Method and apparatus for performing spinal fusion surgery

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application 61/484,580, entitled Method and Apparatus For Performing Spinal Fusion Surgery, and filed on May 10, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in their entireties.

[0002] This application relates to implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

[0003] Spinal discs serve to cushion and stabilize the spine in addition to distributing stress and damping cyclic loads. The discs may become damaged due to injury or age and symptoms of a damaged disc may include severe pain, numbness or muscle weakness. Fusion is one method of reducing the magnitude of the symptoms of damaged spinal discs, or for any pathology that would suggest direct spinal decompression as a treatment. The primary goals of fusion procedures are to provide stability between the vertebrae on either side of the damaged disc and to promote natural fusion of those adjacent vertebrae. One of the most common fusion techniques utilized is the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in which the intervertebral disc space is accessed and operated on through a posterolateral approach. Generally, the TLIF procedure is performed through an “open” approach requiring a large incision and the separation and/or cutting of muscle and tissue, resulting in long recovery times and post-operative pain related to the procedure. To reduce the drawbacks associated with open procedures, minimally invasive techniques that reduce incision size and muscle cutting are becoming more popular. However, working through the smaller exposures brings other challenges, for example, decreased visualization and decreased flexibility in manipulating surgical instruments, among others, and thus the skill, training, and experience required for performing minimally invasive TLIF procedures is significantly higher than for open surgeries. A need therefore exists for improvements relating to the performance of minimally invasive TLIF procedures. The instruments and methods described herein are directed to addressing these needs.

[0004] The present application describes implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

[0005] According to one example, there is described a first method for attaching a fixation system to the spine of a patient. The fixation system includes at least two bone anchors and a spinal rod linking the at least two bone anchors. The method includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first retractor blade, advancing the first bone anchor and first retractor blade together to a first spinal bone, and anchoring the first bone anchor to the first spinal bone. The method also includes connecting a second bone anchor to a second retractor blade, advancing the second bone anchor and second retractor blade together to a second spinal bone, and anchoring the second bone anchor to the second spinal bone. The method also includes connecting a retractor body to the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade and operating the retractor body to expand an operative corridor formed between the first retractor blade and second retractor blade from the skin level of the patient to the spine. The method also includes linking the first bone anchor and the second bone anchor with a spinal rod.

[0006] According to another aspect of the first method the spinal bone is a first vertebra and the second spinal bone is a second vertebra separated from the first vertebra by an intervertebral disc space, and wherein the first spinal bone, second spinal bone, and intervertebral disc space comprise a first spinal level.

[0007] According to another aspect of the first method the first bone anchored is anchored through a pedicle of the first vertebra and the second bone anchor is anchored through a pedicle of the second vertebra.

[0008] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may further include adjusting the angle of the operative corridor.

[0009] According to another aspect of the first method, the first method may be performed wherein the angle of the operative corridor is adjusted until the operative corridor is parallel to the intervertebral disc space.

[0010] According to another aspect of the first method, adjusting the angle of the operative corridor is accomplished by moving a proximal end of the first retractor blade and a proximal end of the second retractor blade in the same direction while a distal end of the first retractor blade remains in the same general position adjacent the first pedicle and a distal end of the second retractor blade remains in the same general position adjacent the second pedicle.

[0011] According to another aspect of the first method the angle of the operative corridor is adjusted in one of a cephalad or caudal direction.

[0012] According to another aspect of the first method the angle of the operative corridor is adjusted in one of an anterior and posterior direction.

[0013] According to another aspect of the first method the angle of the operative corridor is adjusted in both one of a cephalad and caudal direction and in one of an anterior and posterior direction.

[0014] According to another aspect of the first method the first retractor blade is connected to the first bone anchor in a polyaxial engagement and the second retractor blade is connected to the second bone anchor in a poly axial engagement.

[0015] According to another aspect of the first method the first bone anchor is connected to the first retractor blade via a first hoop shim slideably engaged to an interior surface of said first retractor blade and the second anchor is connected to the second retractor blade by a second hoop shim slideably engaged to an interior surface of said second retractor blade.

[0016] According to another aspect of the first method each of the first hoop shim and the second hoop shim include a shim portion that slideably engage the respective retractor blade and a hoop portion that receives a head a respective bone anchor therethrough.

[0017] According to another aspect of the first method each of the first hoop shim and the second hoop shim have an unlocked configuration that allows the head of the respective bone screw to pass therethrough and a locked configuration wherein the head of the respective bone screw is secured to the hoop shim.

[0018] According to another aspect of the first method the retractor body is further operated to distract the intervertebral disc space.

[0019] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include advancing a third retractor blade towards the spine, connecting the third retractor blade to the retractor body, and operating the retractor body to expand the size of the operative corridor.

[0020] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include advancing a third retractor blade towards the spine, connecting the third retractor blade to the retractor body, and operating the retractor body to further expand the size of the operative corridor.

[0021] According to another aspect of the first method the first and second retractor blades expand the operative corridor in cranially and caudally and the third retractor blade expands the operative corridor medially.

[0022] According to another aspect of the first method the third retractor blade clears tissue from the facet, lamina, and base of the spinous process as the third retractor blade retracted medially.

[0023] According to another aspect of the first method the third blade follows the topography of the facet, lamina, and base of the spinous process as the third retractor blade is retracted medially.

[0024] According to another aspect of the first method the third retractor blade includes a floating blade extension with a serrated distal end that curves to form a concave backward facing lip.

[0025] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include applying downward pressure to the floating blade extension of the third retractor blade as the third retractor blade is retracted medially to facilitate clearing of the tissue from the facet, lamina, and base of the spinous process.

[0026] According to another aspect of the first method anchoring the first bone anchor to the first spinal bone comprises advancing a first anchor portion into said first spinal bone and subsequently attaching a first receiver portion to the first anchor portion and anchoring the second bone anchor to the second spinal bone comprises anchoring a second anchor portion to the second spinal bone and subsequently attaching a second receiver portion to the second anchor portion.

[0027] According to another aspect of the first method the first anchor portion is connected to the first retractor blade via a first hoop shim having a shim element that slidably engages the first retractor blade and a hoop element the secures the first anchor element, and wherein the second anchor portion is connected to the second retractor blade via a second hoop shim having a shim element that slidably engages the second retractor blade and a hoop element the secures the second anchor portion.

[0028] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include removing the first hoop shim from the first anchor portion prior to attaching the first receiver to the first anchor portion and removing the second hoop shim from the second anchor portion prior to attaching the second receiver to the second anchor portion.

[0029] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include operating on the first spinal level through the operating corridor prior to linking the first bone anchor and the second bone anchor with the spinal rod.

[0030] According to another aspect of the first method operating on the first spinal level includes one or more of a facetectomy, decompression, annulotomy, and discectomy.

