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.

1 . A vertebrae immobilizing template for use in a system that prepares a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive a repair device, the template comprising a sleeve member for fixing the positions of the vertebral bodies, the sleeve member being placeable about a distractor inserted into the disc space.  
   
   
       2 . The template according to claim  18 , further comprising opposing prongs extending from the sleeve member for fixing the positions of the vertebral bodies when the prongs are impacted into the bodies.  
   
   
       3 . The template according to claim  18 , further comprising a detent element disposed in a side surface of the sleeve member for coupling a handle to the template,