U.S. patent application number 09/734303 was filed with the patent office on 2001-04-26 for milling instrumentation and method for preparing a space between adjacent vertebral bodies.
Invention is credited to Michelson, Gary K..
Application Number | 20010000532 09/734303 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24765657 |
Filed Date | 2001-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010000532 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Michelson, Gary K. |
April 26, 2001 |
Milling instrumentation and method for preparing a space between
adjacent vertebral bodies
Abstract
An apparatus and method for placing adjacent vertebrae at a
fixed distance and angular relationship relative to each other,
fixing said vertebrae in said position by use of a milling block
engaging each of said adjacent vertebrae and then using a milling
means, the depth, length and excursion of which from side to side
are controlled by said apparatus to machine out a defined thickness
of bone and a space of defined length, height, width and shape in
preparation for receiving an interbody spinal implant or graft of
known size and configuration are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Michelson, Gary K.; (Venice,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARTIN & FERRARO
14500 AVION PARKWAY
SUITE 300
CHANTILLY
VA
201511101
|
Family ID: |
24765657 |
Appl. No.: |
09/734303 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09734303 |
Dec 12, 2000 |
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08688758 |
Jul 31, 1996 |
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6159214 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/1757 20130101;
A61F 2002/30153 20130101; A61B 17/025 20130101; A61B 2017/0256
20130101; A61F 2/442 20130101; A61B 17/1671 20130101; A61B
2017/1602 20130101; A61F 2230/0019 20130101; A61F 2/4455
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/80 |
International
Class: |
A61B 017/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus used in spinal surgery for creating a space of
selected shape and dimensions across the disc space between two
adjacent vertebrae of the spine, each of the two adjacent vertebrae
having a vertebral endplate adjacent to the disc space, said
apparatus comprising: a milling block configured at least in part
for placement against at least one of the two adjacent vertebrae,
said milling block having at least front and rear faces and
accessing means for accessing at least one of the two adjacent
vertebrae from said rear face and through said front face of said
milling block; bone removal means for removing at least a portion
of bone from at least one of the vertebral endplates adjacent the
disc space, said bone removal means capable of accessing the
vertebral end plates through said accessing means; and means for
firmly holding at least a portion of said milling block against at
least one of the two adjacent vertebrae.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 including distractor means for
distracting and placing the adjacent vertebrae to be fused in
selected spatial relationship to each other.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 including aligning means for aligning
said milling block relative to the two adjacent vertebrae.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 in which said distractor means
comprises at least a first distractor member associated with said
milling block extending beyond at least a portion of said front
face of said milling block, said first distractor member capable of
extending into the disc space between the two adjacent vertebrae
when said milling block is placed against at least one of the two
adjacent vertebrae.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said first distractor member
has a length that is less than the depth of the disc space in which
said first distractor member is inserted.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said first distractor member
is centrally placed in said front face of said milling block.
7. The apparatus of claim 4 comprising at least a second distractor
member extending beyond at least a portion of said front face of
said milling block.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which said first and second
distractor members are laterally placed at opposite sides of said
milling block.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 in which said first and second
distractor members are joined together.
10. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said first distractor member
has a leading end, a trailing end associated with said milling
block, upper and lower surfaces for contacting each vertebral
endplate adjacent to the disc space, and side walls extending from
said upper surface to said lower surface, at least one of said side
walls being at least in part concave.
11. The apparatus of claim 2 including distractor holder means for
holding said distractor means in association with said milling
block.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 in which said distractor holder means
comprises depth limiting means for limiting the penetration depth
of said distractor means into the disc space.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 including calibration means for
selecting the penetration depth of said distractor means.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 in which said calibration means is
integral to said apparatus.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 in which said calibration means
engages at least a portion of said apparatus.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 including means for locking said
distractor means at a selected penetration depth.
17. The apparatus of claim 11 in which said distractor holder means
includes coupling means for coupling said distractor holder to said
milling block.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 including means for aligning said
distractor holder means relative to said milling block.
19. The apparatus of claim 11 in which at least a portion of said
distractor means extends through said accessing means and extends
beyond at least a portion of said front face and into the disc
space when said milling block is placed against at least one of the
two adjacent vertebrae.
20. The apparatus of claim 1 including guiding means associated
with said milling block for guiding and controlling the path of
motion of an instrument associated with said guiding means.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 in which said instrument is a bone
removal means.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 in which said guiding means is in
moveable relationship to said milling block for providing
transverse motion of an instrument being guided by said guiding
means.
23. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said milling block includes
supporting means for supporting said bone removal means relative to
said milling block.
24. The apparatus of claim 20 in which said accessing means is in a
transverse orientation relative to said milling block, said
accessing means having a transverse axis and said guiding means
being oriented and capable of traveling along said transverse
axis.
25. The apparatus of claim 20 in which said accessing means is in a
vertical orientation relative to said milling block, said accessing
means having a vertical axis and said guiding means being oriented
and capable of traveling along said vertical axis.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 in which said accessing means
includes a vertical axis and said guiding means being oriented and
capable of traveling along said transverse and vertical axes.
27. The apparatus of claim 1 including engagement means for
engaging said milling block to at least one of the two adjacent
vertebrae.
28. The apparatus of claims 27 in which said engagement means
comprises a distractor means for distracting and placing the
adjacent vertebrae to be fused in selected spatial relationship to
each other.
29. The apparatus of claim 27 in which said engagement means
includes means for fixedly securing said milling block to at least
one of the two adjacent vertebrae.
30. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said front face of said
milling block comprises at least a portion having a configuration
capable of conforming to the shape of at least a portion of the
anterior aspect of the adjacent vertebrae in contact with said
milling block.
31. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said front face of said
milling block comprises at least a portion having a configuration
capable of conforming to the shape of the vertebrae along the
posterior aspect of the lumbar spine on either side of the
mid-sagittal axis of the adjacent vertebrae in contact with said
milling block.
32. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said milling block comprises
handle engagement means for engaging at least one handle.
33. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said accessing means is a
track for guiding said bone removal means.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 including at least one track guide in
moveable relationship with said track for guiding said bone removal
means.
35. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said accessing means
comprises at least one aperture.
36. The apparatus of claim 1 including depth limiting means for
selecting and limiting the penetration depth of said bone removal
means into the disc space.
37. The apparatus of claim 36 including means for locking said bone
removal means at a selected penetration depth into the disc
space.
38. The apparatus of claim 36 including calibration means for
selecting the penetration depth of said bone removal means into the
disc space.
39. The apparatus of claim 38 in which said calibration means is
integral to said apparatus.
40. The apparatus of claim 38 in which said calibration means
engages at least a portion of said apparatus.
41. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bone removal means
comprises a multi-toothed rotating cutter.
42. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bone removal means
comprises a cutting member having a cutting end and perimeter
capable of cutting bone.
43. The apparatus of claim 42 in which said bone removal means
comprises an end and side mill.
44. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bone removal means
comprises a drill.
45. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bone removal means
comprises a shaft portion having a first diameter and a cutting end
having a second diameter, said second diameter being greater than
said first diameter, whereby said bone removal means is capable of
creating a space with retaining walls on the anterior and posterior
aspects of the vertebral endplates.
46. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bone removal means
comprises an oscillating saw.
47. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bone removal means is
selected from the group including burrs, mills, router bits,
abraders, grinders, rasps, drills, graters and saws.
48. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bone removal means is
selected from a group including, oscillating cutters, vibrating
cutters, reciprocating cutters and orbital cutters.
49. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bone removal means
comprises a laser.
50. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bone removal means has a
longitudinal central axis oriented perpendicular to the vertical
axis of the spine when said bone removal means is placed within
said accessing means and said milling block is placed against at
least one of the two adjacent vertebrae.
51. The apparatus of claim 1 including aligning means for aligning
the two adjacent vertebrae in a selected angular relationship to
each other.
52. The apparatus of claim 4 including means for adjusting the
length in which said distractor member extends beyond at least a
portion of said front face of said milling block.
53. The apparatus of claim 20 in which said guiding means is
associated at least in part with said accessing means.
54. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said accessing means is
capable of guiding and supporting said bone removal means.
55. An apparatus used in spinal surgery for creating a space of
selected shape and dimensions across the disc space between two
adjacent vertebrae of the spine, each of the two adjacent vertebrae
having a vertebral endplate adjacent to the disc space, said
apparatus comprising: a separable milling block having separable
first and second members, said first member having at least leading
and trailing surfaces and a first accessing means for accessing at
least one of the two adjacent vertebrae from said trailing surface
and through said leading surface of said first member, said first
member having guiding means for guiding and controlling the
movement of an instrument placed within said first accessing means;
said second member having a front face configured at least in part
for placement against at least one of the two adjacent vertebrae
and a rear face having a suitable configuration for interfacing
with said leading surface of said first member, said second member
having a second accessing means for accessing the disc space, said
second accessing means being in communication with said first
accessing means in said first member when said leading surface of
said second member and said rear face of said first member are
interfaced, said second member having at least one distractor
element associated with said upper portion, said distractor element
extending beyond at least a portion of said front face and capable
of being inserted into the disc space for distracting and placing
the adjacent vertebrae in selected spatial relationship to each
other; means for removably coupling said first member to said
second member; bone removal means for removing at least a portion
of bone from at least one of the vertebral endplates adjacent the
disc space, at least a portion of said bone removal means extending
through said first and second accessing means to access the
vertebral endplates; and means for firmly holding at least a
portion of said second member against at least one of the two
adjacent vertebrae.
56. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said first accessing means
includes at least one aperture in said first member.
57. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said second accessing means
includes at least one aperture in said second member.
58. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said in which said
instrument is a bone removal means.
59. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said holding means comprises
said at least one distractor element.
60. The apparatus of claim 55 comprising at least a second
distractor member extending beyond at least a portion of said front
face of said milling block.
61. The apparatus of claim 60 in which said first and second
distractor members are laterally placed at opposite sides of said
milling block.
62. The apparatus of claim 60 in which said First and second
distractor members are joined together.
63. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said guiding means is in
moveable relationship to said milling block for providing
transverse motion of an instrument being guided by said guiding
means.
64. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said accessing means is in a
transverse orientation relative to said milling block, said
accessing means having a transverse axis and said guiding means
being oriented and capable of traveling along said transverse
axis.
65. The apparatus of claim 55 including engagement means for
engaging said milling block to at least one of the two adjacent
vertebrae.
66. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said accessing means is a
track for guiding said bone removal means.
67. The apparatus of claim 66 including at least one track guide in
moveable relationship with said track for guiding said bone removal
means.
68. The apparatus of claim 55 including depth limiting means for
selecting and limiting the penetration depth of said bone removal
means into the disc space.
69. The apparatus of claim 68 including means for locking said bone
removal means at a selected penetration depth into the disc
space.
70. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said bone removal means
comprises a multi-toothed rotating cutter.
71. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said bone removal means
comprises a cutting member having a cutting end and perimeter
capable of cutting bone.
