Inventors:
Luis A. Mignucci - Plano TX, US
Kenneth R. Konya - Lexington TX, US
International Classification:
A61B 17/58, A61B 19/00
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are described for a surgical instrument and for methods of using a surgical instrument. A method includes providing a surgical instrument comprising a clear passageway, a first stationary finger, a first adjustable finger, and a first pull nut; inserting the first stationary finger and the first adjustable finger between two vertebrae; rotating the first pull nut with a hex drive, thereby separating the first adjustable finger from the first stationary finger and distracting the two vertebrae; removing a damaged disc from between the two vertebrae; and inserting an implant through the clear passageway and placing the implant between the two vertebrae. An apparatus includes a tray having a base, a first side wall, a second side wall, a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the base, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a passageway; at least one first finger coupled to the distal end of the tray; at least one second finger coupled to the distal end of the tray; at least one pull nut coupled to the proximal end of the tray; and wherein rotation of the at least one pull nut adjusts a distance between the at least one first finger and the at least one second finger.