Cam action vertebral spreader

摘要

This invention comprises an apparatus and a method of spreading an intervertebral space to help guide tools that will prepare the vertebrae for accepting an implant. The spreader is a thin blade with cam surfaces forming a paddle on the proximal end, which spreads the vertebra when rotated 90 degrees about its axis. A stem between the paddle and a handle is notched to clear the vertebral protrusions so the vertebra will be distracted on the vertebral end plates. Since the spreader is in the center of the end plates, the centerline of the spreader shaft will coincide with the vertebral end plate centerline. The surgeon can monitor the spreading, stop and remove the spreader to make adjustments or to change the size of spreader as required at the time of the surgery. Once the vertebrae are distracted a tube may be placed over the handle and aligned with the vertebral end plates.