TEMPLATE FOR POSITIONING INTERBODY FUSION DEVICES

摘要

A template assembly (100) is provided for marking locations on the disc annulus for the implantation of an interbody fusion device or the introduction of a working instrument. The template assembly (100) includes a tubular body (101) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient and advancement to an affected intervertebral disc. An elongated shaft (110) slidably extends through the tubular body (101) and is threadedly engaged to the handle-mounted thumb wheel (152) so that rotation of the thumb wheel relative to the tubular body (101) retracts the shaft (110) through the body. A guide foot (111) with a rotatable cam (113) near the distal end of the tubular body (101) is operable by the shaft (110) and may be pivoted from a first position aligned with the tubular body (101) to a second deployed position oriented transversely to the tubular body (101). The guide assembly has an electrocautery projection (117) for marking locations on the disc annulus.