[0031] According to another aspect of the first method at least a discectomy is performed and an implant is inserted into the intervertebral space after the discectomy.

[0032] According to another aspect of the first method the implant is positioned obliquely within the intervertebral space.

[0033] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include operating the retractor body to distract the intervertebral disc space prior to performing the discectomy.

[0034] According to another aspect of the first method operating the retractor body to distract the intervertebral space includes advancing a first bolt disposed through a portion of the first retractor blade into contact with the retractor body to prevent inward tilting of the first retractor blade, advancing a second bolt disposed through a portion of the second retractor blade into contact with the retractor body to prevent inward tilting of the second retractor blade, and rotating a knob to increase the distance between a first arm of the retractor body engaged to the first retractor blade and a second arm of the retractor blade engaged to the second retractor blade.

[0035] According to another aspect of the first method the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade may be different lengths.

[0036] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include connecting a third bone anchor to a fourth retractor blade, advancing the third bone anchor and fourth retractor blade together to a third pedicle adjacent the second pedicle, anchoring the third bone anchor to the third pedicle, and linking the third bone anchor together with the first bone anchor and second bone anchor with the spinal rod, wherein the third pedicle is part of a third spinal bone separated from the second spinal bone by a second intervertebral disc space, and wherein the second spinal bone, third spinal bone, and second intervertebral disc space comprise a second spinal level.

[0037] According to another aspect of the first method the steps of connecting a third bone anchor to a fourth retractor blade, advancing the third bone anchor and fourth retractor blade together to a third pedicle adjacent the second pedicle, and anchoring the third bone anchor to the third pedicle are performed after positioning the implant in the intervertebral disc space and before linking the first bone anchor, second bone anchor and third bone anchors with the spinal rod.

[0038] According to another aspect of the first method the first bone anchor includes a first anchor portion and a first receiver that is attached to the first anchor portion after the first anchor portion is anchored in the first pedicle, the second bone anchor includes a second anchor portion and a second receiver that is attached to the second anchor portion after the second anchor portion is anchored in the second pedicle, and the third bone anchor includes a third anchor portion and a third receiver that is attached to the third anchor portion after the third anchor portion is anchored in the third pedicle.

[0039] According to another aspect of the first method the first anchor portion is connected to the first retractor blade via a first hoop shim having a shim element that slidably engages the first retractor blade and a hoop element that secures the first anchor element, wherein the second anchor portion is connected to the second retractor blade via a second hoop shim having a shim element that slidably engages the second retractor blade and a hoop element that secures the second anchor portion, and wherein the third anchor portion is connected to the fourth retractor blade via a third hoop shim having a shim element that slidably engages the fourth retractor blade and a hoop element that secures the third anchor portion.

[0040] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include disconnecting the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade from the retractor body and reconnecting the retractor body to the second retractor blade and the fourth retractor blade and operating the retractor body to expand an operative corridor formed between the second retractor blade and the fourth retractor blade from the skin level of the patient to the spine.

[0041] According to another aspect of the first method the second retractor blade includes multiple connector elements such that the second retractor blade can be connected to the retractor body in both right-facing and left-facing directions.

[0042] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include disconnecting the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade from the retractor body, replacing the second retractor blade with a fifth retractor blade, and reconnecting the retractor body to the fifth retractor blade and the fourth retractor blade and operating the retractor body to expand an operative corridor formed between the fifth retractor blade and the fourth retractor blade from the skin level of the patient to the spine.

[0043] According to another aspect of the first method replacing the second retractor blade with a fifth retractor blade includes the steps of removing the second retractor blade from a track insert connected to the second hoop shim and inserting the fourth retractor blade over the track insert.

[0044] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include engaging a track guide to the track insert before removing the second retractor blade and inserting the fifth retractor blade along the track guide to facilitate engagement of the fifth retractor blade with the track insert.

[0045] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include operating on the second spinal level through the operating corridor prior to linking the first bone anchor, second bone anchor, and third bone anchor with the spinal rod.

[0046] According to another aspect of the first method operating on the second spinal level includes performing one or more of a facetectomy, decompression, annulotomy, and discectomy.

[0047] According to another aspect of the first method at least a discectomy is performed and a second implant is into the second intervertebral space after the discectomy.

[0048] According to another aspect of the first method a second implant is positioned obliquely within a second intervertebral space.

[0049] According to another aspect of the first method, the method may include operating the retractor body expand the operating corridor to reexpose the first bone anchor, disconnecting the second anchor portion and fifth blade, disconnecting the third anchor portion and fourth blade, and attaching the first receiver to the first anchor portion, attaching the second receiver to the second anchor portion, and attaching the third receiver to the third anchor portion, prior to linking the first bone anchor, second bone anchor, and third bone anchor with the spinal rod.

[0050] According to another aspect of the first method, a secondary or supplemental retractor assembly may be utilized to position a fourth (lateral) retractor blade in the operative corridor opposite the third (medial) retractor blade. According to this aspect, the secondary retractor may be coupled to the third retractor blade. Further according to this aspect, the method may include connecting a third bone anchor to a fifth retractor blade, advancing the third bone anchor and fifth retractor blade together to a third pedicle adjacent the second pedicle, anchoring the third bone anchor to the third pedicle, and linking the third bone anchor together with the first bone anchor and second bone anchor with the spinal rod. Further according to this aspect, the second retractor blade may include multiple connector elements such that the second retractor blade can be connected to the retractor body in both right-facing and left-facing directions and the method includes disconnecting the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade from the retractor body, reconnecting the retractor body to the second and fifth retractor blades, and operating the retractor body to expand an operative corridor formed between the second retractor blade and the fifth retractor blade. Alternatively according to this aspect, the method may also include replacing the second retractor blade with a sixth retractor blade and reconnecting the retractor body to the sixth retractor blade and the fifth retractor blade and operating the retractor body to expand an operative corridor formed between the sixth retractor blade and the fifth retractor blade.

[0051] According to another example, there is described a second method for performing a spinal fusion procedure on a spinal segment of a human spine, the spinal segment including at least a first vertebra and a second vertebra separated from the first vertebra by an intervertebral disc space, including the steps of (a) anchoring a first anchor portion to a first pedicle, the first anchor portion being connected to a first retractor blade of a retractor assembly; (b) anchoring a second anchor portion to a second pedicle, the second anchor portion being connected to a second retractor blade of the retractor assembly; (c) connecting the first retractor blade to a first arm of a retractor body of the retractor assembly and connecting the second retractor blade to a second arm of the retractor body; (d) operating the retractor body to increase the distance between the first arm and the second arm to expand an operating corridor between the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade; (e) advancing a third retractor blade through the operative corridor to the spinal segment; connecting the third retractor blade to a translating arm of the retractor body, and operating the retractor body to translate the translating arm and further expand the size of the operating corridor; (f) preparing the intervertebral disc space to receive an implant; (g) implanting a fusion implant in the intervertebral disc space; (h) disconnecting the first retractor blade from the first anchor portion and attaching a first receiver portion to the first anchor portion; (i) disconnecting the second retractor blade from the second anchor portion and attaching a second receiver portion to the second anchor portion; (j) inserting and locking a rod into the first receiver portion and second receiver portion; and (k) removing the first and second retractor blades from the operative corridor and closing the operative corridor.

