TRIAL DEVICE FOR TESTING A SIZE OF A SPINAL DISC SPACE
A spinal fusion system may include an interbody fusion cage, a fixation plate, and an implanter. The interbody fusion cage may include a proximal region, a distal region opposite the proximal region, a superior region, an inferior region opposite the superior region, and an open volume between the proximal and distal regions. The superior and inferior regions are located between the proximal and distal regions and are configured such that, when the interbody fusion cage is implanted in the disc space, the superior region contacts the inferior end plate and the inferior region contacts the superior end plate. the fixation plate is receivable in the open volume of the interbody fusion cage and includes a superior blade and an inferior blade. At least one of the blades includes a first opening defined therein. The fixation plate is displaceable between a non-deployed state and a deployed state.
1 - 30 . (canceled)
31 . A trial device for testing a size of a disc space between two vertebrae and preparing opposing bone surfaces of the two vertebrae to accept a fusion cage implant, the device comprising:
a body comprising a superior surface, an inferior surface, an anterior surface, an opening extending from the superior surface to the inferior surface, and at least one feature on or through the anterior surface for coupling the body with an insertion device;
at least one blade moveably disposed in the opening of the body, such that the at least one blade can be moved in such a way as to extend at least one of superiorly above the superior surface of the body or inferiorly below the inferior surface of the body to cut vertebral bone of a least one of the two vertebrae; and
an actuator coupling the at least one blade to the body in such a way that actuating the actuator causes the blades to move and thus cut the vertebral bone.
32 . The device of claim 31 , wherein the body has a configuration similar to that of an interbody fusion cage implant.
33 . The device of claim 31 , wherein the at least one blade comprises multiple rotating blades, and wherein the actuator rotates to rotate the blades.
34 . The device of claim 31 , wherein the at least one blade comprises multiple linear-travel blades, and wherein the actuator comprises a gear that moves the linear-travel blades up and down.
35 . The device of claim 31 , wherein the at least one feature comprises two channels for accepting tow prongs of the insertion device.
36 . The device of claim 31 , further comprising the insertion device removably attached to the anterior surface of the body.
37 . The device of claim 36 , wherein the insertion device comprises:
a distal portion for coupling with the body of the trial device; a proximal handle;
a shaft extending from the distal portion to the handle; and
a knob on the handle for actuating the actuator to move the at least one blade.
38 . A trial device for testing a size of a disc space between two vertebrae and preparing opposing bone surfaces of the two vertebrae to accept a fusion cage implant, the device comprising:
a body comprising a superior surface, an inferior surface, an anterior surface, an interior opening extending through the superior surface and the inferior surface, and at least one feature on said body for coupling the body with an insertion device, said body being of size and configuration similar to that of an interbody fusion cage implant;
at least one cutting device rotatably disposed in the opening of the body, such that the at least one cutting device can be rotated in such a way as to extend at least one of superiorly above the superior surface of the body or inferiorly below the inferior surface of the body to cut vertebral bone of at least one of the two vertebrae; and
an actuator coupled to the at least one cutting device such that actuating the actuator causes the at least one cutting device to rotate and thus cut said vertebral bone.
39 . The device of claim 38 , wherein the at least one cutting device comprises multiple rotating blades.
40 . The device of claim 39 , wherein the multiple rotating blades are configured to rotate within body upon actuation of said actuator from a first position wherein said blades are fully contained within said body to a second position wherein at least a portion of said blades extends outside said superior surface and said inferior surface of said body.