72. The apparatus of claim 71 in which said bone removal means
comprises an end and side mill.
73. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said bone removal means
comprises a drill.
74. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said bone removal means
comprises a shaft portion having a first diameter and a cutting end
having a second diameter, said second diameter being greater than
said first diameter, whereby said bone removal means is capable of
creating a space with retaining walls on the anterior and posterior
aspects of the vertebral endplates.
75. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said bone removal means
comprises an oscillating saw.
76. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said bone removal means is
selected from the group including burrs, mills, router bits,
abraders, grinders, rasps, drills, graters and saws.
77. The apparatus of claim 55 in which said bone removal means is
selected from a group including, oscillating cutters, vibrating
cutters, reciprocating cutters and orbital cutters.
78. The apparatus of claim 58 in which said bone removal means
comprises a laser.
79. An apparatus used in spinal surgery for creating a space of
selected shape and dimensions across the disc space between two
adjacent vertebrae of the spine, each of said vertebrae having an
endplate adjacent to the disc space, said apparatus comprising: an
elongated body member dimensioned for accessing the spine from a
position remote from the spine, said elongated body member having a
front end, a rear end and accessing means for accessing the two
adjacent vertebrae through said rear end and through said front end
of said body member; bone removal means for removing at least a
portion of bone from each vertebral endplate adjacent the disc
space, said bone removal means capable of accessing each vertebral
endplate through said accessing means; and guiding means for
guiding and controlling the movement of an instrument placed within
said accessing means, said guiding means associated in a moveable
relationship with said front and rear ends of said elongated body
member.
80. The apparatus of claim 79 including an outer sleeve having a
hollow tubular portion capable of supporting and containing at
least a portion of said elongated body member.
81. The apparatus of claim 80 in which said outer sleeve is a
combination outer sleeve and distractor in which said tubular
portion comprises at least one distractor element extending from a
first end of said tubular portion for insertion into the disc space
between the two adjacent vertebrae.
82. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said rear end of said body
member is positioned outside of a patient's body when said front
end in placed against the spine.
83. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said accessing means is in a
transverse orientation relative to said milling block, said
accessing means having a transverse axis and said guiding means
being oriented and capable of traveling along said transverse
axis.
84. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said accessing means is a
track for guiding said bone removal means.
85. The apparatus of claim 84 including at least one track guide in
moveable relationship with said track for guiding said bone removal
means.
86. The apparatus of claim 79 including depth limiting means for
selecting and limiting the penetration depth of said bone removal
means into the disc space.
87. The apparatus of claim 86 including means for locking said bone
removal means at a selected penetration depth into the disc
space.
88. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said bone removal means
comprises a multi-toothed rotating cutter.
89. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said bone removal means
comprises a cutting member having a cutting end and perimeter
capable of cutting bone.
90. The apparatus of claim 89 in which said bone removal means
comprises an end and side mill.
91. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said bone removal means
comprises a drill.
92. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said bone removal means
comprises a shaft portion having a first diameter and a cutting end
having a second diameter, said second diameter being greater than
said first diameter, whereby said bone removal means is capable of
creating a space with retaining walls on the anterior and posterior
aspects of the vertebral endplates.
93. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said bone removal means
comprises an oscillating saw.
94. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said bone removal means is
selected from the group including burrs, mills, router bits,
abraders, grinders, rasps, drills, graters and saws.
95. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said bone removal means is
selected from a group including; oscillating cutters, vibrating
cutters, reciprocating cutters and orbital cutters.
96. The apparatus of claim 79 in which said bone removal means
comprises a laser.
97. A surgical method for creating a space of selected shape and
dimensions across a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae of
the spine, each of the two adjacent vertebrae having an endplate
adjacent to the disc space, comprising the steps of: exposing the
area of the spine to be operated upon; placing at least a portion
of a milling apparatus against at least one of the two adjacent
vertebrae, said milling apparatus capable of holding the two
adjacent vertebrae in a fixed position and having accessing means
for accessing the two adjacent vertebrae through said milling
apparatus, said milling apparatus including guiding means for
guiding and controlling the motion of a bone removal means; holding
said milling apparatus against at least one of the two adjacent
vertebrae; and removing a portion of bone from the endplates of the
two adjacent vertebrae with said bone removal means utilizing said
guiding means to guide said bone removal means in a selected path
to create a space of selected shape and dimensions across the disc
space and into the two adjacent vertebrae.
98. The surgical method of claim 97 including the step of
distracting the two adjacent vertebrae in a selected spatial
relationship to each other.
99. The surgical method of claim 98 in which the step of
distracting includes preselecting the depth of excursion of a
distracter means for insertion into the disc space and locking said
preselected depth of excursion.
100. The surgical method of claim 98 including the step of
attaching to said milling apparatus a distractor element selected
for a length less than the depth of the disc space.
101. The surgical method of claim 98 including the step of
determining the appropriate length of a distractor element and
adjusting the length of the distractor to be less than the depth of
the disc space.
102. The surgical method of claim 99 including the step of coupling
said distractor means to said milling apparatus.
103. The surgical method of claim 97 in which the step of removing
bone from said endplates includes preselecting the optimal depth of
excursion of the bone removal means into the disc space.
104. The surgical method of claim 97 in which the step of removing
a portion of bone from the endplates includes accessing the
adjacent vertebrae through said accessing means.
105. The surgical method of claim 97 including the step of
inserting at least one spinal implant into said created space.
106. The surgical method of claim 97 including the step of
inserting at least one bone graft into said created space.
107. The surgical method of claim 97 including the step of
inserting at least one fusion implant into said created space.
108. The surgical method of claim 97 including the step of
inserting at least one artificial disc into said created space.
109. The surgical method of claim 97 including the step of securing
said milling apparatus to at least one of the two adjacent
vertebrae.
110. The surgical method of claim 97 in which the step of removing
a portion of bone from the endplates includes the step of moving
the bone removal means at an angle relative to the plane of the
endplates to remove an angular portion of bone from each of the
endplates creating an angular-shaped opening.
111. The surgical method of claim 97 in which said milling
apparatus includes a separable milling block having separable first
and second members, said surgical method including the steps of
dissociating said first member from said second member, said second
member remaining held against at least one of the two adjacent
vertebrae keeping the adjacent vertebrae distracted while inserting
at least one implant into the disc space through said accessing
means.
112. The surgical method of claim 97 including the step of placing
a hollow tubular member having one end in contact with at least a
portion of at least one of the two adjacent vertebrae, said hollow
tubular member capable of supporting and containing at least a
portion of said milling apparatus; and inserting at least a portion
of said milling apparatus through said hollow tubular member.
113. The surgical method of claim 112 in which said hollow tubular
member has at least one distractor element extending from said one
end for insertion into the disc space, using said distractor
element to distract said, two vertebrae in a selected spatial
relationship to each other.
114. The surgical method of claim 97 including the steps of
approaching the human spine from the posterior aspect of the two
adjacent vertebrae; retracting the dural sac and nerve roots;
placing against the spine a hollow tubular member capable of
supporting and containing at least a portion of said milling
apparatus, said hollow tubular member having one end in contact
with at least a portion of the posterior aspect of the two adjacent
vertebrae; and inserting into said hollow tubular member at least a
portion of said milling apparatus.
115. The surgical method of claim 114 in which said milling
apparatus comprises an elongated body member, said surgical method
including the step of placing at least a portion of said elongated
body member into said hollow tubular member.
116. The surgical method of claim 97 including the step of
inserting a laparoscope into the human body for viewing at least a
portion of the spine during at least a portion of said surgical
method.
117. A power bone removal apparatus for use in human spinal surgery
for creating a space across the disc space between two adjacent
vertebrae of the spine, said bone removal apparatus comprising: a
bone cutting element capable of removing bone from the two
vertebrae adjacent the disc space; powered driving means for
driving said bone cutting element, said power driving means having
a driving end for imparting motion to said cutting element; and
length limiting means for selecting and limiting the penetration
depth of said cutting element into the adjacent vertebrae and into
the depth of the disc space between the two adjacent vertebrae,
said length limiting means being associated with said driving end
and remaining stationarily fixed to said driving end while said
cutting element is in motion.
118. The bone removal apparatus of claim 117 including means for
locking said cutting element at a selected penetration depth into
the disc space.
119. The bone removal apparatus of claim 117 including calibration
means for selecting the penetration depth of said cutting element
into the disc space.
120. The bone removal apparatus of claim 117 in which said cutting
element is a multi-toothed rotating cutter.
121. The apparatus of claim 117 in which said cutting element has a
cutting end and perimeter capable of cutting bone.
122. The bone removal apparatus of claim 121 in which said cutting
element an end-side mill.
123. The bone removal apparatus of claim 120 in which said cutting
element is a drill.
124. The bone removal apparatus of claim 120 in which said cutting
element is selected from the group including burrs, mills, router
bits, abraders, grinders, rasps, drills, and graters.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Spinal fusion is defined as the joining together of two or more
adjacent vertebrae through a bridge of bone for the purpose of
eliminating motion between those vertebrae. One specific type of
spinal fusion is known to those skilled in the art as interbody
fusion and consists of fusing the adjacent vertebrae through the
disc space (the space previously occupied by the spinal disc
interposed between the adjacent vertebral bodies). When such a
procedure is performed from the anterior aspect of the spine (from
the front) that procedure is known as anterior interbody
fusion.
2. Typically, bone grafts are placed into the disc space to
position the vertebrae apart so as to create more space for the
nerves, to restore the angular relationship between said adjacent
vertebrae to be fused, and to provide for material that can
participate in and promote the fusion process. Substrates, other
than bone, such as hydroxyapatite and/or artificial spinal fusion
implants may also be used.
3. In general the ability to achieve bone fusion appears to be
related to certain metabolic biochemical factors, the quality and
quantity of the osteogenic material present (bone forming material,
most commonly bone itself), the surface area available for the
fusion to occur over, and the stability of the construct being
fused (the ability to resist unwanted motion at the fusion
site).
4. Consistent with the foregoing, it is desirable for the surgeon
to place the largest fusion implant, generally bone, within the
disc space as this provides for both the greatest surface area, and
fusion mass. Furthermore, the greater the area of contact, the
greater the stability of the bone-graft construct, such, that the
graft is less likely to migrate, to itself collapse, or conversely
to penetrate into the adjacent vertebrae as the forces across the
fusion site are distributed over a greater area.
5. The disc space can best be described as having a biological
rather than a geometric shape in that the adjacent vertebral
endplate surfaces are complexly biconcave in portions, convex in
others, while in still other areas extremely dense portions of bone
project like "pillars" almost perpendicularly from the plane of the
vertebral endplates, thereby forming partial, but substantial, side
walls about the posterolateral (toward the back and side) portions
of the disc space, the latter being particularly pronounced in the
cervical spine.
