Transverse centering tool with pin placement guides
US8142440B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/442
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A centering tool for transverse centering between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra is disclosed. The centering tool comprises a support portion having a proximal end and a distal end, two handles, and two pin placement guides, each guide having a hollow cylinder shape for the placement of a drill or pin on each of the upper and lower vertebrae. The two handles each have a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each handle is connected to the proximal end of the support portion, and the distal end of each handle ultimately contact the uncular joint of one of the vertebrae when centering is achieved. Preferably, each handle has a spring that biases the handle in a closed position so that the distal portions of both handles abut each other in a resting or closed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.