[0052] According to another aspect of the second method the first anchor portion is connected to the first retractor blade via a hoop shim slidably engaged with the first retractor blade.

[0053] According to another aspect of the second method the second anchor portion is connected to the second retractor blade via a hoop shim slidably engaged with the second retractor blade.

[0054] According to another aspect of the second method, the method may include connecting the first anchor portion to the first retractor blade by inserting a head of the first anchor portion into a hoop member of the hoop shim and engaging a shim element of the hoop shim to the first retractor blade and connecting the second anchor portion to the second retractor blade by inserting a head of the second anchor portion into a hoop element of a hoop shim and engaging a shim element of the hoop shim to the second retractor blade.

[0055] According to another aspect of the second method engaging a shim element of a hoop shim to one of the first and second retractor blades includes inserting the shim element into a track formed along an interior face of the retractor blade and sliding the shim element down the track until the shim element sits in a distal most position along the track.

[0056] According to another aspect of the second method stops at the distal end of the track prevent the hoop shim from disengaging the retractor blade from the distal end of the blade.

[0057] According to another aspect of the second method, may include manipulating the hoop shim connected to one of the first and second anchor portions into a locked configuration that prevents disassociation of the anchor portion and the hoop shim.

[0058] According to another aspect of the second method manipulating the hoop shim into a locked position includes slidably advancing a hoop portion of the hoop shim towards the shim element.

[0059] According to another aspect of the second method slidably advancing the hoop portion towards the shim element causes a flange of the hoop portion to deflect inwards which causes a dimension of an anchor head receiving aperture in the hoop member to decrease.

[0060] According to another aspect of the second method the hoop shim is manipulated into the locked position after the hoop shim is inserted into a track formed along an interior face of one of the first and second retractor blades and advanced down the track to a distal end of the retractor blade.

[0061] According to another aspect of the second method may include connecting an inserter to the one of the first bone anchor first retractor blade and second bone anchor second retractor blade combinations

[0062] According to another aspect of the second method the shim elements slidably engage.

[0063] According to another example, a first system includes a retractor for performing and creating an operative corridor to a surgical target site is described. The system includes a retractor body which includes a first arm; a second arm, the first arm and the second arm being movable relative to each other in a first direction; and a center arm movable relative to the first arm and the second arm in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a first retractor blade attachable to first arm; a second retractor blade attachable to the second arm; and a third retractor blade attachable to the center arm, wherein the third retractor blade is pivotable relative to the center arm in the first direction.

[0064] According to another aspect of the first system the first and second retractor blades are registerable to first and second pedicle of the spine.

[0065] According to another aspect of the first system the first and second retractor blades are registerable to the spine via a poly axial engagement.

[0066] According to another aspect of the first system the poly axial engagement is with a hoop shim.

[0067] According to another example, a second system for creating an operative corridor to a to a surgical target site is described. The second system includes a retractor body, the retractor body including a first arm; a second arm, the first arm and the second arm being movable relative to each other in a first direction; and a center arm movable relative to the first arm and the second arm in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second system also includes a first retractor blade attachable to first arm; a second retractor blade attachable to the second arm; and a third retractor blade attachable to the center arm, wherein a distal end of the first retractor blade is configured to be temporarily anchored in position relative to a first spinal bone and a proximal end of the first retractor blade is pivotable relative to the first arm, and wherein a distal end of the first retractor blade is configured to be temporarily anchored in position relative to a second spinal bone and a proximal end of the second retractor blade is pivotable relative to the second arm.

[0068] According to another example, a third system is described including a hoop shim for use with a surgical tissue retractor system. The hoop shim includes a shim portion having at least one feature that releasably associates with a retractor blade of the surgical retractor system; and a hoop portion having a hoop member that releasably associates with the head of a bone anchor.

[0069] According to another aspect of the third system the hoop portion and the shim portion are slidably engaged.

[0070] According to another aspect of the third system the hoop member extends orthogonally to the shim portion.

[0071] According to another aspect of the third system the hoop member has an unlocked position which allows passage of the bone anchor head and a locked position which prevents passage of the bone anchor head.

[0072] According to another aspect of the third system the shim portion and the hoop portion are slidably engaged and the locked position is entered by sliding the hoop portion towards a proximal end of the shim portion.

[0073] According to another aspect of the third system sliding the hoop portion towards the proximal end of the shim portion causes a dimension of an aperture formed through the hoop member to decrease in size.

[0074] According to another aspect of the third system the hoop portion includes a first flange and a second flange extending from the hoop member.

[0075] According to another aspect of the third system the first flange slides within a recess formed in the back of the shim element.

[0076] According to another aspect of the third system the first flange has a wing extension along at least portion of the first flange extending beyond a perimeter of the recess in the back of the shim element, the wing extension being receivable within a track groove of the retractor blade.

[0077] According to another aspect of the third system the second flange also slides within the recess formed in the back of the shim element.

[0078] According to another aspect of the third system the second flange includes a proximal portion having a first width and an intermediate portion having a width greater than the first width of the proximal portion.

[0079] According to another aspect of the third system the proximal portion always resides within the recess in the back of the shim element.

[0080] According to another aspect of the third system the intermediate portion resides outside the recess when the hoop portion is in the unlocked position and resides in the recess when the hoop portion is in the locked position.

[0081] According to another aspect of the third system the intermediate portion has a sloped upper surface that engages a knob situated at the entrance such that second flange deflects toward the first flange when the hoop portion slides into the recess.

[0082] According to another aspect of the third system deflection of the second flange causes a dimension of an aperture formed through the hoop member to decrease in size.

[0083] According to another aspect of the third system deflection of the second flange causes a slight rotation of the shim element relative to the first flange such that a distal end of the shim element flares out to the side opposite the first flange and such that a width between the distal end of a wing extension on the first flange and distal end of a wing extension on the shim element is greater than the width at an entrance between a first track groove and a second track groove of the retractor blade thereby preventing the hoop shim from being slidably engaged to the retractor blade when the hoop shim is locked.

[0084] According to another aspect of the third system the intermediate portion has bottom portion sloped in the opposite direction of the slopped top portion that permits the intermediate portion to slide out of the recess.

[0085] According to another aspect of the third system the bottom surface is steeper than the slope of the top surface.

[0086] According to another aspect of the third system the sloped top surface of the intermediate element is also concave.

[0087] According to another aspect of the third system the sloped bottom surface of the intermediate element is also convex.

