Method and instrumentation for implant insertion

摘要

A surgical retractor instrument includes at least two elongate members disposed in side by side relation. Each elongate member has proximal and distal end portions and defines a longitudinal passageway for reception of surgical instrumentation. The distal end portion of each elongated member is configured for insertion at least partially within a space defined between adjacent tissue portions, preferably, adjacent vertebrae. The distal end portion includes at least two retractor arms extending in a general longitudinal direction. Each retractor arm has first and second supporting surfaces for engaging opposed adjacent tissue portions, and defines a dimension between the first and second supporting surfaces sufficient to distract the opposed tissue portions upon insertion thereof.