Apparatus for fusing adjacent bone structures

Abstract

Abstract An apparatus for facilitating the fusion of adjacent bone structures (V1, V2) includes an implant member (100) configured for insertion within a space defined between adjacent bone structures (V1, V2). The implant member (100) includes an entry end portion (114) and a trailing end portion (122) and defines a longitudinal axis. The implant member (100) includes at least a longitudinal portion (102) having a generally elliptical cross-sectional dimension with a major cross-sectional dimension (a) greater than a minor cross-sectional dimension (b). A system (200) for drilling a bore in adjacent vertebrae (V1, V2) to facilitate the insertion of a fusion implant (100) includes a surgical retractor (202) having a sleeve member (210) with proximal (212) and distal (214) end portions and defining a longitudinal opening and a drill instrument (204) positionable within the longitudinal opening of the surgical retractor (202). The retractor (202) is configured for insertion at least partially into an intervertebral space between adjacent opposed vertebrae (V1, V2) to distract the adjacent vertebrae (V1, V2) to a desired predetermined distracted position. At least one anchoring member may be associated with the surgical retractor (202) to facilitate mounting thereof to the vertebrae (V1, V2). The drill instrument (204) includes an elongate member (220) having a longitudinal passageway and defining at least one distal cutting surface and a drill member (224) disposed within the elongate member (220) and having a distal drill head. The drill member (224) is rotatably movable within the elongate member (220) and is also longitudinally fixed to the elongate member (220) such that advancement of the drill member (224) within the retractor (202) causes corresponding advancement of the elongate member (220) such that the distal cutting surface of the elongate member (220) and the distal drill head of the drill member (224) cooperate to cut a non-circular, e.g., an eliptical-shaped, bore in the adjacent vertebrae (V1, V2). Preferably, the elongate member (220) of the drill instrument (204) includes first and second diametrically opposed distal cutting surfaces. The cutting surfaces may be arcuately-shaped.

Inventors

• 👤 Charles J. Winslow

Bibliographic Details