6. As the bone graft used for the purpose of interbody fusion must
have sufficient structural integrity to support the superincumbent
body weight and the forces present across the portion of the body
in which the graft is inserted, generally only quite solid portions
of bone can be used for this purpose. Such portions of bone can
only be cut, such as with a saw, rather than molded to fit the disc
space. Even for the most skilled surgeon, it is not possible to
shape such grafts to precisely fit the complex contours of the
vertebral endplates adjacent the disc space. Therefore, the bone
grafts are generally considerably smaller in width and depth than
the disc space itself so as to confine such grafts to the more
relatively flat area located about the mid portion of the vertebral
endplates. The term "relatively flat" is a correct description of
the mid portion of the endplate in that even this region of the
vertebral endplate is not truly flat, such that it is relatively
rare to achieve full congruency between the machined surface of the
bone graft and the biologically determined shape of the vertebral
endplate. This further compromises the quality of the fusion
construct in that the area of contact between the vertebrae and the
graft is suboptimal with a loss of both support area and
correspondingly, graft and construct stability.
7. Further factors tending to limit the dimensions of the graft to
less than that of the disc space include, for example in the
cervical spine, the danger of the graft accidentally escaping the
disc space laterally (to the side), damaging the vertebral arteries
and causing a cerebral infarct and the danger of penetrating
posteriorly (toward the back) and injuring the spinal cord causing
paralysis. Furthermore, the previously described pillars of dense
bone projecting from the overall plane of the vertebral endplates
in the posterolateral portions of the disc space and commonly known
as either uncinate processes or the joints of Luschka, tend to
block-the lateral and posterior placement of the graft(s) and tend
to confine and limit the placement of the graft(s) to the anterior
and central portions of the disc space.
8. To achieve fusion, it is necessary to at least vigorously scrape
the outermost layer of the vertebral endplates until bleeding
occurs to encourage the fusion, which invokes a healing process of
the bone. Since the vertebral endplates are generally quite strong,
it is desirable to preserve this structure even while scraping into
it which can not reliably be achieved by the means of the prior
art. In the past, anterior interbody fusion would be performed by
removing at least a portion of the intervertebral disc and then
utilizing hand held, free-hand instruments including, but not
limited to, osteotomes, chisels, curettes, rongeurs, and burrs to
scrape and shape the vertebral endplates and vertebral bone stock,
which operations would be performed generally by working on one
vertebra at a time, and independent of the position of the adjacent
vertebra.
9. As a final consideration, not only are the vertebral endplates
complexly shaped, but so are the interposed discs themselves. That
is, the vertebrae of the spine are generally aligned in curved,
rather than straight patterns when viewed from the side. When such
curves are convex forward, as they are in the cervical and lumbar
spine, the vertebrae are said to be in lordosis. Such lordosis may
be the result of wedging of the vertebral bodies, of the discs, or
a combination of both. When lordosis is the result of a generally
wedge shaped disc, it has generally proven difficult to reliably
restore that overall wedged shape to the disc space itself for the
purpose of fusing the adjacent vertebrae with precisely the correct
amount of lordosis.
10. While the discussion above has been in regard to anterior
interbody fusion, it may be desirable to replace a damaged or
diseased disc with a flexible member, or mechanical "artificial
disc", in which situation maximizing the surface area and
congruency of contact, and controlling the angular and spatial
relationships of the vertebrae adjacent that disc space would still
be of great importance. As to be discussed, the present invention
pertains to a means and method for the preparation of the space
between adjacent vertebral bodies ("the disc space") suitable for
the implantation of an artificial disc or for interbody spinal
fusions.
11. Attempts have been made in the past to create a guided milling
apparatus for use in surgery of such appendicular joints as that of
the knee. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,180 issued to Dietz on
Jan. 23, 1996 teaches the use of a guided milling apparatus. The
Dietz apparatus is not capable of working in the spine to prepare a
space between adjacent vertebral bodies and differs from the
present invention in the following ways:
12. 1) The Dietz apparatus requires that the bone be exposed end on
(Col. 1, lines 34-36, Col. 2, lines 46-47, FIGS. 1,2, and 3); In
the present invention, the "ends" of the vertebrae to be prepared
are the vertebral endplates which can not be exposed on end except
by dislocating the vertebrae which would cause the most grievous
harm to the patient.
13. 2) The Dietz apparatus is for the preparation of a single bone
at a time (Col. 1, lines 34-36, Col. 1, lines 49-50; FIGS.
1,2,3,5,7).
14. 3) The milling end of the Dietz apparatus removes the bone
parallel to the template surface (Col. 4, lines 7-9, Col. 4, lines
50-53, FIGS. 5 and 7). In the spine, there is insufficient space
available within the disc space interposed between adjacent
vertebrae to insert, accommodate or operate the Dietz mechanism;
this would be true regardless of actual size of the Dietz device
for any size that would remain workable for use in the spine.
15. 4) The Dietz apparatus in incapable of affixing the opposed
bones on both sides of the joint simultaneously, or of preparing
both joint surfaces with the opposed bones in fixed relationship
with each other.
16. 5) The Dietz apparatus teaches a means for cutting across two
dimensions while controlling (fixing) for depth. (FIGS. 5,27).
17. 6) Dietz teaches that the mill end is too large to pass through
the template guide surface so as to confine the mill end beneath
the guide means. (Col. 3, lines 8-19, Col. 4, lines 24-53; FIGS. 5
and 7). This thus requires that the enlarged burr portion enters
the bone not through its end or face, but rather on the front
surface of the bone, which entrance occurs through a cut out slot,
is deep to the guide plate, and with the burr spinning about an
axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone itself. (Col. 2
Line, 35-37, FIGS. 1 and 2).
18. 7) The Dietz apparatus is limited to the cutting by use of a
burr along a nonlinear path. (Col. 2, lines 65; Col. 3, lines 4-6;
Col. 4, line 2, FIGS. 4 and 6). This is not arbitrary as the path
of the burr is guided by either or both of a pivot, allowing only
for a series of arcs, and/or a branched and serpentine slot system
also configured to produce only a series of arcs. (Col. 2, lines
41-42, line 52, line 65 through Col. 3, line 4, and FIGS. 1, 2, 4
and 26).
19. There is therefore a need for a method and means for preparing
the vertebral bodies and the vertebral endplates adjacent to a disc
space to be fused by interbody fusion that:
20. 1) allows for the safe preparation of the disc space to the
optimal depth and width so as to allow for the correct use of the
largest possible fusion implant which would be associated with the
direct benefits of providing for the maximum mass of osteogenic
material, the largest possible surface area for fusion to occur
over, increased graft and construct stability secondary to the
increased area of contact, and the greatest protection against
implant collapse or penetration into the vertebral bodies from the
distribution of the loads over the greatest surface area;
21. 2) allows for the preparation of the vertebral endplates to a
known and uniform surface configuration, which configuration can be
matched by a corresponding surface of the fusion implant thereby
providing for the greatest possible interface congruity between the
vertebral endplates and fusion implant, and providing for the
optimal contact surface, enhanced fusion area, enhanced graft and
construct stability, and decreased load per surface area;
22. 3) allows for the restoration of the correct vertebral
alignment by preparing the vertebral endplates in fixed
relationship to each other adjacent the disc space so as to three
dimensionally shape the disc space-fusion implant site;
23. 4) allows for an efficient and reliable means for scraping the
central portions of the outer layer of the vertebral endplates
without the danger of removing those structures entirely; and
24. 5) allows for the extension of the fusion area into the
extremely supportive and extremely dense bone of the posterior
lateral regions of the disc space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
25. The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method
for use in spinal surgery for creating a space of selected shape
and dimensions across the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae
of the spine. The present invention comprises an integrated system
of instrumentation and a surgical method that is capable of placing
the adjacent vertebrae to be operated upon in proper angular
relationship to each other, of locking the vertebrae in that
position, of simultaneously preparing both vertebral endplates for
the procedure, be it fusion or disc replacement, and specifically
the creation of a space of a known shape and dimensions. The
foregoing is achieved by the use of a power milling apparatus such
that all free hand motions are eliminated and the site size, shape,
and configuration, as well as the extent of vertebral endplate
resection are made predictable, precise and reproducible. The
instrumentation of the present invention allows for the safe
controlled and protected preparation of the disc space to the
optimal depth and width. The present invention allows for
implant(s) or bone grafts to be placed onto the area of dense bone
at the posterior lateral aspects of the disc space. The present
invention allows for the maximum stability of the graft/implant, as
well as the construct, by providing for the greatest possible
interface surface area and congruency between the graft/implant and
each of the adjacent vertebrae.
26. The present invention further provides for increased stability
by creating butted corners, posterolaterally, into which the
graft/implant may be fitted which corners prevent further movement
of the graft/implant either posteriorly or to either side of the
created space. The present invention is capable of the uniform
preparation (scraping) of the central portion of the vertebral
endplate otherwise leaving that structure intact, if so desired.
The present invention makes possible the preparation of the disc
space to be prepared in anatomical angular conformation, and the
disc space can be formed so as to correspond to the known shape of
the graft/implant to be utilized.
27. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention
comprises a milling block having a front face configured for
placement against a Segment of the spine and having at least one
aperture for accessing each of the two vertebral endplates of the
vertebral adjacent the disc space. The adjacent vertebrae are
placed in the appropriate spatial relationship to each other with a
distractor means. Instrumentation is disclosed for selecting and
calibrating the maximum safe penetration depth of the distractor
means into the disc space and for locking the selected depth to
prevent unwanted over penetration into the disc space. The
distractor means may be part of the milling block or may be a
separate member that is coupled to the milling block either
directly or by a distractor holder.
28. Associated with the milling block is a bone removal means for
removing a portion of bone from each of the vertebral endplates
adjacent the disc space. The bone removal means is capable of
accessing the vertebral endplates through the aperture in the
milling block. The milling block is held firmly against a segment
of the spine by securing means, such as prongs, pins, screws and
the like, or by the distractor means itself inserted into the disc
space in contact with the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae.
Instrumentation is disclosed for selecting, calibrating and
limiting the penetration depth of the bone removal means into the
disc space and/or vertebrae and to prevent unwanted over
penetration into the disc space and/or vertebrae. The bone removal
means may be guided with an instrument guiding means located in the
aperture of the milling block and in slideable relation to the
milling block permitting slideable transverse motion and/or
vertical motion during operation of the bone removal means to
remove a portion of bone from the vertebral endplates adjacent to
the disc space.
29. The following is a brief outline of the steps of the surgical
method of the present invention describing the use of the specific
instrumentation in regard to the preferred embodiment:
30. 1. The area of the spine to be fused is exposed and a partial
disectomy is performed, whereby a portion and preferably a large
portion of the disc is removed while preserving the annulus
fibrosis portion of the disc along at least both sides of the disc
space.
