Method and apparatus for performing spinal fusion surgery

摘要

Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

主权项

1. A method for performing a spinal fusion procedure on a spinal segment of a human spine, the spinal segment including at least a first vertebra and a second vertebra separated from the first vertebra by an intervertebral disc space, comprising the steps of:
(a) anchoring a first anchor portion to a first pedicle, the first anchor portion being connected to a first retractor blade of a retractor assembly; (b) anchoring a second anchor portion to a second pedicle, the second anchor portion being connected to a second retractor blade of the retractor assembly; (c) connecting the first retractor blade to a first arm of a retractor body of the retractor assembly and connecting the second retractor blade to a second arm of the retractor body; (d) operating the retractor body to increase the distance between the first arm and the second arm to expand an operating corridor between the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade; (e) advancing a third retractor blade through the operative corridor to the spinal segment; connecting the third retractor blade to a translating arm of the retractor body, and operating the retractor body to translate the translating arm and further expand the size of the operating corridor; (f) advancing a fourth retractor blade through the operative corridor to the spinal segment, coupling the fourth retractor blade to a supplemental retractor assembly, coupling the supplemental retractor assembly to the third retractor blade, and operating a moving arm of the supplemental retractor assembly to further expand the size of the operating corridor; (g) preparing the intervertebral disc space to receive an implant; (h) implanting a fusion implant in the intervertebral disc space; (i) disconnecting the first retractor blade from the first anchor portion and attaching a first receiver portion to the first anchor portion; (j) disconnecting the second retractor blade from the second anchor portion and attaching a second receiver portion to the second anchor portion; (k) inserting and locking a rod into the first receiver portion and second receiver portion; and (l) removing the first, second, third, and fourth retractor blades from the operative corridor and closing the operative corridor.