Abstract: A Guide Wire Introducer with integrated wire steering function for treating bone. The guide wire employed with the introducer consists of a core material that is a psuedoelastic metal alloy, such as Nitinol. This introducer has a chamfered tip with the complement of the outer construction consisting of a uniform narrow outer diameter enabling insertion into soft tissue and bone with a guide wire within. The chamfered tip of the introducer incorporates an integrated slit that enables the steering function of the introducer. Additionally, the outer surface incorporates a radiolucent notch for radial position reference.

Abstract: A spinal surgery retractor with a slotted keyway for integrating a keyed spinal distractor. This retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The distractor head and mating portion of the retractor(s)1 have matching profiles that enable the retractor to maintain distraction of the vertebra after removal of the distractor portion of the tool, permitting access to increase at the operating site. The retractor has convex curved surfaces that interface with a majority of retracted soft tissues during progression of the retraction process, which enhance retractor safety. In addition, the retractor portion of the tool has a proximally located section that is laterally flexible, which provides further progression in the retraction process while increasing relative access to the operating site.