[0088] According to another aspect of the third system the first flange includes a tab disposed through a slot formed in the shim portion.

[0089] According to another aspect of the third system a retaining plate on the tab fixes the hoop portion and the shim portion together.

[0090] According to another aspect of the third system the hoop member includes an insert.

[0091] According to another aspect of the third system the insert comprises a polymer material.

[0092] According to another aspect of the third system the polymer is polyetheretherketone.

[0093] According to another aspect of the third system when the hoop portion is releasably associated with the bone anchor, the association permits the bone anchor to angularly move relative to the hoop portion.

[0094] According to another aspect of the third system the association permits polyaxial angulation.

[0095] According to another aspect of the third system the polyaxial angulation encompasses 360 degrees.

[0096] According to another aspect of the third system the shim portion and the hoop portion are provided preassembled.

[0097] According to another aspect of the third system the shim portion has a horizontal slot formed near a proximal end.

[0098] According to another aspect of the third system the horizontal slot has a ramped back-facing surface.

[0099] According to another example, a fourth system is described including a retractor blade for use with a surgical tissue retractor system. The retractor blade includes an attachment portion, an upper blade portion that extends generally orthogonally from the attachment portion, and a lower blade portion that extends at an obtuse angle from the upper portion such that a distal end of the lower blade portion is offset from the plane of the upper portion.

[0100] According to another aspect of the fourth system the distal end of the lower portion is offset from the plane of the upper portion by approximately one-quarter inch.

[0101] According to another aspect of the fourth system the retractor blade is provided in multiple lengths and the angle at which the lower blade portion extends from the upper blade portion is varied to achieve a generally uniform offset.

[0102] According to another aspect of the fourth system the lower blade portion has a greater width than the upper blade portion.

[0103] According to another aspect of the fourth system the lower blade portion includes a free sliding blade extension.

[0104] According to another aspect of the fourth system the lower blade portion has a recess in which the free sliding blade extension slides.

[0105] According to another aspect of the fourth system the recess has an elongated central slot in which a guide extension of the blade extension is disposed.

[0106] According to another aspect of the fourth system the recess also includes side grooves in which the edges of the blade extension are received.

[0107] According to another aspect of the fourth system the length of the central slot determines the sliding distance of the blade extension.

[0108] According to another aspect of the fourth system the distal end of the blade extension is curved toward the exterior side of the retractor blade.

[0109] According to another aspect of the fourth system the distal end of the blade extension is also has a concave curve.

[0110] According to another aspect of the fourth system the edge of the distal end is serrated.

[0111] According to another aspect of the fourth system the attachment portion includes an engagement feature that pivotally engages a retractor body.

[0112] According to another aspect of the fourth system the engagement feature is a cylindrical aperture dimensioned to receive a cylindrical post of the retractor body.

[0113] According to another aspect of the fourth system the attachment portion includes a set screw extending into the cylindrical aperture to secure the retractor blade to the retractor body.

[0114] According to another aspect of the fourth system the attachment portion includes a second engagement feature that connects to an insertion handle.

[0115] According to another aspect of the fourth system the second engagement feature is a post with a tapered proximal end and a cylindrical groove that is configured to receive a coil spring that extends into in a cylinder dimensioned to receive the post.

[0116] According to still another example there is described a fifth system, the fifth system including an inserter for anchoring a bone anchor. The inserter includes a driver assembly having a driver shaft and a distal engagement feature that engages a drive feature of the bone anchor; and a blade engagement member that releasably engages a retractor blade of a retractor assembly.

[0117] According to another aspect of the fifth system the driver shaft freely rotates relative to the engagement member such that a retractor blade attached to the engagement member doesn't rotate with the bone anchor as the bone anchor is driven into bone.

[0118] According to another aspect of the fifth system the blade engagement member comprises a body with a pair of wing extensions that slidably engage a pair of track grooves along the interior face of the retractor blade.

[0119] According to another aspect of the fifth system the engagement member further comprises a deflectable tab configured to be received within notches in the retractor blade.

[0120] According to another aspect of the fifth system further comprising a receiver member that captures a head of the bone anchor.

[0121] According to another aspect of the fifth system the receiver member comprises a receptacle having deflectable flanges that deflect inward around the head of the bone anchor to secure the bone anchor to the receiver member.

[0122] According to another aspect of the fifth system a thumb wheel linked to the receiver member draws the deflectable fingers into a cylinder causing the fingers to deflect.

[0123] According to another aspect of the fifth system the distal engagement feature of the driver shaft is housed within the receptacle such that the distal engagement feature engages with the drive feature of the bone anchor head when the bone anchor head is secured in the receptacle.

[0124] According to another aspect of the fifth system the receptacle rotates with the driver shaft.

[0125] According to another aspect of the fifth system the driver shaft is cannulated.

[0126] According to another example there is described a sixth system including a bone anchor, a retractor blade, and a shim that can be assembled into an anchor-blade-shim assembly. The sixth system includes a bone anchor having an anchor portion that includes a partially spherical head; a retractor blade that is attachable to a retractor assembly, the retractor blade having a track including first and second track grooves formed in an interior face; and a shim that slidably engages the first and second track grooves such that it is advanceable down the track towards a distal end of the retractor blade and securely engages the partially spherical head of the bone anchor in a polyaxial engagement.

[0206] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The systems and methods for performing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion disclosed herein boast a variety of inventive features and components that warrant patent protection, both individually and in combination.

[0207] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example of a surgical fixation system 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The surgical fixation system 5 includes a variety of sub-components dimensioned to allow for retraction of a soft tissue in order to establish an operative corridor through a patient's skin to a surgical target site. By way of example only, the surgical target site referred to herein throughout is an intervertebral disc space situated between two adjacent vertebrae. Although particularly suited for use in lumbar spine fixation, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the surgical fixation system of the present invention may be employed in any number of suitable orthopedic fixation approaches and procedures, including but not limited to anterior, posterior, lateral, anterolateral, posterolateral, cervical spine fixation, thoracic spine fixation, as well as any non-spine fixation application such as bone fracture treatment.

