Adjustable apparatus and methods for inserting an implant

摘要

Methods and apparatus for inserting an implant into an intervertebral cavity between adjacent vertebral bodies provide for: adjust an initial height between inner surfaces of respective first and second ramps of an inserter; simultaneously sliding first and second ramps of the inserter, and the implant, proximally, toward distal ends of the first and second ramps, such that the vertebral contact surfaces of the respective first and second ramps separate and distract the vertebral bodies and receive the implant into the intervertebral space with no compressive loading, while holding an initial angle between the ramps substantially constant.

主权项

1. An instrument for inserting an implant into a vertebral space, comprising:
first and second ramps, each including: (i) opposing outer and inner surfaces, each extending between proximal and distal ends thereof, and (ii) a vertebral contact surface located at the distal end thereof and in opposing relation to the inner surface thereof; a ramp adjustment assembly having multiple elements in sliding contact with one another and being disposed between the inner surfaces of the first and second ramps, the ramp adjustment assembly operating to: (i) establish an initial angle between the vertebral contact surfaces of the respective first and second ramps; (ii) adjust an initial height between the inner surfaces of the respective first and second ramps, by way of sliding at least two of the multiple elements in opposing directions relative to one another, whilst remaining between the first and second ramps whilst remaining between the first and second ramps, the initial height being measured at the ramp adjustment assembly; and (iii) separate the vertebral contact surfaces of the respective first and second ramps, while holding the initial angle and the initial height substantially constant; and an implant advancing mechanism operating to advance the implant between the first and second ramps, toward the distal ends of the first and second ramps, and toward and into the vertebral space, whilst the ramp adjustment assembly maintains the first and second ramps in separation.