摘要 |
Apparatus is provided that distracts and maintains the distracted position of adjacent vertebral bodies during a surgical procedure within a vertebral disc space. The distraction device includes a first and second plate, each of which includes at least one extension member for removably attaching to a vertebral body. The distraction device further includes a locking member for locking the first plate with respect to the second plate across a vertebral disc space and a cam mechanism for effecting relative movement of the first and second plates. Each extension member includes at least one bore for receiving a bone screw. The first and second plates are preferably crescent shaped and coupled together by a pin member. The first and second plates are rigidly locked together in a distracted position by a threaded locking screw. A method of distracting a space between vertebral body portions and a method of using a distraction device during implantation of a fusion implant is also disclosed.
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