Methods and Apparatus for Insertion of Implant Material

摘要

Various surgical devices and methods for facilitating distraction of adjacent vertebrae and/or insertion of an intervertebral implant material therebetween are disclosed.

主权项

1. A surgical device for distraction and insertion of intevertebral implant material in an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae, the device comprising:
an elongated barrel; an operative end formed on a distally-located end of the barrel, the operative end for engaging the adjacent vertebrae, wherein the operative end includes a plurality of slots allowing at least the operative end to be expanded, and includes a rostral-caudal dimension and a lateral dimension, wherein the operative end rostral-caudal dimension is sized to be received between the adjacent vertebrae in an initial insertion; a cannula leading from a proximally-located portion of the barrel to an opening thereof, the opening at the operative end for disposing of the implant material therefrom; and an inner member reciprocable within the barrel and having features located thereon for engaging surfaces of the slots of the barrel, movement of the features against the surfaces expanding the barrel and distracting adjacent vertebrae when the operative end is located thereat.