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:
Nov. 29, 2011
Filed:
Apr. 08, 2010
Bradley T. Estes, Cordova, TN (US);
Regis W. Haid, Jr., Atlanta, GA (US);
Eddie F. Ray, Iii, Cordova, TN (US);
Jeffrey D. Moore, Horn Lake, MS (US);
Gerald E. Rodts, Jr., Atlanta, GA (US);
Bradley T. Estes, Cordova, TN (US);
Regis W. Haid, Jr., Atlanta, GA (US);
Eddie F. Ray, III, Cordova, TN (US);
Jeffrey D. Moore, Horn Lake, MS (US);
Gerald E. Rodts, Jr., Atlanta, GA (US);
Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc., Warsaw, IN (US);
Abstract
A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.