Craig L Fischer

US Patent:

20090131943, May 21, 2009

Filed:

Nov 7, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/267022

Inventors:

Craig L. Fischer - Arnold MO, US
Greg G. Utt - Warrenton MO, US

International Classification:

A61B 17/58

US Classification:

606 90

Abstract:

A medical instrument for use in orthopedic distraction or compression. The instrument has a pair of handles and a pair of blades removably attached to an actuator. The handles and the blades may be attached on either side of the actuator such that the blades may be used on the left or right side of the spine or other structure being distracted or compressed and such that the handles may be removed thus freeing up space in the incision or portal for other instruments. The handles and the blades are connected to the actuator through a ratchet and pawl mechanism whereby pressing the handles together causes the blades to be spread apart at their distal end while maintaining a window between the blades at their proximal ends to optimize visualization of the operative site. Movement of the blades at their proximal ends is amplified at their distal ends.