws also have opposed surfaces which are shaped to embrace the prosthesis between them and to guide the prosthesis into position.

主权项

1. A method for implanting an intervertebral prosthesis, the method comprising:
inserting a prosthesis having two vertebral contacting surfaces and at least one straight fin into a placement instrument comprising opposed jaws, with the at least one fin slidably received in at least one straight slot in the opposed jaws; inserting tips of the opposed jaws between adjacent vertebrae; moving the jaws apart from one another to cause distraction of the vertebrae; and implanting the prosthesis by sliding the straight fin of the prosthesis in the straight slot of the jaws and guiding the straight fin of the prosthesis into a slot cut into one of the vertebrae.