31. 2. The interspace so created is distracted and while not
requisite, preferably to its optimal height, which height is
determined by the known normal spatial relationships for that area
the adjacent soft tissue structures. The interspace is then
measured for height, depth, and width. The width of the interspace
may be determined in reference to the inferior portion of the
vertebral endplate of the superior vertebrae, and this determines
the selection of the appropriate width for the milling block. The
measured depth of the interspace, that is the distance between the
front and back of vertebrae, will determine the selection of a
distractor and milling means of slightly lesser depth. The height
and depth of the interspace will determine the selection of the
appropriate height and length of the distractor element, the shape
of which is determined by both the need to either maintain or
restore lordosis, as well as the share of the implant which may or
may not be wedged.
32. 3. The correct distractor element is selected, having either a
known fixed length, or preferably is adjustable and its optimal
fixed length adjusted using a calibration gauge, integral markings
or similar means.
33. 4. The distractor apparatus is then attached to the milling
block which has already been selected for the correct width.
34. 5. The combined distractor apparatus and milling block assembly
is then brought to the fusion site and the distractor element is
introduced into the disc space. The distractor element may be
introduced into the disc space turned on its side so as to
facilitate introduction and then turned 90 degrees to distract the
space or the distractor element may be introduced perpendicular to
the plane of the disc space relying on its bullet-shaped leading
edge portion to distract the vertebrae apart. The angular
relationship of the two vertebral bodies adjacent that disc space
will then be determined by the shape of the distractor element. It
is appreciated that while not preferred, a distractor could be
inserted into the disc space first, then the milling block assembly
is brought into place relative to the spine thereafter.
35. 6. The milling block is then secured to the anterior aspect of
the spine preferably, by engaging each of the adjacent
vertebrae.
36. 7. The width and depth of bone resection may then be easily
confirmed visually prior to any actual bone resection.
37. 8. The distractor element and distractor apparatus are removed
from the disc space.
38. 9. The proper dimensioned bone removal means, corresponding to
the previously employed distractor element, is selected and using
the receiving depth gauge, the bone removal means is adjusted for
depth and locked.
39. 10. The bone removal means is secured to the milling port of
the milling block, and the space is then milled to remove a portion
of bone from the endplates adjacent to the disc space.
40. 11. The milling apparatus is removed and the prepared space may
be irrigated and suctioned through the -milling block, or
alternatively the entire milling assembly including the milling
block may first be removed and the prepared space then irrigated
and suctioned.
41. 12. The prepared space is distracted utilizing conventional
means and the appropriate implant or implants are then inserted
into the prepared space.
42. In the alternative, the surgical method of the present
invention may be performed by utilizing a separable milling block
having a separable member with bilateral, lateral distractor
elements such that the distractor elements are left in place in the
disc space while steps 9-12 above of the method are performed.
However, in this instance no distraction would be necessary in step
12 as the distractor elements remain in place while the appropriate
implant(s) are inserted into the prepared space and the distractor
elements are subsequently removed. The placement of bilateral
distractor elements also provides a safety means for preventing the
bone removal means and implant from exiting from the sides of the
disc space and out of the spine.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
43. It is an object of the present invention to provide for a
surgical method and instrument means for performing interbody
spinal fusion or in the alternative of inserting an "artificial
disc implant" for the purpose of maximizing the width and
optimizing the depth of the disc and the bone removed from front to
back, or back to front, from the vertebral endplates adjacent the
disc space to be fused or implanted while confining such bone
resection safely within the lateral, anterior (front) and posterior
(back) limits of the disc space.
44. It is another object of the present invention to provide for a
surgical method and instrument means for performing interbody
spinal fusion or "artificial disc" implantation that provides for
the rapid creation of both a known surface contour of each of the
vertebral endplates adjacent a disc space as well as a known and
reproducible shape of the fusion or implantation site itself.
45. It is another object of the present invention to provide for a
surgical method and instrument means for performing interbody
spinal fusion that allows for the utilization of a larger interbody
spinal fusion implant(s) than was possible with the prior art, such
an implant having the capacity for providing increased amounts of
osteogenic material, increased surface area, increased area of
contact, increased stability and the ability to provide for greater
support through the fusion area.
46. It is another object of the present invention to provide for a
surgical method and instrumentation for performing the preparation
of the space between adjacent vertebrae for the purpose of
implanting an artificial disc or fusion implant(s) having the
optimal cross sectional area of contact with said adjacent
vertebrae and where said cross sectional area may be as large as
possible while remaining safely within the perimeter of the
endplates of the adjacent vertebrae.
47. These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent from a review of the accompanying drawings and the
detailed description of the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
48. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the milling block of the
present invention.
49. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the milling block of the
present invention.
50. FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the milling block of the
present invention.
51. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the milling block of the present
invention.
52. FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the milling block of the
present invention.
53. FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the milling block of the
present invention showing the sliding instrument guide within the
milling block.
54. FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of a pin driving instrument
and a pin used to secure the milling block of the present invention
to a segment of the spine.
55. FIG. 7B is a top plan view of a pin used to secure the milling
block of the present invention to the vertebrae.
56. FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a handle used to hold the
milling block of the present invention.
57. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a distractor and distractor
holder of the present invention with the distractor shown about to
be inserted into the milling block of the present invention.
58. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the distractor
holder of the present invention.
59. FIG. 11A is an exploded view of the distractor holder, the
distractor and the calibration gauge of the present invention.
60. FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of the distractor of the
present invention having a insertion end for placing two adjacent
vertebrae in parallel relationship to each other.
61. FIG. 11C is a side elevational view of the distractor of the
present invention having a converging insertion end for placing two
adjacent vertebrae in angular relationship to each other such as
lordosis.
62. FIG. 11D is a side elevational view of a segment of the spine
with two distractors of the present invention placed at two
adjacent disc levels illustrating the creation of lordosis with one
distractor and the parallel spacing of the vertebrae by the other
distractor.
63. FIG. 12 is a partial cut away of a front elevational view of
the calibration gauge of the present invention with the distractor
inserted therein and the distractor holder coupled to the
distractor insertion end of the calibration gauge.
64. FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the milling block of the
present invention placed against the anterior aspect of a segment
of the spine with the distractor holder coupled to the milling
block and the distractor inserted in the disc space between two
adjacent vertebrae and the handles attached to the milling block of
the present invention.
65. FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the segment of the spine
with the milling block of the present invention attached to the
anterior aspect of the spine by a plurality of pins shown partially
in hidden line and being driven by a pin driver.
66. FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a segment of the spine
with the milling block of the present invention engaged to two
adjacent vertebrae by a plurality of pins shown partially in hidden
line.
67. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the bone removal
assembly and calibration gauge of the present invention.
68. FIG. 17 is a partial cut-away of a front elevational view of
the calibration gauge of the present invention with the bone
removal assembly inserted therein to adjust the depth of the
milling bit.
69. FIG. 18A is an exploded perspective view of the bone removal
assembly of the present invention about to be inserted into the
milling block of the present invention.
70. FIG. 18B is an exploded side elevational view of the bone
removal assembly being inserted into the milling block of the
present invention shown engaged to a segment of the spinal
column.
71. FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the bone removal assembly
coupled to a milling block of the present invention that is engaged
to a segment of the spinal column by a plurality of pins shown
partially in hidden line.
72. FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a segment of the spinal
column having an implant inserted in the space created across the
disc space and into the adjacent vertebrae with the milling block
instrumentation and method of the present invention.
73. FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of a segment of the spine
having an implant with flat side walls from top to bottom inserted
in the space created across the disc space and into the adjacent
vertebrae with the milling block instrumentation and method of the
present invention.
74. FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a vertebra taken along line
22-22 of FIG. 21 illustrating the space created into the vertebrae
by the milling block instrumentation and method of the present
invention.
75. FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of a segment of the spinal
column having an implant with curved side walls from top to bottom
inserted into the space created across the disc space and into the
adjacent vertebrae by the milling block and instrumentation of the
present invention.
76. FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a segment of the spinal
column showing an implant inserted between two adjacent vertebrae
with the methods and instrumentation of the prior art.
77. FIG. 25 is a front elevational view an implant inserted between
two adjacent vertebrae with the methods and instrumentation of the
prior art.
78. FIG. 26 is a sectional view along lines 26--26 of FIG. 25
illustrating the space created in the vertebrae by the methods and
instrumentation of the prior art.
79. FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the milling block of the present invention.
80. FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention shown in
FIG. 27.
81. FIG. 29 is a front elevational view of the alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention shown in
FIG. 27.
82. FIG. 30 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the
alternative embodiment of the milling block of the present
invention shown in FIG. 27.
83. FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention shown in
FIG. 27.
84. FIG. 32 is a side sectional view of the alternative embodiment
of the milling block of the present invention shown in FIG. 27 with
a distractor element inserted into the milling block.
85. FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of the alternative
embodiment of the distractor element of the milling block of the
present invention.
86. FIG. 34 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the handle used to hold the milling block of the present
invention.
87. FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the alternative
embodiment of the milling block of FIG. 27 with a pair of
detachable handles shown attached to the milling block.
88. FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the bone removal assembly and the milling block of
the present invention shown in FIG. 27.
89. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the adapter sleeve of the bone
removal assembly of the present invention shown in FIG. 36.
90. FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention.
91. FIG. 39 is a rear elevational view of the alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention shown in
FIG. 38.
92. FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the
milling block of the present invention shown in FIG. 38.
93. FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention shown in
FIG. 38.
94. FIG. 42 is a sectional view along lines 42--42 of FIG. 39 of
the milling block of the present invention having a bone removal
member inserted therein for milling a space between two adjacent
vertebrae.
95. FIG. 43 is a rear elevational view of an alternative embodiment
of the milling block of the present invention with two adjacent
vertebrae shown in hidden line.
96. FIG. 44 is a rear elevational view of an alternative embodiment
of the milling block of the present invention with two adjacent
vertebrae shown in hidden line.
97. FIG. 45 is a anterior elevational view of a segment of the
spinal column illustrating the space created with the milling block
of FIG. 44 and an artificial disc implanted within the created
space.
98. FIG. 46 is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention with a
pair of distractor elements in place.
99. FIG. 47 is a front perspective exploded view of the alternative
embodiment of the milling block of FIG. 46 and a pair of distractor
elements of the present invention.
100. FIG. 48 is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention.
101. FIG. 49 is a side perspective view of a pair of distractor
elements of the present invention shown joined together at their
tips.
102. FIG. 50 is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention.
103. FIG. 51 is an exploded rear perspective view of an the
preferred embodiment of the milling block and distractor holder of
the present invention for use in the cervical spine.
104. FIG. 52 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the
milling block shown in FIG. 51.
105. FIG. 53 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of the
milling block shown in FIG. 51.
106. FIG. 54 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of the
milling block shown in FIG. 51.
107. FIG. 55 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the milling
block shown in FIG. 51.
108. FIG. 56 is a rear perspective fragmentary view of the
embodiment of the milling block shown in FIG. 51.
109. FIG. 57 is a fragmentary view of the distractor holder along
line 57 of FIG. 51.