[0208] By way of example only, the surgical fixation system 5 includes a tissue retraction assembly 10, a plurality of hoop shims 6, and a plurality of bone anchors 7. According to one broad aspect of the present invention, the tissue retraction system 10 includes retractor body 12, a first retractor blade 14, a second retractor blade 16, and a third retractor blade 18 (also referred to herein throughout as the medial blade 18). The retractor blades 14, 16, 18 may be provided in any size and shape suitable to establish and maintain an operative corridor to the surgical target site, however, certain benefits may be achieved utilizing one or more aspects of the various shaped retractor blades described, which features should be apparent from the discussion herein. The bone anchor 7 may be one of the type shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/820,136, filed Jun. 21, 2010 and entitled “Polyaxial Bone Screw Assembly,” the entire contents are hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forth fully herein. The tissue retraction assembly 10 may be configured such that the retractor blades 14, 16, 18 may be advanced to the surgical target site individually (e.g. sequentially) or together (e.g. simultaneously). For example, for simultaneous advancement, two or more of the retractor blades 14, 16, 18 may be attached to the retractor body prior to advancement to a surgical target site. As will be explained by way of example in further detail below, the tissue retraction assembly 10 is particularly suitable for individual advancement of each blade 14, 16, 18 to a surgical target site. For instance, the first retractor blade 14 may be advanced through an incision and securely attached to a first bone segment within the surgical target site. The second retractor blade 16 may then be advanced through an incision and securely attached to a second bone segment within the surgical target site. Once the first and second retractor blades 14, 16 are secured to the first and second bone segments, the retractor blades 14, 16 may then be attached to the retractor body 12. Thereafter, the first and second retractor blades 14, 16 may be further moved by the retractor assembly to a second “open” position to establish and maintain a second operative corridor (or working channel). This operative corridor may be variable in size and approach angle to the surgical target site, providing the ability to establish numerous custom working channels. The medial retractor blade 18 may then be attached to the retractor body 12 and used as desired.

[0209] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the retractor body portion 12 includes a housing member 20, a rack member 22, a medial retraction member 24, a first retractor arm 26, a second retractor arm 28, a first toggle 30, and a second toggle 32. Broadly, the housing member 20 provides a scaffold to hold the various components together. The rack member 22 provides a mechanism to expand the operative corridor in a caudal-cranial direction by moving the retractor blades 14, 16 toward or away from one another. The medial retraction member 24 provides a mechanism to expand the operative corridor in a medial direction by moving the medial retractor blade 18 away from the first and second retractor blades 14, 16. The first retractor arm 26 couples to the first retractor blade 14, and as will be explained in detail below, is configured to enable the first retractor blade 14 to retract nearby soft tissue and/or distract the first bone segment. The second retractor arm 28 couples to the second retractor blade 16, and is configured to enable the second retractor blade 16 to retract nearby soft tissue and/or distract the second bone segment. The first toggle 30 controls the caudal-cranial movement of the first and second retractor arms 26, 28, and therefore the first and second retractor blades 14, 16. The second toggle 32 controls the medial movement of the medial retraction member 24, and therefore the medial blade 18.

[0210] Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, the housing member 20 has a front side 34, a back side 36, an upper portion 38, and a lower portion 40. The housing member 20 further includes a first recess 42 extending axially through the upper portion 38 from the front side 34 to the back side 36. The first recess 42 is configured to receive the medial retraction member 24 therein. The first recess 42 include a pair of track grooves 44 that are configured to engage with flanges 110, 112 on the medial retraction member 24 to secure the medial retraction member to the housing 20. The first recess 42 further includes a tapered surface 46 extending from the front side of the first recess 42 toward the front side 34 of the housing member 20. This tapered surface 46 enables medial-lateral angulation of the medial retraction member 24 while in a retracted position. The tapered surface 46 is flanked by a pair of curved surfaces 48 that enable caudal-cranial pivoting of the medial retraction member 24 while in a retracted position. The upper portion 38 further includes a second recess 50 and a third recess 52, formed within the housing member 20 on either side of the first recess 42. The second recess 50 is configured to receive the first toggle 30 therein. The second recess 50 is dimensioned to allow for movement of the toggle 30 therein to enable the toggle 30 to perform its function, which is explained in further detail below. The third recess 52 is configured to receive the second toggle 32 therein. The third recess 52 is dimensioned to allow for movement of the toggle 32 therein to enable the toggle 32 to perform its function, which is explained in further detail below. The upper portion 38 further includes at least one attachment member 53 dimensioned to enable attachment of the retractor body 12 to an articulating arm (not shown) within the operative field. This attachment to the articulating arm ensures that the surgical retraction system 10 is securely registered to the operating table. The upper portion may also be provided with at least one aperture 55 dimensioned to receive a tool (not shown) configured to allow the operator to alter the position of the retractor body 12 in order to adjust the angle of the operative corridor.

[0211] The lower portion 40 includes a first lumen 54 extending axially through the housing member 20 transverse to the first recess 42. By way of example only, the first lumen has a generally rectangular cross-section and is configured to slideably receive the first rack member 58 therethrough. The lower portion 40 further includes a second lumen 56 extending axially through the housing member 20 transverse to the first recess 42 and parallel to the first lumen 54. By way of example only, the second lumen 56 has a generally rectangular cross section and is configured to slideably receive the second rack member 60 therethrough.

[0212] FIG. 11 illustrates the retractor body 12 without the housing member 20 to provide a clear view of the rack 22. Referring now to FIG. 12, the rack 22 includes a first rack member 58 and a second rack member 60. By way of example only, the first rack member 58 is an elongated axial member having a generally rectangular cross section and a first end 62, a second end 64, and an elongated body 66 extending therebetween. Although shown and described as generally rectangular, other cross sectional shapes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The first rack member 58 is dimensioned to be slideably received within the first lumen 54 of the housing member 20. The first end 62 is connected to the first retractor arm 26. The first rack member 58 further includes a plurality of teeth 68 on one surface, the teeth being provided along substantially the length of the first rack member 58. The teeth interact with the first toggle 30 to allow controlled caudal-cranial movement of the first retractor blade 14, as will be described.

[0213] By way of example only, the second rack member 60 is an elongated axial member having a generally rectangular cross section and a first end 70, a second end 72, and an elongated body 74 extending therebetween. Although shown and described as generally rectangular, other cross sectional shapes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The second rack member 60 is dimensioned to be slideably received within the second lumen 56 of the housing member 20. The first end 70 is connected to the second retractor arm 28. The second rack member 60 further includes a plurality of teeth 76 on one surface, the teeth being provided along substantially the length of the second rack member 60. The teeth interact with the first toggle 30 to allow controlled caudal-cranial movement of the second retractor blade 16, as will be described.

[0214] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 13-14, the first toggle 30 includes an actuator 78, a gear 80, and a release member 82. The actuator 78 includes a superior handle portion 84 that includes a friction feature that enables a user to grip and turn the handle portion 84. By way of example only, the handle portion 84 is provided with a friction feature comprising a plurality of planar surfaces 86 (for engagement with a rotation handle), however other friction features are possible, for example ridges, knobs, dimples, and/or a material overlay such as rubber that provides for adequate gripping by a user. The actuator 78 further includes an inferior post 88 that extends away from the handle portion 84. The inferior post 88 includes at least one generally planar surface 90 configured to mate with the planar surface 93 of the gear 80 and transfer the torque applied by a user to the handle portion 84 to the gear 80, thus turning the gear 80. The inferior post 88 further includes a recess 92 for receiving a snap ring 95, which functions to secure the first toggle 30 to the housing member 20.

