TLIF distraction and retraction
Distractor and retractor systems and methods of using the same. A pedicle-based distractor assembly may include a base supporting a distraction rack, a pair of moveable arms coupled to the distraction rack, a connector at the end of each arm, each connector having a through-opening, and a pair of distractor elements each configured to attach to a pedicle screw. Each distractor element may be positioned through the through-opening in the respective connector. The distractor elements are modular such that different types of distractor elements, such as headless posts, pre-assembled posts, or minimally invasive towers, are interchangeable with the connectors. The assembly may also include a retractor assembly with a medial retractor blade for retracting soft tissue. The medial retractor blade may have one or more translating components at a distal for retracting soft tissue.
1. A pedicle-based distractor and retractor system comprising:
a distraction rack supporting a pair of side arms and a central arm located between the pair of side arms, the pair of side arms and the central arm each comprising a distal end and a proximal end moveable along the distraction rack, each proximal end including a knob which facilitates independent movement of the respective arm along the distraction rack,
a connector at the distal end of each side arm and the central arm, and a pair of interchangeable distractor elements each adjustably engaged with a respective one of the connectors and configured to attach to a pedicle screw to provide pedicle-based distraction; and
a medial retraction blade coupled to the connector at the distal end of the central arm, the medial retraction blade including a blade body, a blade connector, a first translating blade insert, and a second translating blade insert,
wherein the blade connector is coupled to a proximal end of the blade body and configured to engage the central arm,
wherein the first and second translating blade inserts are configured to increase an overall length and/or width of the medial retraction blade,
wherein the first translating blade insert is disposed adjacent to and side by side with the second translating blade insert,
wherein the first and second translating blade inserts are each configured to engage soft tissue and each are configured to independently translate from a first retracted position to a second extended position, and wherein the first and second translating blade inserts each include elongated dovetail slots which slidably engage with complimentary dovetail features formed along the blade body so that during translation, each of the first and second translating blade inserts maintain a linear path of travel.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the blade connector includes a star grind and a shaft.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the shaft is receivable in an axial opening of the central arm.
4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the shaft includes a tapered distal tip with a circumferential groove.
5. The system of claim 2 , wherein a central arm includes a button and the button defines an opening configured to receive the shaft, and when locked, the button locks into the groove of the shaft.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the central arm includes a wave spring and a washer positioned between the star grind and the button.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the connector at the distal end of the central arm comprises a click-in connector configured to engage and retain the blade connector.
8. A pedicle-based distractor and retractor system comprising:
a distraction rack supporting a pair of side arms and a central arm located between the pair of side arms, the pair of side arms and the central arm each comprising a distal end and a proximal end moveable along the distraction rack, each proximal end including a knob which facilitates independent movement of the respective arm along the distraction rack,
a connector at the distal end of each side arm, and a pair of interchangeable distractor elements each adjustably engaged with a respective one of the connectors and configured to attach to a pedicle screw to provide pedicle-based distraction, and the distal end of the central arm including a click-in connector; and
a medial retraction blade coupled to the distal end of the central arm, the medial retraction blade including a blade body, a blade connector, a first translating blade insert, and a second translating blade insert,
wherein the blade connector is coupled to a proximal end of the blade body and configured to engage the central arm via the click-in connector,
wherein the first and second translating blade inserts are configured to increase an overall length and/or width of the medial retraction blade,
wherein the first translating blade insert is disposed adjacent to and side by side with the second translating blade insert,
wherein the first and second translation blade inserts are each configured to engage soft tissue and each are configured to independently translate from a first retracted position to a second extended position, and
wherein the first and second translating blade inserts each include elongated dovetail slots which slidably engage with complimentary dovetail features formed along the blade body so that during translation, each of the first and second translating blade inserts maintain a linear path of travel.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the blade connector includes a star grind and a shaft.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the shaft is receivable in an axial opening of the central arm.
11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the shaft includes a tapered distal tip with a circumferential groove.
12. The system of claim 9 , wherein the click-in connector includes a button and the button defines an opening configured to receive the shaft, and when locked, the button locks into the groove of the shaft.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the central arm includes a wave spring and a washer positioned between the star grind and the button.
14. The system of claim 8 , wherein the click-in connector is configured to engage and retain the blade connector.