Instrument system for preparing a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive a repair device

Abstract

An instrument system for preparing a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive a repair device includes a series of distractors for distracting the vertebral bodies in a manner that restores natural lordosis of the lumbar and cervical spine, a vertebrae immobilizing template to fix the positions of the bodies, a handle for employing the distractor and the template, and a reamer for cutting tissue from endplates of the vertebral bodies.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10 / 035,863, filed Dec. 31, 2001, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 259,262 filed Dec. 29, 2000, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to instruments and instrument systems for preparing a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies in a manner that restores the natural lordosis of the lumbar and cervical spine, so that a repair device can be inserted therein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A large segment of the population have chronic back problems which cause pain and disability. The cause of back pain is often the result of diseased disc material between opposing vertebrae. The diseased disc material usually causes pain because the disc material inadequately supports the opposing vertebrae, thereby allowing the space between the vertebrae to collapse and irritate or damage spinal nerves. [0004...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] An instrument system is described herein for preparing a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an implant. The instrument system comprises at least one distractor including a tapered body section for distracting the vertebral bodies in a manner that restores natural lordosis of the lumbar and cervical spines.

Problems solved by technology

A large segment of the population have chronic back problems which cause pain and disability.

The cause of back pain is often the result of diseased disc material between opposing vertebrae.

The diseased disc material usually causes pain because the disc material inadequately supports the opposing vertebrae, thereby allowing the space between the vertebrae to collapse and irritate or damage spinal nerves.

The use of a cylindrical shape within the disc space does not restore the natural lordosis of the lumbar and cervical spine, but instead, undesirably establishes a relative kyphosis.

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