[0215] By way of example only, the gear 80 has a generally circular cross-section and includes a central lumen 91 extending therethrough and a plurality of teeth 94 in the form of vertical ridges distributed about the perimeter of the gear 80. The central lumen 91 includes a planar surface 93 configured to mate with the planar surface 90 of the actuator 78 to transfer the torque applied by a user to the handle portion 84 to the gear 80, thus turning the gear 80. The teeth 94 of the gear 80 are configured to mate with the teeth 68, 76 of the first and second rack members 58, 60. As shown by way of example in FIG. 12, the first toggle 30 is positioned between the first and second rack members 58, 60 such that the teeth 94 of the gear 80 simultaneously engages the teeth 68 of the first rack member 58 and the teeth 76 of the second rack member 60. Thus, as the handle portion 84 of the actuator 78 is turned by a user, the gear 80 causes the first and second racks 58, 60 to simultaneously move in opposite directions. For example, when the handle portion 84 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the first rack 58 will move in a cranial direction (assuming proper placement of the retractor relative to the spine) and the second rack 60 will move in a caudal direction. The effect of this movement is that the first retractor blade 14, through its connection to the first arm 26 (which is connected to the first rack member 58) will move in a cranial direction and the second retractor blade 16, through its connection to the second retractor arm 28 (which is connected to the second rack member 60) will move simultaneously in a caudal direction.

[0216] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 13-14, the release member 82 includes body 96, a tab 98, and a flange 100. The body 96 is a generally circular member having a central lumen 102 extending therethrough. The central lumen 102 is dimensioned to receive the post 88 of the actuator 78. The tab 98 extends radially from the body and functions as a manipulation point for the user. The flange 100 includes a ratchet member 104 that is dimensioned to interact with the teeth 68 of the first rack member 58. The release member 82 further includes a spring 106 that biases the ratchet member 104 into an engaged position relative to the teeth 68. Thus, as the gear 80 turns and the first rack member 58 moves, the ratchet member 104 clicks into engagement with each passing tooth 68. Thus the ratchet member 104 provides for controlled translation of the first and second rack members 58, 60, and creating a customizable operative corridor established in incremental amounts. The ratchet member 104 further prevents unwanted migration of the first rack member 58 (and therefore the second rack member 60 as well) such that the desired operative corridor will not alter once established. The ratchet member 104 is configured to allow for unidirectional movement of the first rack member 58 relative thereto while the ratchet member 104 is engaged to the gear 80. The ratchet member 104 effectively prevents counterclockwise turning of the handle member 84. To contract the operative corridor, for example upon completion of the desired surgical procedure, the user activates the tab 98, causing the ratchet member 58 to disengage from the teeth 68. This allows for free (though still simultaneous) translation of the first and second rack members relative to the housing member 20. That is, a counterclockwise turning of the handle member 84 will cause the first and second rack members 58, 60 to translate in an opposite direction, such that the first retractor blade 14 will move in a caudal direction and the second retractor blade 16 will move in a cranial direction.

[0217] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate the medial retraction member 24 in greater detail. By way of example only, the medial retraction member 24 comprises a medial rack 108 dimensioned to fit in the first recess 42 of the housing member 20. By way of example only, the medial rack 108 is an elongated axial member having a generally rectangular cross section. The medial rack 108 includes a first flange 110 and a second flange 112, each extending the length of the medial rack 108 and dimensioned to engage the overhangs 44 of the first recess 42. The first flange 110 includes a plurality of teeth 114 in the form of vertical ridges that are distributed along the length of the first flange 110. The teeth 114 engage with the gear 124 of the second toggle 32 to enable movement of the medial rack 108. The medial rack 108 further includes a post 116 extending axially from the front end of the medial rack 108. The post 116 is configured for engagement with the medial blade 18. The post 116 has an end portion 118 having a first diameter and a recessed portion 120 between the end portion 118 and the medial rack 108, the recessed portion 120 having a reduced diameter relative to the end portion 118. This configuration allows for engagement, for example a snap-fit engagement, with the medial blade 18.

[0218] The medial rack further includes at least one attachment member 109 dimensioned to enable attachment of the medial retraction member 24 to an articulating arm (not shown) within the operative field. This attachment to the articulating arm ensures that the surgical retraction system 10 is securely registered to the operating table. The attachment member 109 on the medial retraction member 24 is structurally identical to, and performs the same function as, the attachment member 53 of the housing member 20 (FIGS. 10-11). However, attachment to the attachment member 109 of the medial retraction member 24 provides an entirely different effect than attachment to the attachment member 53 of the housing member 20. Specifically, attachment to the attachment member 109 registers the medial retraction member 24 to the articulating arm, and therefore the surgical table. In this state, the medial retraction member 109 is secured in place, and actuation of the toggle 32 will therefore cause the retractor body 12, to move laterally relative to the patient. Conversely, when the articulating arm is attached to the attachment member 53 of the housing 20, the housing 20 is secured in place relative to the operating table, the actuation of the toggle 32 will cause the medial retraction member 24 to move medially relative to the patient. This feature is advantageous in situations in which the medial blade 18 has been placed, but for some reason the surgeon would prefer to move the operative corridor laterally relative to the spine rather than medially.

[0219] Referring now to FIG. 7 in addition to FIGS. 15-17, the second toggle 32 includes an actuator 122, a gear 124, and a release member 126. The actuator 122 includes a superior handle portion 128 that includes a friction feature that enables a user to grip and turn the handle portion 128. By way of example only, the handle portion 128 is provided with a friction feature comprising a plurality of planar surfaces 130, however other friction features are possible, for example ridges, knobs, dimples, and/or a material overlay such as rubber that provides for adequate gripping by a user. The actuator 122 further includes an inferior post 132 that extends away from the handle portion 128. The inferior post 132 includes at least one generally planar surface 134 configured to mate with the planar surface 127 of the gear 124 and transfer the torque applied by a user to the handle portion 128 to the gear 124, thus turning the gear 124. The inferior post 132 further includes a recess 136 for receiving a snap ring 138, which functions to secure the second toggle 32 to the housing member 20.

[0220] By way of example only, the gear 124 has a generally circular cross-section and includes a central lumen 125 extending therethrough and a plurality of teeth 140 in the form of vertical ridges distributed about the perimeter of the gear 124. The central lumen 125 includes a planar surface 127 configured to mate with the planar surface 134 of the actuator 122 to transfer the torque applied by a user to the handle portion 128 to the gear 124, thus turning the gear 124. The teeth 140 of the gear 124 are configured to mate with the teeth 114 of the medial rack member 108. As shown by way of example in FIG. 15, the second toggle 32 is positioned adjacent the medial rack member 108. As the handle portion 128 of the actuator 122 is turned by a user, the gear 124 causes the medial rack 108 to translate in a medial (or lateral) direction. For example, when the handle portion 128 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the medial rack 128 will move in a medial direction (i.e. toward the spinal column, assuming proper placement of the retractor relative to the spine). The effect of this movement is that the medial retractor blade 18, through its connection to the medial rack 108 will move in a medial direction, thereby retracting soft tissue and expanding the operative corridor. The medial rack 108 thus contributes to the customizable nature of the operative corridor.

