Surgical Tool

Abstract

A surgical tool for use in gaining access to the spine and including a part which is arranged to avoid other anatomical structures when the tool is in use; the tool comprising: a distal working end formation, a proximal end and intermediate said ends a formation displaced from a longitudinal axis and extending between said distal and proximal ends wherein the displaced formation is arranged to avoid said other anatomical structures anatomy during use of the working end of the tool.

The claims defining the invention are as follows:  
     
         1 . A surgical tool for use in gaining access to the spine, the tool comprising; a distal working end formation a proximal end and intermediate said ends a formation displaced from a longitudinal axis extending between said distal and proximal ends wherein the displaced formation is arranged to avoid said other anatomical structures during use of the working end of the tool. 
     
     
         2 . A surgical tool according to  claim 1  wherein the working end formation lies along said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         3 . A surgical tool according to  claim 2  wherein the working end formation is shaped to perform a surgical procedure on the spine and is in alignment with a part of the proximal end of the tool. 
     
     
         4 . A surgical tool according to  claim 3  wherein the displaced formation comprises a first member extending proximally from the distal end at an angle to said longitudinal axis and a second member extending from the proximal end of the tool towards the first member. 
     
     
         5 . A surgical tool according to  claim 4  wherein the first member of the displaced formation extends beyond a junction between the first and second members and terminates in a free end. 
     
     
         6 . A surgical tool according to  claim 5  wherein the displaced formation comprises curved or straight members. 
     
     
         7 . A surgical tool according to  claim 6  wherein the working formation is arranged so that its radial orientation can be changed by rotation relative to a support. 
     
     
         8 . A surgical tool according to  claim 7  wherein the working formation is detachable from a support. 
     
     
         9 . A surgical tool according to  claim 8  wherein the working end formation is a Cobb elevator. 
     
     
         10 . A surgical tool according to  claim 8  wherein the working end formation is a Currete. 
     
     
         11 . A surgical tool according to  claim 8  wherein the working end formation is a dissector. 
     
     
         12 . A surgical tool according to  claim 8  wherein the working end formation is a rasp. 
     
     
         13 . A surgical tool according to  claim 8  wherein the working end formation is a shaver. 
     
     
         14 . A surgical tool according to  claim 8  wherein the working end formation is a trial implant. 
     
     
         15 . A surgical tool according to  claim 8  wherein the working end formation is an implants holders. 
     
     
         16 . A surgical tool according to  claim 8  wherein the working end formation contain a releasing mechanism to hold trials or implants or interchangeable working ends 
     
     
         17 . A surgical tool according to  claim 6  wherein the free end comprises a platform which provides a bearing surface for forces applied during use of the tool. 
     
     
         18 . A surgical tool according to  claim 6  wherein the free end receives a gripping handle. 
     
     
         19 . A surgical tool according to  claim 17  wherein direct impact on the platform allows transmission of force of impact to the working end via the displaced formation. 
     
     
         20 . A surgical tool according to  claim 19  wherein the working end formation includes depth indicators. 
     
     
         21 . A surgical tool according to  claim 20  wherein the working end formation has a connection allowing interchangeable or rotatable working ends. 
     
     
         22 . A surgical tool according to  claim 21  wherein the working end formation is disposed at an angle. 
     
     
         23 . A surgical tool according to  claim 22  wherein the proximal end comprises a guide member. 
     
     
         24 . A surgical tool according to  claim 6  further comprising a locking assembly which enables releasable retention of a working implement. 
     
     
         25 . A surgical tool according to  claim 24  further comprising a locking pin which releasably retains the working implement. 
     
     
         26 . A surgical tool according to  claim 25  further comprising a biasing spring which co operates with the locking pin to urge the locking pin into locking engagement with the working implement. 
     
     
         27 . A surgical tool according to  claim 26  wherein the locking pin travels in a passage inside an arm extending from the handle. 
     
     
         28 . A surgical tool according to  claim 27  wherein the working implement is insertable inside a retaining member and intersects the passage in the arm. 
     
     
         29 . A surgical tool according to  claim 28  wherein the locking pin engages a recess in a distal end of the working implement to retain the implement in the retaining member.