End plate slider/distractor for posterior intervertebral device and method

Abstract

A device and method for spreading apart adjacent vertebrae bodies for the safe insertion of an IBD into an IVD space said device designed for minimally invasive procedures and posterior or anterior approaches.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for distraction of adjacent vertebrae bodies comprising;
 an upper distraction blade and a lower distraction blade, said distraction blades adapted to engage end plates of the vertebrae bodies;   a pair of side wings on the side of at least a portion of said distraction blades; and   a beam-stopper on a top portion of said upper blade.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein said blades, pair of wings and beam-stopper define an inner confinement space for insertion of a distracting wedge or an intervertebral body device (IBD) component. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the wings have tips which are beveled to allow more approximation of the upper and the lower blades. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein anterior and posterior portions of said blades are made differently so as to increase the strength of said anterior portion and to increase the elasticity of said posterior portion of the blades. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said blades are substantially straight. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said blades are curved in a front portion so as to provide tracks for inserting an IBD from one side only. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said beam-stopper may be oblique or curved. 
     
     
         8 . A method of inserting an intervertebral body device (IBD) into an intervertebral disc (IVD) space between adjacent vertebral bodies comprising
 inserting a device according to  claim 1  into an IVD space,   placing of the IBD between two blades close to the vertebral bodies,   applying a levering maneuver by closing the posterior portion of the blades together so as to use the IBD as a fulcrum thereby opening an anterior portion of the blades and distracting the vertebral bodies.   
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the IBD is subsequently advanced within wings, beams and tracks to a desired position thereby further distracting the intervertebral space. 
     
     
         10 . A method for spreading adjacent vertebrae bodies comprising inserting a device according to  claim 1  into an intervertebral disc (IVD) space and then forcing in a distracting wedge between the two blades.