Method and instrumentation for vertebral interbody fusion

Patent Number: 7776046, issued on 2010/08/17    
Applied on 2006/01/05
Inventor(s): Lawrence M Boyd, Eddie Ray III, Bradley T Estes, Mingyan Liu
Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. In one aspect, an expandable template is provided having guides to guide a cutting device for bilateral formation of openings in the disc space. In another aspect, an improved guide member is provided for guiding a cutting tool. Still further, the invention provides an improved double barrel guide sleeve with a central distraction extension and lateral non-distracting extensions. Optionally, the guide sleeve includes windows and covers to selectively cover the windows. An improved reamer with an internal chamber and optional modular coupling is also provided. A depth stop is provided to selectively engage a tool shaft and a guide sleeve to control tool penetration into the disc space. A method of using the disclosed instruments is also provided.