DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR A MINIMALLY INVASIVE DISC SPACE PREPARATION AND IMPLANT INSERTION

摘要

Methods and instruments are provided for performing spinal disc space preparation and implant insertion in minimally invasive procedures. The instruments include cutting instruments (20, 60, 100) and implant insertion instruments (140, 180) adapted for insertion through a minimally invasive access portal (200) to a spinal disc space (250.) The proximal portions of the instruments (20, 60, 100, 140, 180) are adapted to facilitate viewing through a proximal end opening of the access portal (200) with the instruments (20, 60, 100, 140, 180) positioned through the access portal (200) while also enhancing the surgeon's control of the distal working end of the instruments (20, 60, 100, 140, 180) while in the disc space (250).