Distractor for use in spinal surgery

Abstract

Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

1 . A method of restoring disc height between adjacent vertebrae of a patient, the method comprising: 
 inserting a cannula through the skin and tissue of the patient to create a working channel to the disc space;    distracting the disc space to a disc space height with a distractor extending through the working channel into the disc space;    inserting an instrument through the working channel;    positioning a distal portion of the instrument adjacent a distal portion of the distractor in the disc space; and    performing a procedure in the disc space with the instrument.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein performing the procedure includes removing disc material from the disc space through the working channel.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein performing the procedure includes removing endplate material from the disc space through the working channel.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising inserting at least one implant through the working channel into the disc space.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein distracting the disc space includes sequentially distracting the disc space to the desired disc space height.  
   
   
       6 . A method of preparing a disc space for insertion of an implant between adjacent vertebral endplates of a patient, the method comprising: 
 inserting a cannula through the skin and tissue of the patient to create a working channel to the disc space;    distracting the disc space to a disc space height by positioning a distractor in the disc space, the distractor being attached to a stem that extends through the working channel, the distractor including a body portion extending between a leading end and a trailing end, the body portion including an upper surface for contacting one of the adjacent vertebral endplate and an opposite lower surface for contacting the other of the adjacent vertebral endplates and opposite first and second sidewalls extending between the upper and lower surfaces; and    cutting the adjacent vertebral endplates to form an implant insertion location while maintaining distraction with the distractor.    
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein cutting the adjacent vertebral endplates includes removing endplate material from the disc space through the working channel.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 6 , further comprising inserting at least one implant through the working channel into the disc space.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein distracting the disc space includes sequentially distracting the disc space to the desired disc space height.