Device and method for preparing a space between adjacent vertebrae to receive an insert

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said abrading surfaces are rotated in opposite directions by said drive mechanism.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said abrading element has at least a top abrading surface and a bottom abrading surface.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said abrading surfaces is convex.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said abrading element has a front surface and is tapered outwardly from said front surface toward said handle.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said abrading element includes a leading edge configured as a bone cutting surface.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said abrading surfaces have a width, said width being adapted to substantially match the width of the nucleus pulposus of a disc space in which it is inserted.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said abrading surfaces is substantially planar.

Claim 10

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said abrading surfaces is configured such that it is generally parallel to said surface contour formed in the vertebral body as said abrading element is moved by said drive mechanism.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said abrading surfaces are outwardly facing, and said abrading surfaces are inclined relative to one another.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said abrading element is detachable from said mounting element.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising an insert adapted to be sized and shaped to match the space formed in the spine by said abrading element.

Claim 14

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said abrading element is driven in a reciprocating, arcuate motion by said drive mechanism.

Claim 15

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said drive mechanism is adapted to produce one of an oscillating rotation and a vibratory motion of the abrading element.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said drive mechanism comprises a gas-driven turbine powered by a source of compressed gas.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said drive mechanism is operable to move said abrading element in at least two degrees of freedom.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a suction mechanism for removing bits of debris created by said abrading surface of said abrading element.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an irrigation channel configured through said shaft for delivering irrigation fluid to the surgical site.

Claim 20

The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one stop member adapted to limit the depth of travel of said abrading element into the spine.

Claim 21

The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a guide having an opening for providing protected access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies, said opening being configured for passage of said abrading element through said guide; and first and second disc penetrating extensions extending from said guide for insertion into the disc space between the adjacent vertebral bodies, each of said disc penetrating extensions having a portion for bearing against each of the adjacent endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, each of said portions of said disc penetrating extensions having an upper surface adapted to contact one of the adjacent endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies and a lower surface adapted to contact the other of the adjacent endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said portions of said disc penetrating extensions having a height between said upper and lower surfaces and a length sufficient to properly align and distance apart the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said upper and lower surfaces are parallel to each other along a substantial portion of the length thereof.

Claim 23

The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said guide has an external surface at its distal end and said disc penetrating extensions are at least in part coextensive with said external surface.

Claim 24

The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said disc penetrating extensions are diametrically opposed to each other and spaced apart from one another for providing access to the adjacent vertebral bodies from within the disc space.

Claim 25

The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the height of said disc penetrating extensions have at least a portion that approximates the height of a normal disc space between the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 26

The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said disc penetrating extensions have a tapered leading end to facilitate placement of said disc penetrating extensions into the disc space, said portion of said disc penetrating extensions having opposite surfaces for bearing against the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said opposite surfaces diverging away from said guide along at least a portion of their length.

Claim 27

The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said upper and lower surfaces converge away from said guide along at least a portion of their length.

Claim 28

The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said guide is adapted to conform at least in part to the exterior surface of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 20 , further comprising means for penetrating the two adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 30

The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said disc penetrating extensions have a length greater than one-half the depth of the disc space measured from the anterior aspect to the posterior aspect of the disc space.

Claim 31

The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said guide has an interior having a cooperating surface for guiding a corresponding cooperating surface on said mounting member.

Claim 38

An abrading element for preparing a space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an insert, said abrading element having at least two circular abrading surfaces and being mountable on an apparatus capable of moving said abrading element for causing said at least two abrading surfaces to simultaneously create opposed surfaces having a predetermined contour in the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said abrading surfaces having a width selected to substantially match the overall width of the insert to be received between the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 39

An abrading element for preparing a space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an insert, said abrading element having at least two circular abrading surfaces and being mountable on an apparatus capable of moving said abrading element for causing said at least two abrading surfaces to simultaneously create opposed surfaces having a predetermined contour in the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, said abrading surfaces having a width selected to substantially match the overall width of the insert to be received between the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Claim 40

The abrading element of claim 34 , wherein said abrading element has a top surface and bottom surface.

Claim 41

The abrading element of claim 34 , wherein said top and bottom surfaces of said abrading element are roughened to provide said abrading surface.

Claim 42

The abrading element of claim 34 , wherein said abrading element has a leading edge configured to cut into at least one vertebral body as the abrading element is inserted into the spine.

Claim 43

The abrading element of claim 34 , wherein at least one of said abrading surfaces is convex.

Claim 44

The abrading element of claim 34 , wherein said abrading element has a front surface and is tapered outwardly from said front surface toward said handle.

Claim 45

The abrading element of claim 34 , wherein said abrading surface is configured and oriented such that it is generally parallel to the surface formed in the end plate of said vertebral body when in use.