110. FIG. 58 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a
combined calibration gauge and handle of the present invention.
111. FIG. 59 is a rear elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of the milling block of the present invention with two
adjacent vertebrae shown in hidden line.
112. FIG. 60 is a front elevational view of the alternative
embodiment of the milling block shown in FIG. 59.
113. FIG. 61 is a side elevational view of a cutting instrument for
use with the alternative embodiment of the milling block apparatus
shown in FIG. 59.
114. FIG. 62 is a side perspective -view of an alternative
embodiment of the milling block apparatus of the present
invention.
115. FIG. 63 is a sectional view along line 63--63 of FIG. 62 of
the milling block apparatus of the present invention.
116. FIG. 64 is an exploded perspective view of a combined outer
sleeve and distractor engaging two adjacent vertebrae and the
milling block of FIG. 62 about to be inserted into the outer
sleeve.
117. FIG. 65 is a side elevational view of the segment of the human
spine with a milling instrument interposed between two adjacent
vertebrae for preparing a disc space having anterior and posterior
retaining walls for retaining an implant.
118. FIG. 66 is an exploded rear perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the milling block and bone removal assembly of the
present invention.
119. FIG. 67 is a front perspective view of the distractor portion
of the milling block of FIG. 66.
120. FIG. 68 is a side elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of the milling block and bone removal assembly of the
present invention shown engaging two adjacent vertebrae.
121. FIG. 69 is a rear elevational view of the milling block of
FIG. 68.
122. FIG. 70 is a rear perspective view of the milling block of
FIG. 68.
123. FIG. 71 is an elevational view along lines 71-71 of FIG.
68.
124. FIG. 72 is an elevational view along lines 72-72 of FIG.
68.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
125. Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the instrumentation of the present
invention comprises a milling block, generally referred to by the
numeral 100. The milling block 100 has an overall generally
rectangular configuration having a front face 102, an opposite rear
face 104, a top side 106, a bottom side 108 and left and right
sides 110 and 112, respectively. The front face 102 comprises a
surface having a concave configuration that conforms to the natural
curvature of the anterior aspect of a segment of the human spinal
column and permits the placement of the milling block 100 in close
proximity to the anterior aspect of the spinal column. The milling
block 100 comprises a central aperture 114 through the center of
the milling block 100. The aperture 114 is preferably
oblong-shaped, having an approximate width of 18-30 mm for use in
the cervical spine, 30-50 mm for use in the lumbar spine, and if
the milling block 100 is used on the left and right sides of the
mid sagittal axis of a lumbar vertebrae separately, the approximate
width of the aperture 114 is 15-25 mm and the approximate height of
the aperture 114 is 5-20 mm. Located within the aperture 114 is a
sliding mill guide 116 having a threaded port 118 for engaging
various instrumentation as discussed in detail below. The mill
guide 116 slides in a transverse motion from side to side within
the central aperture 114 along the transverse axis of the aperture
114.
126. The milling block 100 comprises a plurality of pin holes
120a-d which pass through the milling block 100 from the rear face
104 through the front face 102. The pin holes 120a-d have a wider
diameter entrance at the rear face 104 of the milling block 100 and
have a narrower diameter passage at the front face 102 of the
milling block 100. The wide diameter entrance of the pin holes
120a-d permit the countersinking of the head portion 126 of pin 128
illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B and described in detail below.
127. The rear face 104 of the milling block 100 includes blind
holes 130 and 132 centrally positioned and located between the pin
holes 120a-b and 120c-d, respectively. The blind holes 130 and 132
receive posts 134a and 134b of the distractor holder 158
illustrated in FIG. 9 and described in detail below. The top and
bottom sides 106 and 108 of the milling block 100 comprise tracks
136a and 136b having an inverted T-shaped configuration for
engaging a T-shaped rail member 138 of the handles 140 and 142
illustrated in FIG. 8 and described in detail below. Each of the
tracks 136a and 136b have a depression 144 for engaging a detent
means 146 on the handles 140 and 142 for centering the handles 140
and 142 relative to the milling block 100 and for locking the
handles 140 and 142 in place once they are attached to the milling
block 100.
128. Referring to FIG. 8, the handle 140 is shown having a general
L-shaped configuration with an inverted T-shaped rail member 138
for engaging the tracks 136a and 136b of the milling block 100. The
handle 140 has detent means 146 located in the center of the rail
member 138 which fits into the depression 144 of the tracks 136a
and 136b and functions to center and lock the handle 140 to the
milling block 100.
129. Referring to FIG. 9, the distractor apparatus of the present
invention generally referred to by the numeral 150 is shown in an
exploded view in relation to milling block 100. The distractor
apparatus 150 comprises a distractor 151 having a cylindrical shaft
152 with a bullet-shaped leading end 154. The distractor 151 is
interposed in the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae and
bears upon the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to urge the
vertebrae apart. The leading end 154 of the distractor 151 is a
flattened member having a height that may correspond to the normal
anatomic height of the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in
which the distractor 151 is to be inserted or may have a height
that is less than the anatomic height of the disc space. It is
appreciated that the distracted height of the disc space may be
equal to, less or greater than the normal anatomic height of the
disc space. The shaft 152 of the distractor 151 has a plurality of
annular slots 156 for engaging the distractor holder 158.
130. The leading end 154 of the distractor 151 may have a height in
the range of 4 mm to 20 mm, with 10 mm to 14 mm being the preferred
height in the lumbar spine except for a collapsed and degenerated
disc which may be less, 5.5 mm to 7.5 mm being the preferred height
in the cervical spine. The distractor 151 may have a thickness in
the range from 1 mm to as great as 20 mm in the cervical spine,
with 2 mm being the preferred thickness. In the lumbar spine the
distractor 151 may be from 2 mm to 50 mm thick with a range of 2 mm
to 5 mm being preferred. The length of the portion of the leading
end 154 distractor 151 extending beyond the front face 102 of the
milling block 100 (referred to herein as the "penetration depth")
is less than the depth of the disc space in that location. The
"depth" of the disc space is the distance between the anterior and
posterior aspect of a vertebrae; the "width" of the disc space is
the distance between the lateral aspects of a vertebrae; and the
"height" of the disc space is the distance between two vertebral
endplates adjacent to the disc space. For the cervical spine, the
length of distractor 151 would range from 8 mm to 20 mm, with 10-15
mm being preferred as measured at the sagittal (left from right)
midline; while in the lumbar spine the distractor 151 length would
range from 15 mm to 40 mm, with 20 mm to 35 mm being preferred.
131. Referring to FIGS. 9-10 the distractor holder 158 has an
inverted Y-configuration with a central tubular member 160 and a
base member 160. The bottom portion 164 of the tubular member 160
has side slots 166 having a width sufficient to accommodate the
thickness of the leading end 154 of the distractor 151. Located
over the bottom portion of the tubular member 160 is a sleeve 168
which engages the bottom portion 164 and rotates freely about the
bottom portion 164 of the tubular member 160. The sleeve 168 has an
external thread 170 for engaging the milling port 118 of the
sliding mill guide 116 and knob 171 for rotating the sleeve 168.
The sleeve 168 engages the opening 186 in the drill insertion end
184 of the calibration gauge 180 illustrated in FIG. 11A and
described in detail below.
132. Depending from the base member 162 of the distractor holder
158 are posts 134a and 134b for centering and engaging the
distractor holder 158 to the milling block 100 and to the
distractor insertion end 182 of the calibration gauge 180. The
posts 134a and 134b fit into the blind holes 130 and 132 of the
milling block 100 and also fit into the blind holes 188a and 188b
of the calibration gauge 180.
133. The upper portion 172 of the tubular member 160 of the
distractor holder 158 has a spring loaded locking collar 174 for
locking the distractor 151 to the distractor holder 158 after the
distractor 151 is inserted into the distractor holder 158. The
distractor holder 158 holds the distractor 151 with a spring loaded
gripping member 176 that is configured to engage the annular slots
156 in the shaft 152 of the distractor 151. The locking collar 174
is locked and unlocked by the partial rotation of the locking
collar 174 about the upper portion 170 of the tubular member 160.
The locking collar 174 is kept in a "locked" or "unlocked" position
by slot 173 and pin 175.
134. In the locked position, the locking collar 174 forces the
gripping member 176 into the annular slots 156 of the shaft 152 of
the distractor 151 to hold the distractor 151 within the distractor
holder 158. The gripping member 176 has tynes 177 with an enlarged
head portion 178 which has a complimentary configuration for
fitting the annular slots 156 of the distractor 151. The gripping
member 176 is locked by sliding the locking collar 174 in a
direction away from the base 162 such that the locking collar 174
slides over the gripping member 176 to compress the tynes 177 into
the slots 156. To unlock the distractor holder 158, the locking
collar 174 is rotated and slid in the direction toward the base 162
to release the tynes 177 as shown in FIG. 9.
135. Referring to FIG. 11A, a calibration gauge 180 is shown for
setting the depth of the distractor 151 within the distractor
holder 158 and for setting the depth of the milling instrument 200
in the coupling member 208 described in detail below. The
calibration gauge 180 has a substantially rectangular configuration
with a distractor insertion end 182 and a drill insertion end 184.
The distractor insertion end 182 has an opening 186 of a sufficient
diameter for receiving the leading end 154 of the distractor 151
and a portion of the sleeve 168 of the distractor holder 158. The
distractor insertion end 182, has two blind holes 188a and 188b for
receiving the posts 134a and 134b of the distractor holder 158.
Similarly, the drill insertion end 184 has an aperture 190 of a
sufficient diameter for receiving and setting the depth of a
milling instrument 200.
136. Referring to FIGS. 11B and 11D, a side elevational view of a
distractor 151 having parallel top and bottom sides 153a and 153b
is shown inserted in the disc space between adjacent vertebrae
V.sub.1 and V.sub.2. The distractor 151 is used to place and keep
the two adjacent vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 in parallel spatial
relationship when the distractor 151 is inserted in the disc space
with the top and bottom sides 153a and 153b placed against the
vertebral endplates of the adjacent vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2.
As shown in FIG. 11D, the distractor 151 is placed between two
adjacent vertebral V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 to orient and maintain the
vertebrae in parallel relationship to each other.
137. Referring to FIGS. 11C and 11D, a side elevational view of
distractor 151' is shown having top and bottom sides 153a' and
153b' in a converging angular relationship to each other. The
distractor 151' is used to place and keep two adjacent vertebrae
V.sub.2 and V.sub.3 in angular relationship to each other, such as
where the restoration of lordosis is desired at a specific disc
level of the spine. As shown in FIGS. 11D, the distractor 151' is
placed between two adjacent vertebrae V.sub.2 and V.sub.3 to orient
and maintain the vertebrae in angular relationship to each
other.
138. Referring to FIG. 12, the calibration gauge 180 for
calibrating the depth of the distractor 151 within the distractor
holder 158 is shown. The calibrator gauge 180 is hollow and has a
window 192 with graduated marks 194 indicating the depth in which
the distractor 151 being held by the distractor holder 158 will
penetrate the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae when the
distractor 151 is subsequently inserted into the disc space as
described in detail below.
