MINIMAL EXPOSURE POSTERIOR SPINAL INTERBODY INSTRUMENTATION AND TECHNIQUE

摘要

A novel guide sleeve (100) for use in conjunction with spinal surgery. The guide sleeve had a body extending along a longitudinal axis (102) and including a proximal portion (104) and a distal portion (106). The proximal portion (104) includes a circumferentially uninterrupted side wall (108) forming a first longitudinal passage (110) defining a first transverse cross sectional area (112). The distal portion (106) includes a circumferentially interrupted side wall (120) forming a second longitudinal passage (130) defining a second transverse cross-sectional area (132) that is less than th e first transverse cross-sectional area (112). The guide sleeve (100) is positionable adjacent a vertebral body to allow removal of vertebral tissue laterally adjacent the second longitudinal passage (130) by an axially displaceable cutting tool (180) extending through the first longitudinal passage (110). In a further form of the present invention, a protective barrier (160) is attached to the guide sleeve (100) and positioned across a longitudinal opening (134) to separate an inner region of the guide sleeve (100) from the outer surgical environment.