The surgery is performed through a small opening 1 inch and several
puncture wounds < 1 cm. The spine is visualized by camera on monitors.
Flouroscopy is used to monitor certain aspects of the procedure.
Image of disk on monitor showing placement of guide holes for insertion of
implants.
The disk space is distracted (separated) by plugs impacted into the guide
holes.
A
protective sleeve is placed over the distractor plugs to guide reaming, tapping and
implant insertion into each channel.
A
reamer is advanced under x-ray guidance to cut a channel for the implant.
The
channel bone walls are tapped.
The
implant is inserted and is visualized from th front and side views.
Operative Setup