139. In one embodiment of the calibration gauge 180, for use in the
cervical spine, the graduated marks 194 range from 11 to 21 mm to
represent the length of insertion of the distractor 151 which
penetrates the disc space. The distractor 151 is selected and
inserted into the distractor holder 158 and remains in the unlocked
position as shown in FIG. 12. The leading end 154 of the distractor
151 is then placed within the aperture 186 of the calibration gauge
180 such that the leading end 154 of the distractor 151 becomes
visible through the window 192. The desired depth of the distractor
151 may be selected in reference to the graduated marks 194 by
adjusting the distractor 151 in relation to the distractor holder
158 such that the desired amount of the distractor 151 extends
within the calibration gauge 180. The depth adjustment of the
distractor 151 is accomplished by sliding the shaft 151 the
distractor 151 up or down in relation to the distractor holder 158.
Once the correct depth suitable for the disc space in which the
distractor 151 is to be inserted has been selected for the
distractor 151, the locking collar 174 on the distractor holder 158
is rotated and moved to compress the tynes 177 of the gripping
member 176 into the annular slots 156 of the distractor 151 and the
distractor 151 is held in fixed relationship to the distractor
holder 158 at the desired depth. In the preferred embodiment, the
annular slots 156 are spaced apart a distance corresponding to each
of the graduated marks 194 to facilitate the depth selection and
adjustment of the distractor 151 within the distractor holder 158.
The distractor holder 158 is then dissociated from the calibration
gauge 180 and the distractor 151 remains in fixed position in the
distracter holder 158 since the distractor holder 158 is in the
"locked" position. In the alternative, as shown in FIGS. 9 and
11A-11C, each of the annular rings 156 is numbered for length which
can be read directly from the shaft 152 as the number appearing
beyond the gripping member 176.
140. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the distractor holder 158 with
the distractor 151 locked in place is coupled to the milling block
100 such that the leading end 154 of the distractor 151 passes
through the threaded port 118 of the mill guide 116. The posts 134a
and 134b of the distractor holder 158 are positioned within the
blind holes 130 and 132 of the milling block 100 and the sleeve 168
of the distractor holder 158 is threadably coupled to the threaded
collar port 118 of the milling block 100. The handles 140 and 142
are engaged to the milling block 100 with the rail member 138 in
the tracks 136a and 136b and the detent means 146 positioned within
the depression 144 of the tracks 136a and 136b.
141. The combined distractor apparatus 150 and milling block 100
assembly is then brought to the fusion site of the spine S from the
anterior aspect of the spine S and the leading end 154 of the
distractor 151 is then introduced into the disc space D between two
adjacent vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2. It is appreciated that the
distractor 151 may be introduced into the disc space D turned on
its side (with the sides 153a and 153b parallel to the horizontal
plane of the disc space D) so as to facilitate introduction of the
distractor 151 into the disc space D and then turned 90 degrees
position, the sides 153a and 153b of the distractor 151
perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the disc space D to
distract the vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2. Alternatively, the
distractor 151 may be introduced with the sides 153a and 153b
perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the disc space D, relying
on the bullet-shaped leading edge 154 to distract the vertebrae
V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 apart during insertion. The angular
relationship of the two vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 adjacent to
the disc space D will then be determined by the shape of the
distractor 151 as illustrated in FIG. 11D and previously described
above.
142. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the front face 102 of the
milling block 100 is placed adjacent to the segment of the spine S
in which the fusion or artificial disc implantation is being
performed. The milling block 100 is then secured to the anterior
aspect of the spine S by engaging each of the adjacent vertebrae
V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 by inserting pins 128a-d with a pin driver 196.
The pins 128a-d are inserted into the pin holes 120a-d and pass
through the milling block 100 and penetrate the bone of the
vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 to engage the milling block 100 to
the spine S. It is appreciated that while two pins 128 into each of
the adjacent vertebrae are shown, other engaging means such as a
screw, or more or less of such engaging means to engage the milling
block 100 to the spine, could also be used, such as prongs fixedly
attached and extending forward from the milling block 100. After
the milling block 100 is secured to the vertebrae V.sub.1 and
V.sub.2 of the spinal column, the distractor holder 158 and the
distractor 151 are removed from the disc space D and the handles
140 and 142 are removed from the milling block 100 as shown in FIG.
15. It is now possible for the surgeon to view the vertebrae
V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 through the central aperture 114 of the milling
block 100 so that the width and depth of the desired bone resection
from each of the adjacent vertebrae may then be easily confirmed
visually prior to performing any actual bone resection.
143. Referring to FIGS. 16-18B, the milling apparatus of the
present invention, generally referred to by the numeral 200 is
shown. The milling apparatus 200 is a bone removal device used to
mill (remove a portion of bone from) the endplates of the vertebrae
V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 adjacent to the disc space D in which a spinal
implant is to be inserted. The milling apparatus 200 comprises a
milling bit 202 having a shaft 204 terminating in a cutting portion
206 having a cutting end and a cutting perimeter for cutting bone.
The shaft 204 is configured to fit within a driver coupling member
208 for coupling the milling bit 202 to a driving device, well
known in the art, such as motorized drill or gas driven turbine
(not shown). The driver coupling member 208 has a shaft receiving
end 210 for receiving the shaft 204 of the milling bit 202, an
annular segmented collar portion 212, and a driver coupling end 214
for coupling to a driving device. While gas driven turbines are
known and are presently manufactured and sold by Midas Rex,
Anspach, Zimmer, Inc. and others, all these units attach to a gas
driven turbine and hold a burr, but lack any adjustable depth
limiting means, such as the adjustable depth limiting means of the
present invention so as to be able to be lockably engaged into a
further apparatus such as is required in the present invention.
144. A locking adapter 216 functions to lock the milling bit 202 to
the driver coupling member 208, to couple the milling bit 202 to
the calibration gauge 180, and to couple the milling bit 202 to the
port 138 of the mill guide 116 of the milling block 100. The
locking adapter 216 comprises a hollow tubular sleeve 218 and has a
similar configuration to the locking collar 174 of the distractor
holder 158 described above. The sleeve 218 has a locking collar 220
and a spring-loaded gripping member 222 similar to the locking
collar 174 and gripping member 176 described above. The locking
adapter 216 has a bottom portion 224 of the sleeve 218 for coupling
to the drill insertion end 184 of the calibration gauge 180. An
adaptor fitting 226 is provided having a threaded portion 228 for
engaging the threaded port 138 of the milling guide 116.
145. The proper diameter milling bit 202, corresponding to the
space to be created between the adjacent vertebrae is adjusted with
the calibration gauge 180 to select the appropriate maximum safe
penetration depth into the disc space of the milling bit 202 to
prevent unwanted over penetration into the disc space. After the
milling bit 202 is inserted into the calibration gauge 180, the
length of the milling bit 202 that is capable of extending through
the milling block 100 is adjusted in reference to the calibration
marks 194 of the calibration gauge 180 and the milling bit 202 is
then locked to the driver coupling member 208.
146. For example, if the desired length of the milling bit 202
extending into the milling block 100 is 15 mm (determined by the
dimensions of the vertebrae being milled), then the milling
apparatus 200 would be coupled to the calibration gauge 180 and the
driver coupling member would be advanced toward the calibration
gauge 180 until the tip of the cutting portion 206 is aligned with
the graduated marks 194 corresponding to 15 mm. The locking adapter
216 is then rotated and placed in the locked position with the
gripping member 222 engaging the segment on the collar portion 212
corresponding to 15 mm.
147. It is appreciated that other means for setting the depth of
the milling bit 202 are contemplated to be within the scope of the
present invention. For example, with reference to FIG. 18A the
segments of the collar portion 212 of the milling apparatus 200 can
include calibration marks corresponding to the depth of the milling
bit 202 extending through and protruding from the milling block
100. In this manner, the gripping member 222 is set to engage the
appropriate segment of the collar 212 corresponding to the desired
depth. Similarly, the annular slot 154 on the shaft 152 of the
distractor 151 may include calibration marks for setting the
desired depth of the distractor 151 without the use of a
calibration gauge 180.
148. It is further appreciated that the milling apparatus may
comprise any suitable bone removal means such as, but not limited
to, burrs, router bits, abraders, grinders, rasps, drills, graters,
saws, oscillating cutters, vibrating cutters, reciprocating
cutters, orbital cutters, rotating cutters and lasers.
149. Referring to FIGS. 18B and 19, the milling apparatus 200 is
then inserted through the adaptor fitting 226 and is screwed to the
port 118 of the milling block 100. The milling bit 202 is then
rotated at high speed as illustrated by arrow R in FIG. 19. The
milling apparatus 200 rotating at high speed is moved in the
direction illustrated by arrow A and the portions of the vertebrae
V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 adjacent to the disc space are then milled to
create a space for receiving an implant. After the creation of the
space for the implant, the milling apparatus 200 is removed from
the milling block 100 and the prepared space may be irrigated and
suctioned through the port 118 of milling block 100, or
alternatively the entire milling assembly including the milling
block 100 may first be removed and the space then irrigated and
suctioned. The disc space D is distracted utilizing conventional
means and the appropriate implant or implants are then inserted
into the newly prepared space.
150. Referring to FIGS. 20-22, a segment of the spinal column S is
shown with an implant I inserted between the two adjacent vertebrae
V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 in the space created with the milling
instrumentation and method of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 22, the space B created by the milling block 100 is
substantially rectangular in shape and extends across the width and
length of the vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 to create a large area
of contact between the vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 and the
implant I, which may have a curved (from side to side) trailing end
to conform to the curvature of the vertebrae.
151. Referring to FIG. 23, although implant I has been shown to
have the substantially rectangular configuration it is appreciated
that the implant I" can have a modified configuration with curved
side walls (e.g. left and right) as shown in FIG. 23.
152. Referring to FIGS. 24-26, the space C created with the
instrumentation and method of the prior art is shown with an
implant I' inserted therein. In comparing the size of the space C
with the size of the space B shown in FIG. 22 created by the method
and instrumentation of the present invention, it is clear that the
space B created with the instrumentation of the method of the
present invention is substantially greater than was possible with
the instrumentation and methods of the past. As a result, the
spinal implant I inserted in the space B can be substantially
larger than implant I' and have a substantially greater surface
area of contact with the vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 providing
greater stabilization to the segment of the spine S being
fused.
153. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 22 that with the present
invention the implant can not only engage the very strong bone of
the vertebral body at the endplate located posteriorly (in the
back) and laterally (to each side), but as shown in FIG. 20, the
implant may be embedded into sockets in the posterolateral corners
of the vertebrae (dark shaded areas shown in FIGS. 20-26) providing
enhanced stability to the implant which is blocked from moving more
posteriorly or to either side.
