IP Library › Patent Application 11393193
Patent Application
App. No. 11/393,193

Method and apparatus for artificial disc insertion

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
11/393,193
Abstract

An anterior method for implanting an artificial disc in an intervertebral space of a human body includes inserting a midline marker in a face of a vertebral body for instrument alignment and artificial disc placement. A kit for implanting an artificial disc in an intervertebral space of a human body includes site preparation instruments, artificial disc insertion instruments, and a midline marker for guiding the artificial disc insertion instruments into a prepared intervertebral space. Also included are a verification instrument, a midline marker, a midline marker insertion instrument, an endplate shaping device, a distraction instrument, a trial insertion instrument, an endplate insertion instrument, a core insertion instrument, and a trial spacer head.

Claims (7)

1 . A core insertion instrument, comprising:

a body element, the body having a handle end and an insertion end; and

a pair of diametrically opposing guides on opposing surfaces of the insertion end.

2 . The core insertion instrument of claim 1 , wherein the insertion end is removably coupled to the body.

3 . The core insertion instrument of claim 1 , wherein the guides are removably coupled to the insertion end.

4 . The core insertion instrument of claim 1 , wherein the insertion end defines a pocket that receives an artificial disc core.

5 . The core insertion instrument of claim 1 , further comprising a level mechanism for expelling an artificial disc core from the insertion end.