US 12,133,643 B2
Instrumentation and methods for the implantation of spinal implants
Charles L. Bush, Jr., Wayne, NJ (US)
Assigned to Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC, Kalamazoo, MI (US)
Filed by Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC, Kalamazoo, MI (US)
Filed on Oct. 4, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/493,149.
Application 17/493,149 is a continuation of application No. 16/327,672, granted, now 11,166,709, previously published as PCT/US2017/048009, filed on Aug. 22, 2017.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/470,534, filed on Mar. 13, 2017.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/378,485, filed on Aug. 23, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2022/0022860 A1, Jan. 27, 2022
Int. Cl. A61B 17/02 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/025 (2013.01) [A61B 17/0206 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0256 (2013.01)] 8 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A retractor comprising:
a frame;
first, second, and third arms, wherein the first, second, and third arms each have a plurality of holes disposed through them, and wherein the first, second, and third arms are each attached to the frame with a pin disposed through the frame and one of the plurality of holes on each of the first, second, and third arms;
a rod structure comprising:
a first rod attached to the first arm;
a second rod attached to the second arm
a third rod attached to the third arm; and
a probe disposed within the frame between the first, the second, and the third rods, the probe having an insertion portion and an extension portion,
the extension portion having a same cross section as the first, the second, and the third rods through a portion of its length, and
the insertion portion being larger than the extension portion, having a sharp tapered end, and having a profile matching a combined cross section of the first, the second, and the third rods, and the extension portion,
wherein the retractor is movable from a closed position to an open position,
wherein when the retractor is in the closed position, a profile of the rod structure is cylindrical, and
wherein when the retractor is in the open position, the first rod, the second rod, and the third rod are spaced apart from the probe forming a portal.