METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR SPINAL SURGERY

摘要

Surgical techniques and instruments are provided for preparing a disc space for implantation of a vertebral fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a surgical instrument assembly (40) is provided having an outer sleeve (50) with distraction fingers (58) at one end to maintain distraction of a disc space. A switching sleeve (100) having a pair of rotatable distractors (108) is coupled within the outer sleeve (50), and the sleeves are placed over a dilator (150) until the distractor heads (110) are placed within the disc space. The dilator (150) is withdrawn and the disc space distracted by rotating the distractors (108) of the switching sleeve (100). The switching sleeve (100) is uncoupled from the outer sleeve (50) and the fingers (58) of the outer sleeve (50) are then inserted into the disc space. The switching sleeve (100) and dilator (150) are then removed and the outer sleeve (50) defines a channel therethrough that allows insertion of implants at bilateral locations within the disc space without movement or manipulation of the outer sleeve (50). Laparoscopic procedures may be performed in the disc space by placing a sealing member (180) over the end of the outer sleeve (50) after it is inserted into the disc space.