154. Referring to FIGS. 27-35, an alternative embodiment of the
milling block of the present invention is shown and generally
referred to by the numeral 300. The milling block 300 has a similar
configuration to the milling block 100 described above, and
comprises a modified distractor element 351 for separating and
orienting the adjacent vertebrae in the appropriate relationship to
each other prior to milling the space in which an implant is to be
inserted. The distractor element 351 is inserted in an inverted
T-shaped slot 301 in the front face 302 of the milling block 300.
The slot 301 comprises a spring loaded detent means 303 which
functions to hold the distractor member 351 In place once it is
inserted within the slot 301.
155. Referring to FIG. 33 a perspective view of the distractor
element 351 is shown having an inverted T-shaped rail member 353
which corresponds in configuration to the inverted T-shaped slot
301. The distractor element 351 has an insertion end 355 that is
tapered and bullet shaped to facilitate insertion into the disc
space D between two adjacent vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2. The
distractor element 351 is inserted into the slot 301 of the milling
block 300 prior to attaching the milling block 300 to the segment
of the spine S in which the fusion is desired. The distractor
element 351 has a biconcave configuration to conform to the
curvature of the cutting end 206 of the milling bit 202 of the
milling apparatus 200, as described above, such that the horizontal
excursion of milling bit 202 on either side of the distractor
element 351 is maximized when used to create a space in the
adjacent vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2. It is appreciated that the
distractor element 351 may come in different lengths in order to
accommodate for the different dimensions of the disc space between
the two adjacent vertebrae in which the surgical procedure is to be
performed.
156. Referring to FIGS. 30 and 35, the track members 336a and 336b
are located-on the sides of the milling block 300 such that handles
340 and 342 may be attached to the milling block 300 as previously
described herein. The track members 336a and 336b each have a
detent means 343a and 343b, respectively, for holding the handles
340 and 342 as shown in FIG. 30.
157. Referring to FIGS. 36-37, an alternative embodiment of the
milling apparatus generally referred to by the number 361 is shown.
The milling apparatus 361 comprises a coupling member 308 which is
identical to coupling member 208 previously described. The milling
apparatus 361 includes a milling bit 365 with a cutting portion 367
and a shaft portion 369 that are similar to the milling bit 202
previously described. Milling bits such as 365 are known and
commercially available. The element of milling bit 365 as well as
the use of an element such as milling bit 365 with a coupling means
such as coupling member 308 are well known in the art. An adaptor
sleeve 371 is used to couple the coupling member 308 and the
milling bit 365 to the port 318 of the milling block 300. The
sleeve 371 comes in a variety of lengths depending on the desired
depth of the space to be created and functions to limit the
excursion of the milling bit 365 into the milling block 300. The
longer the sleeve 371, the less the excursion of the milling bit
365 into the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae in which the
opening is desired to be created. Thus, the surgeon can
predetermine the depth of the space being created by selecting the
appropriate sleeve 371 length prior to performing the
procedure.
158. Referring to FIGS. 38-42 an alternative embodiment of the
milling block of the present invention is shown and generally
referred to by the numeral 400. The milling block 400 comprises a
central template 401 for creating a space of any desired shape and
as an example, the space to be created may be a substantially
rectangular space corresponding to the shape of the rectangular
template 401. The template 401 has a track 407 passing through the
milling block 400 from the rear face 404 to the front face 402 of
the milling block 400. The track 407 is configured to receive a
suitable bone removal means such as a drill a router or a laser,
and the like, to remove a portion of the bone of the adjacent
vertebrae milling instrument 403 and serves as a guide for creating
the desired space in the adjacent vertebrae with a suitable bone
removal means including, but not limited to, a router, to remove a
portion of the bone of the adjacent vertebrae. The milling
instrument 403 is inserted into a collar 405 which fits into the
track 407 and is retained in slidable relationship within the track
407 of the template 401 and functions to guide the travel of the
milling instrument 403 within the track 407. The drilling
instrument 403 is then activated and moved within the confines of
the track 407 to create the desired space in the vertebrae, which
space can be of a shape corresponding to the shape of track 407 of
the template 401. This is particularly useful for creating a shape,
such as that shown in FIG. 45, which might be desirable for
installing an artificial disc device 409 between two adjacent
vertebrae.
159. Referring to FIGS. 43 and 44, alternative embodiments of the
milling block 400 designated as 400' and 400" are shown engaging
two adjacent vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 shown in hidden line.
Tracks 401' and 407" are configured to create a space such as shown
in FIG. 44 for receiving an artificial implant or an artificial
joint as shown in FIG. 45. It is appreciated that in addition to
the foregoing configurations of the template 400, that other
configurations are possible and contemplated to be part of the
present invention.
160. Referring to FIGS. 46 and 47 an alternative embodiment of the
milling block of the present invention is shown and generally
referred to by the numeral 500. The milling block 500 is similar in
configuration to the milling block 300 previously described above
and comprises a pair of removable distractor elements 551a and 551b
which are inserted in complimentary inverted T-shaped slots 553a
and 553b at opposite sides of the milling block 500. The distractor
elements 551a and 551b are inserted in the disc space D and
function to restore the height of the disc space D prior to the
milling operation to create the desired space. The distractor
elements 551a and 551b are oriented at the sides of the central
aperture 514 and each have a concave surface facing the central
aperture 514 to conform to the curvature of the milling instrument
such as milling bit 206, used to create the space between the two
adjacent vertebrae. The lateral placement of the distractor
elements 551a and 551b allows for the full side-to-side motion of
the milling guide 516 to permit the unimpeded milling and creation
of the space and without the need for having to remove and reinsert
the milling instrument in order to get around a centrally placed
distractor element such as distractor element 353 shown in FIG.
32.
161. Referring to FIGS. 48-49, an alternative embodiment of the
milling block assembly of the present invention is shown and
generally referred to by the numeral 600. The milling block 600 is
substantially the same as the milling block 500 described above
except that the pair of distractor elements 651a and 651b are
joined at their distal ends by a cross bar 655. Cross bar 655
serves as a depth limiting means to any debris and to keep the pair
of distractor elements 651a and 651b together as a unit.
162. Referring specifically to FIG. 50, an alternative embodiment
of the milling block 600' is shown and generally referred to by the
numeral 600'. The milling block 600' instead of utilizing pins
128a-128d to engage the vertebrae, a centrally placed prongs 603a
and 603b to engage the milling block 600, to the adjacent
vertebrae. The prongs 603a and 603b are an integral part of the
milling block 600' or may also be removable, like pins 128a-d
discussed above, as an example. It is further appreciated that the
milling block 600 may engage the adjacent vertebrae via the
distractor elements 651a and 651b positioned within the disc space
to secure the milling block 600 to the spine. The tension forces
generated by the distraction of the disc space from the insertion
of the distractor elements 651a and 651b engage the vertebrae to
the distractor elements 651a and 651b and functions to hold the
milling block 600 to the spine.
163. Referring to FIGS. 51-57, the preferred embodiment of the
milling block for use in the cervical spine of the present
invention generally referred to by the number 700 is shown. The
milling block 700 is shown with a distracter holder 758 which is
capable of being coupled directly to the milling block 700. The
distractor holder 758 has a pair of rotating post members 734a 734b
and foot portions 737a and 737b, respectively, and handle portions
774a and 774b, respectively. The rear surface 704 of the milling
block 700 comprises pin grooves 721a-721d for receiving pins, such
as pins 128, previously described. The rear surface 704 also
includes post grooves 723a and 723b for receiving the post members
734a and 734b in which the foot portions 737a and 737b of the post
members 734a and 734b engage the lips of the post grooves 723a and
723b to lock the distractor holder 758 to the milling block
700.
164. The distractor holder 758 comprises of a gripping portion 776,
similar to gripping member 176 previously described, for engaging a
distractor, such as distractor 150 previously described. The
distractor holder 758 is capable of locking the distracter 150 in
the desired position in order to limit the excursion of the
distractor end 154 into the disc space.
165. Referring specifically to FIG. 57, a fragmentary perspective
view of the post member 734a is shown having a spring loaded detent
means 790. The detent means 790 is seated in a recess 791 and is
biased by spring 792, functions to lock the rotating post member
734a in place once engaged to the milling block 700. Prior to
engaging the distractor holder 758 to the milling block 700, the
desired length of the distractor 150 is set by engaging the
calibration gauge 780 having one end capable of receiving the
distractor holder 758. The depth of the distractor 750 is set
according to the graduated marks 794 on the calibration gauge 780,
or in the alternative as previously described by reference to the
depth markings on the annular rings of the distractor. Once the
desired length is selected, the distractor holder 758 is locked
onto the distractor 750 in the same manner described above. The
distractor holder 758 is then coupled to the milling block 700 with
the sleeve 764 engaging the port 718 of the milling block 700. The
post members 734a and 734b are then locked into place by rotating
the handle portions 774a and 774b so that the foot portions 737a
and 737b are engaging the post grooves 723a and 723b of the rear
surface 704 of the milling block 700. Once the distractor holder
758 is engaged to the milling block 700, the pins, such as pins
128a-d, are inserted into the pin holes 721a-721d and the milling
block 700 is engaged to the adjacent vertebrae.
166. After the milling block 700 is engaged to the adjacent
vertebrae, the distractor holder 758 is removed and the adjacent
vertebrae are held in the correct spatial relationship by the
milling block 700 and pins 128a-d. It is appreciated that to
facilitate the engagement and removal of the distractor holder 758,
the calibration gauge 780 has a receiving end 781 for engaging the
shaft to the distractor 151 such that the distractor holder 758 and
distractor can be manipulated with the calibration gauge 780
serving as a handle. In this embodiment the distractor 151 has a
flattened end portion 152 with a detent 155 as shown in FIG. 11A,
to couple the distractor 151 to the calibration gauge 780.
167. The preparation and creation of the space between the adjacent
vertebrae with milling block 700 is performed in the similar manner
described above with a milling apparatus such as milling apparatus
200 described above and shown in FIG. 16.
168. Referring to FIGS. 59-61, an alternative embodiment of the
milling block of the present invention is shown and generally
referred to by the numeral 800. The milling block 800 comprises of
a template 801 having a narrow track 807 for receiving a bone
removal device such as an oscillating blade 809 as shown in FIG.
61. The narrow track 807 functions to support and guide the motion
of the oscillating blade 809 in the selected path of the track 807.
Therefore, the track 807 can function as both means for accessing
the adjacent vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 and as a guiding means
for guiding a bone removal instrument. The oscillating blade 809 is
used to cut the desired space in the adjacent vertebrae along the
track 807 of the template 801. As shown in FIG. 59 the template 800
is engaged to two adjacent vertebrae shown in hidden line. The
milling block 801 maintains the vertebrae V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 in
the correct spatial relationship and the cutting of the bone is
performed with the oscillating blade 809 to create the desired
space. While slotted cutting fixtures are known in the field of
orthopedic surgery, their purpose is to resect the end of a long
bone, and not a spinal vertebrae; and all examples known to this
author work on but a single bone, do not attach to both of the
bones that would from a joint and do not fix those bones in a
desired spatial and angular relationship so as to create the
optimal joint space and conformation.
