The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 29, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 21, 2000
Charles D. Ray, Williamsburg, VA (US);
Tegementa, L.L.C., Yorktown, VA (US);
Abstract
Apparatus is provided that distracts and maintains the distracted position of adjacent vertebral bodies during a surgical procedure within a vertebral disc space. The distraction device includes a first and second plate, each of which includes at least one extension member for removably attaching to a vertebral body. The distraction device further includes a locking member for locking the first plate with respect to the second plate across a vertebral disc space and a cam mechanism for effecting relative movement of the first and second plates. Each extension member includes at least one bore for receiving a bone screw. The first and second plates are preferably crescent shaped and coupled together by a pin member. The first and second plates are rigidly locked together in a distracted position by a threaded locking screw. A method of distracting a space between vertebral body portions and a method of using a distraction device during implantation of a fusion implant is also disclosed.