SINGLE PRONG IN SITU SPREADER

Abstract

Spinal instrumentation and methods are adapted for use with implanted pedicle screws having exposed heads with opposing surfaces between a bony surface and a rod-capturing through bore. The instrumentation includes a spreader having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a pair of handles and the distal end including a single pair prongs. The prongs of the spreader have tapered ends with opposing surfaces adapted to engage with the opposing surfaces of the exposed heads of the pedicle screws and spread them apart when pressure is applied to the handles. A method of spreading implanted pedicle screws having exposed heads, comprises the steps of inserting the prongs of the spreader between the opposing surfaces of the exposed pedicle screw heads, and spreading the exposed heads through the application of pressure to the handles of the spreader. The method may further including the step of applying a distractor over the prongs of the spreader when the exposed pedicle screw heads are moved apart.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing that shows problems associated with the use of current double-pronged spreaders;

FIG. 2 is a drawing which shows how the use of prior-art double-pronged spreaders interferes with the application of a distractor;

FIG. 3 is a drawing which shows a single-pronged spreader according to the invention; and

FIG. 4 shows the way in which a single-pronged spreader according to the invention is used.

Claims

1. Spinal instrumentation adapted for use with implanted pedicle screws having exposed heads with opposing surfaces between a bony surface and a rod-capturing through bore, the instrumentation comprising: a spreader having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a pair of handles and the distal end including a single pair prongs,the prongs having tapered ends with opposing surfaces adapted to engage with the opposing surfaces of the exposed heads of the pedicle screws and spread them apart when pressure is applied to the handles.

2. A method of spreading implanted pedicle screws having exposed heads, comprising the steps of: providing the instrumentation of claim 1;inserting the prongs of the spreader between the opposing surfaces of the exposed pedicle screw heads; andspreading the exposed heads through the application of pressure to the handles of the spreader.

3. The method of claim 2, further including the step of applying a distractor over the prongs of the spreader when the exposed pedicle screw heads are moved apart.