169. Referring to FIG. 61 the saw housing 812 lockably engages the
saw blade 809 by screw 811 within slot 810, which coupling means
allows the protruding portion of blade 809 to be adjusted for
length.
170. Referring to FIGS. 62 and 63, an alternative embodiment of the
milling block apparatus of the present invention is shown and
generally referred to by the numeral 900. The milling block
apparatus 900 is suitable for use in procedures in which the
surgeon's hand is at a point remote from the site of the spinal
fusion, such as for use in endoscopic procedures, or for performing
procedures on the posterior aspect of the spine on either side of
the mid-sagittal axis of the vertebrae avoiding the spinal cord and
other delicate structures present at the posterior aspect of the
spine. The milling block apparatus 900 comprises an elongated
member such as a hollow tube 901 having a front end 902 and a rear
end 904 with milling guides 916a and 916b at each of its ends 902
and 904 for guiding a milling apparatus for creating and preparing
the space between the two adjacent vertebrae. Such a milling
apparatus would be similar to the milling bit 202 described above,
and would have a shaft of sufficient length to span the distance
between the milling guides 916a and 916b and have a cutting portion
capable of passing through the ports 918a and 918b and extending
into the disc space from the front end 902 of the milling block
apparatus 900 for milling the bone of the adjacent vertebrae. In
this manner, the desired space for receiving an implant may be
created from a position remote from the spine such as would be
useful for endoscopic spinal surgery.
171. The milling block apparatus 900 may be placed directly against
the site of the spine in which the procedure is to be performed,
with the front end 902 placed across the disc space and contacting
the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. The milling procedure
for removing a portion of bone from the adjacent vertebrae to
create a space for receiving an implant is performed with a bone
removal means as discussed above for the other embodiments of the
present invention.
172. Referring to FIG. 64, the milling block apparatus 900 may be
placed through a combination outer sleeve distractor 980 having a
hollow sleeve portion 982 and having extensions members 984 and 986
extending from one end of the sleeve portion 982 for insertion into
the disc space. The extension member 984 and 986 function to
distract the disc space to its normal height and to engage the
combination outer sleeve distractor 980 to the spine. The
combination outer sleeve distractor 980 is capable of receiving and
guiding the milling block apparatus 900 to the appropriate site in
which the milling procedure is to be performed. The elongated
tubular body 901 of milling block apparatus 900 would in use pass
through the combined outer sleeve distractor 980, which itself
would engage the spine at or adjacent to the disc space to be
milled and would itself extend from the spine to outside of the
patient's body. Such a combined outer sleeve distractor is taught
by Michelson in co-pending application Ser. No. 08/396,414 filed on
Feb. 27, 1995, incorporated herein by reference.
173. The bone removal from the adjacent vertebrae for creating the
space for receiving an implant is performed with the milling block
apparatus 900 positioned within the combination outer sleeve
distractor 980 with a bone removal device passing through the ports
918a and 918b of the sliding mill guides 916a and 916b.
174. The milling block 900 as here taught need not be cylindrical
and can be any shape, for example, square or rectangular to conform
to the shape of the combination outer sleeve distractor 980.
Furthermore, any such extended milling block 900 may have a flange
proximally (rear end) or threads, or other means to fix, its
position relative to said outer sleeve.
175. Referring to FIG. 65, a side view of a segment of the human
spine with two adjacent vertebrae having a milling apparatus 1000
having a shaft 1002 and a cutting portion 1004 for preparing a
space for receiving an implant, in which both the anterior and
posterior aspects of the adjacent vertebral endplates have bone
retaining walls 1000a and 1000b, respectively. The anterior and
posterior retaining walls are created by the cutting portion 1004
having a larger diameter than the shaft 1002 of the milling
apparatus 1000 and a length which fits within the depth of the
adjacent vertebrae. Such a configuration permits the placement of
substantially rectangular implant within the prepared space. The
retaining walls 1000a and 1000b in the anterior and posterior
aspects of the endplates function to lock and secure an implant or
bone graft once installed between the two adjacent vertebrae.
176. While one particular type of bone milling instrument capable
of cutting both on its leading end and along its sides has been
shown a variety of bone cutting or abrading instruments including a
drill rasp, burr, abraider or even a saw blade edge of the
oscillating type or other could be used. Further, while the
preferred embodiment bone milling means is shown as having a length
extending at least as long as the depth of bone to be removed, the
bone removal means can have a variety of shapes and lengths.
177. Referring to FIGS. 66 and 67, an alternative embodiment of the
milling block, generally referred to by the numeral 1100 is shown.
The milling block 1100 comprises two separable members: an
instrument guiding member 1110 and a distractor base member 1112.
The distractor base member 1112 has a generally rectangular upper
portion 1113 having a front face 1102 and a rear face 1104. The
front face 1102 has a concave configuration that conforms to the
natural curvature of a segment of the human spinal column and
permits the placement of the front face 1102 of the milling block
1100 in close proximity to the spinal column. The upper portion
1113 of the distractor base member 1112 has a recess 1115 for
receiving and holding a portion 1119 of the instrument guiding
member 1110 of the milling block 1100 and a central opening 1117
through the center of upper portion 1113. The opening 1117 is
preferably oblong-shaped, having an approximate width of 18-30 mm
for use in the cervical spine, 30-50 mm for use in the lumbar
spine, and if the milling block 1100 is used on the left and right
sides of the mid-sagittal axis of a lumbar vertebrae separately,
the approximate width of the opening 1114 is 15-25 mm and the
approximate height of the opening 1114 is 5-20 mm.
178. Extending from the upper portion 1113 and extending beyond the
front face 1102 are a pair of distractor elements 1151a and 1151b
similar in configuration to the distractor elements 651a and 651b
previously described above. The distractor elements 1151a and 1151b
are capable of being introduced into the disc space between two
adjacent vertebrae to place the vertebrae in a selected spatial
relationship. The insertion of the distractor elements 1151a and
1115b' into the disc space also functions to engage the distracter
base member 1112 to the adjacent vertebrae.
179. The instrument guiding member 1110 of the milling block 1100
has a leading surface 1162, a trailing surface 1160, and a central
aperture 1114 through its center having a suitable configuration
corresponding to the central opening 1117 of the distractor base
member 1112. Located within the aperture 1114 is a sliding mill
guide 1116 having a threaded port 1118 for engaging various
instrumentation as previously discussed in detail above. The mill
guide 1116 slides in a transverse motion from side to side within
the central aperture 1114 along the transverse axis of the aperture
1114.
180. The leading surface 1162 of the instrument guiding member 1110
is capable of interfacing with the rear face 1104 of the distractor
base member 1112 and at least portion 1119 of the instrument
guiding member 1110 is capable of being seated within the recess
1115 of the distractor base member 1112. After the distractor base
member 1112 is engaged to the spine with the distractor elements
1151a and 1152b inserted into the disc space between two adjacent
vertebrae and the instrument guiding member 1110 is seated into the
distractor base member 1112, the removal of bone from the adjacent
vertebrae is performed in the same manner as the milling procedure
described above.
181. The milling block 1100 provides the added advantages of
allowing the removal of the instrument guiding member 1110 while
the distractor base member 1112 remains engaged to the spine
maintaining the disc space distracted with the adjacent vertebrae
in the appropriate spatial relationship to each other. With the
distractor base member 1112 still engaged to the spine, it is
possible to introduce an implant through the central opening 1117
and into the space for receiving the implant that has been created
across the disc space and into the adjacent vertebrae. After the
implant has been inserted into the disc space, the distractor base
member 1112 is removed and the implant remains in the space created
with the milling apparatus of the present invention.
182. Referring to FIGS. 68-72, an alternative embodiment of the
milling block of the present invention is shown and generally
referred to by the numeral 1200. The milling block 1200 has a body
member 1201 that is capable of extending across the disc space D
and capable of engaging at least one of the vertebrae adjacent to
the disc space D. The body member 1201 has a front face 1202, an
opposite rear face 1204 and a curved central portion 1205. It is
appreciated that the central portion 1205 need not be curved. The
front face 1202 has a surface that permits the placement of the
milling block 1200 against the vertebrae. The milling block 1200
has a central aperture 1214 through the center of the body member
1201 for accessing the disc space D between two adjacent vertebrae.
Located within the aperture 1214 is a sliding mill guide 1216
having a groove 1217 for slideably engaging the body member 1201 to
permit slideable movement of the mill guide 1216 relative to the
body member 1201. The mill guide 1216 has a central opening 1219 in
communication with the central aperture 1214 and a sliding member
1221 within the central opening 1219 having a port 1218 for
coupling the sliding member 1221 to an instrument such as a
destractor previously described, or a bone removal device, such as
milling apparatus 200 previously described. It is appreciated that
the mill guide 1216 in addition to guiding a milling apparatus 200,
is also capable of guiding other instruments into the disc space
such as a distractor element used to align the vertebrae and to
distract the disc space.
183. The sliding member 1221 of the mill guide 1216 is capable of
transverse motion from one side to the other side of the central
opening 1219 along the transverse axis of the opening 1219 to guide
and control a bone removal device, such as milling apparatus 200,
in a selected transverse path relative to the vertebrae adjacent to
the disc space D to remove at least a portion of bone from the
vertebrae. The mill guide 1216 of the milling block 1200 is also
capable of moving up and down in a vertical direction within the
central aperture 1214 along the vertical axis of the aperture 1214,
and along the curved central portion 1205 of the body member 1201.
The vertical motion of the mill guide 1216 guides and controls the
milling apparatus 200 in a selected path that may be at an angle to
the vertebrae in order to remove an angular portion of bone from
the vertebrae. The angular orientation of the milling apparatus
1216 relative to the vertebrae is a result of the position of the
mill guide 1216 along the curved central portion 1205 of the body
member 1201. In this manner, an opening having an angular
configuration may be created, and with an appropriate implant
placed within the prepared opening, the normal anatomic lordotic
relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to the disc space D may be
restored. Or in the alternative, the vertebrae adjacent to the disc
space D could be placed in angular relationship prior to the
removal of at least a portion of bone from the vertebrae, or a
frusto-conical shaped bone removal device could be employed.
184. The milling block 1200 has a plurality of screw holes 1220a-b
which pass through the milling block 1200 from the rear face 1204
through the front face 1202. The screw holes 1220a-b receive screws
1228a-b for engaging the milling block 1200 to the vertebrae
adjacent to the disc space D. Similarly, pins, pegs or other
suitable means for attaching the milling block 1200 to the
vertebrae adjacent to the disc space D could be utilized.
185. While the present invention has been described in detail with
regards to the preferred embodiment, it is appreciated that other
variations of the present invention may be devised which do not
depart from the inventive concept of the present invention.
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