[0221] The release member 126 includes body 142, a tab 144, and a flange 146. The body 142 is a generally circular member having a central lumen 148 extending therethrough. The central lumen 148 is dimensioned to receive the post 132 of the actuator 122. The tab 144 extends radially from the body and functions as a manipulation point for the user. The flange 146 includes a ratchet member 150 that is dimensioned to interact with the teeth 114 of the medial rack member 108. The release member 126 further includes a spring 152 positioned between the tab 144 and the housing 20 that biases the ratchet member 150 into an engaged position relative to the teeth 114. Thus, as the gear 124 turns and the medial member 108 moves, the ratchet member 150 clicks into engagement with each passing tooth 114. Thus the ratchet member 150 provides for controlled translation of the medial rack member 108, and creating a customizable operative corridor established in incremental amounts. The ratchet member 150 further prevents unwanted migration of the medial rack member 108 such that the desired operative corridor will not alter once established. The ratchet member 150 is configured to allow for unidirectional movement of the medial rack member 108 relative thereto while the ratchet member 150 is engaged to the gear 124. The ratchet member 150 effectively prevents counterclockwise turning of the handle member 128. To contract the operative corridor, for example upon completion of the desired surgical procedure, the user activates the tab 144, causing the ratchet member 108 to disengage from the teeth 114. This allows for free translation of the medial rack member 108 relative to the housing member 20. That is, a counterclockwise turning of the handle member 128 with the ratchet member 150 disengaged will cause the medial rack member 108 to translate in an opposite direction (e.g. lateral direction, away from the spine.

[0222] FIGS. 18-19 illustrate the first arm member 26 in greater detail. The first arm member 26 includes a front body portion 160, a rear body portion 162, a first flange 164, and a second flange 166. The front body portion includes a front surface 168 and a top surface 170. The front surface 168 includes an aperture 172 formed therein and extending into the front body portion 160. The aperture 172 is dimensioned to receive the engagement post 230 of the first retractor blade 14 (FIG. 6) to enable engagement of the first retractor blade 14 to the retractor body 12. The top surface 170 includes a second aperture 174 configured to receive a set screw 176 (FIG. 7). The set screw 176 functions to lock the engagement post 230 within the aperture 172, preventing unwanted ejection of the first retractor blade 14 from the first arm member 26. The rear body portion includes a lower-facing inside tapered surface 178 that allows the medial blade 18 to pivot within a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the medial rack member 108. This pivoting enables intraoperative repositioning of the retractor body 12 relative to the surgical target site without the need to detach the retractor body 12 from the articulating arm. The net effect is to alter the approach angle of the operative corridor relative to the surgical target site.

[0223] The first flange 164 extends axially from the rear body portion 162 and includes a third aperture 180 and fourth aperture 182. The third aperture 180 is configured to securely mate with the first end 62 of the first rack member 58 such that the first arm member 26 moves with the first rack member 58. By way of example only, the first arm member 26 can be securely mated with the first rack member 58 by welding, adhesive, snap-fit, friction-fit, or any other suitable method. Alternatively, the first arm member 26 can be integrally formed with the first rack member 58 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The fourth aperture 182 is configured to allow passage of the second rack member 60 therethrough. The third and fourth apertures 180, 182 are generally rectangular in shape, however other shapes are possible depending on the cross-sectional shapes of the first and second rack members 58, 60. The second flange 166 extends axially from the front body portion 160 and includes a generally planar upper surface 184 and a curved medial surface 186. The second flange 166 interacts with the thumbscrew 240 of the first retractor blade 14 and functions as a shelf to enable the lockable adjusted angulation feature of the first retractor blade 14, as well as an alternative distraction feature of the tissue retraction system 10, each of which will be described in greater detail below.

[0224] FIGS. 20-21 illustrate the second arm member 28 in greater detail. The second arm member 28 includes a front body portion 190, a rear body portion 192, a first flange 194, and a second flange 196. The front body portion includes a front surface 198 and a top surface 200. The front surface 198 includes an aperture 202 formed therein and extending into the front body portion 190. The aperture 202 is dimensioned to receive the engagement post 230 of the second retractor blade 16 (FIG. 6) to enable engagement of the second retractor blade 16 to the retractor body 12. The top surface 200 includes a second aperture 204 configured to receive a set screw 206 (FIG. 7). The set screw 206 functions to lock the engagement post 230 within the aperture 202, preventing unwanted ejection of the second retractor blade 16 from the first arm member 28. The rear body portion includes a lower-facing inside tapered surface 208 that that allows the medial blade 18 to pivot within a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the medial rack member 108. This pivoting enables intraoperative repositioning of the retractor body 12 relative to the surgical target site without the need to detach the retractor body 12 from the articulating arm. The net effect is to alter the approach angle of the operative corridor relative to the surgical target site.

[0225] The first flange 194 extends axially from the rear body portion 192 and includes a third aperture 210. The third aperture 210 is configured to securely mate with the first end 70 of the second rack member 60 such that the second arm member 28 moves with the second rack member 60. By way of example only, the second arm member 28 can be securely mated with the second rack member 60 by welding, adhesive, snap-fit, friction-fit, or any other suitable method. Alternatively, the second arm member 28 can be integrally formed with the second rack member 60 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The third aperture 210 is generally rectangular in shape, however other shapes are possible depending on the cross-sectional shapes of the second rack member 60. The second flange 196 extends axially from the front body portion 190 and includes a generally planar upper surface 214 and a curved medial surface 216. The second flange 196 interacts with the thumbscrew 240 of the second retractor blade 16 and functions as a shelf to enable the lockable adjusted angulation feature of the second retractor blade 16, as well as an alternative distraction feature of the tissue retraction system 10, each of which will be described in greater detail below.

[0226] The retractor blades 14, 16 may be provided in any size or shape suitable to establish and maintain an operative corridor to the surgical target site. In one embodiment, the retractor blades 14, 16 can be individually selected for appropriate length. Therefore, the retractor blades 14, 16 can be of different lengths which gives the surgeon additional control over the shape and size of the operative corridor (as shown for example in FIGS. 62 and 63). The retractor blades 14, 16 may be provided having a generally arcuate cross-section to facilitate a circular or generally oblong surgical corridor. FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an example of a first retractor blade 14 according to the present invention. FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the first retractor blade 14. For the purposes of illustration, the specific features of the invention will be described in relation to the first retractor blade 14. However it should be understood that the features described in relation to first retractor blade 14 are the same for second retractor blade 16, but provided in a mirror-image configuration. Thus, though the first and second retractor blades 14 and 16 are not strictly interchangeable, the features of each blade are virtually identical rendering a repeat discussion unnecessary as cumulative.

[0227] Referring now to FIGS. 22-26, the first retractor blade 14 includes an attachment portion 220 and a blade portion 222 extending distally from the attachment portion 220. The attachment portion 220 has a front side 224, a back side 226, and a top surface 227. The back side 226 includes a first aperture 228 extending into the upper attachment portion 220 and configured to receive an engagement post 230 therein. The engagement post 230 is configured to mate with the aperture 172 of the first arm member 26 to couple the first retractor blade 14 with the retractor body 12. Correspondingly, the engagement post 230 is configured to mate with the aperture 202 of the second arm member 28 to couple the second retractor blade 16 with the retractor body 12. The attachment portion 220 further includes a pair of second apertures 232 extending through the attachment portion 220 parallel to one another and transverse to the first aperture 228. The second apertures 232 are vertically offset from the first aperture 228 but are at least partially in communication with the first aperture 228. The second apertures 232 are configured to receive pins 234 that operate to secure the engagement post 230 to the retractor blade 14 (explained in further detail below). The attachment portion further includes a flange 236 extending angularly (relative to the top surface 227) therefrom, the flange 236 including an aperture 238 configured to receive a thumb screw 240 therein. The flange 236 and thumb screw 240 interact with the second flange 166 of the first arm member 26 to enable the lockable angulation feature of the first retractor blade 14, as well as an alternate tissue distraction feature of the tissue retraction system 10, as will be described in greater detail below. By way of example only, both the thumb screw 240 and aperture 238 include threads to enable a threaded engagement therebetween. However, other engagements are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. By way of example only, the flange 236 is angularly offset from the top surface 227 within a range of 15 to 50 degrees, with the preferable angle being approximately 30 degrees. The thumbscrew 240 includes a head 241, a shaft 243, and a distal tip 245. The head 241 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a rotation feature that enables the user to rotate the thumb screw 240. The rotation feature may be anything that is suitable to enable rotation of the thumb screw 240, for example including but not limited to a socket 247 for receiving a driver as shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 26, and/or an external planar surfaces 249 to provide gripping for a driver or a user's hand, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0228] The blade portion 222 extends distally from the attachment portion 220 and includes an outside surface 242, an inside surface 244, a first lip 246, and a second lip 248. The outside surface is a smooth arcuate surface configured to interact with the patient's soft tissue near the operative corridor. As best seen in FIG. 24, the outside surface 242 extends from the attachment portion 220 at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the top surface 227. Since much of the blade has a generally uniform thickness, the inside surface 244 extends from the attachment portion 220 at the same non-orthogonal angle relative to the top surface 227. Thus, the effect is that the operative corridor is immediately established having a conical shape with no further adjustment of the tissue retraction assembly 10 required. Additionally, the blade portion 222 extends from the attachment portion 220 such that the blade face (i.e. inner surface 244) is oriented orthogonal to the attachment portion 220. Thus, when the retractor blade is attached to the retractor body 10, the inside surface faces 244 the operative corridor at an angle rather than facing directly at the opposing blade, for example between 20 and 60 degrees). This orientation of the blade portion relative to the attachment portion helps optimize the shape (e.g. triangular) of the operative corridor. The inside surface 244 includes a plurality of notches or recesses 250 arranged in a linear alignment thereon, the notches or recesses 250 being configured to interact with the knob 498 of the inserter 400, as will be described in further detail below. The blade portion 222 further includes a pair of track grooves 252 spaced apart from one another and extending the length of the inside surface 244. The track grooves 252 are configured to slideably receive a shim attachment, for example the hoop shim 6 shown and described herein. It should be understood, however, that any suitable shim attachment may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. At the distal end of each of the track grooves 252 there is a stop 254, which interacts with the hoop shim 6 to prevent the hoop shim 6 from passing the stop 254 once it has been fully engaged to the retractor blade. The first lip 246 and second lip 248 comprise edges of the blade portion 222 and each extend along the length of the blade portion 222 from the attachment portion 222 to the distal end of the blade portion 222. Notably, the first and second lips 246, 248 are asymmetric relative to one another. For example, the first lip 246 has a concave portion 256 that allows for clearance of spinal anatomy during blade angulation.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 26, the engagement post 230 includes a boss 258 and a post 260. The boss 258 is generally cylindrical in shape and is dimensioned to be received within the aperture 172 of the first arm member 26 to couple the first retractor blade 14 with the retractor body 12. The boss 258 includes a recess 262 formed therein, the recess 262 configured to receive at least a portion of the set screw 176 to securely engage the first retractor blade 14 to the retractor body 12. The post 260 extends axially from the boss 258 and is configured to be received within aperture 228 of the first retractor blade 14. The post 260 further includes a recess 264 formed therein, the recess 264 being sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of both pins 234 therein. The pins 234 extend transversely relative to the post 260, and prevent undesirable uncoupling of the post 230 from the first retractor blade 14. In practice, the retractor blade 14 (and retractor blade 16) is provided with the post 230 already secured within the aperture 228 with the pins 234 in place. The pins 234 may be secured by any suitable method, including for example welding, that ensures that the pins 234 securely retain the post 230 within the aperture 238. Although described herein as using a set screw 176 to secure the first retractor blade 14 (and/or second retractor blade 16) to the retractor body 12, any suitable attachment mechanism can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a quick connection mechanism such as a snap fit engagement is possible, as is a friction engagement or an integral blade.

[0230] Referring to FIGS. 27-30, the medial retractor blade 18 may be provided in any size or shape suitable to establish and maintain an operative corridor to the surgical target site. By way of example only, the medial retractor blade 18 includes an attachment portion 270 and a blade portion 272. The attachment portion 270 includes a knob 274 and an aperture 276. The knob 274 is configured to allow manipulation by a user, for example to change the angulation of the medial retractor blade 18. The knob also connects to a manual insertion tool (not shown). By way of example, the manual insertion tool includes a cylinder with a canted coil received in a notch therein. In a natural position, the coil extends into the cylinder. The tapered end of the knob 274 deflects the canted coil as the knob passes. When the coil reaches the groove 275 formed in the knob, the coil returns to the natural position and secures the blade to the manual inserter. The aperture 276 extends into the attachment portion 270 and is configured to receive the post 116 of the medial retraction member 24 therein to securely attach the medial retractor blade 18 to the retractor body 12. The engagement between the medial retractor blade 18 and the post 116 is provided by way of example as a snap-fit engagement allowing for relative easy insertion and/or removal of the medial retractor blade 18. However, other engagements are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to using a set screw (e.g. through the knob 274 into the aperture 276), friction engagement, or providing a medial retraction member with integral blade. This engagement allows a user to intraoperatively change the medial retractor blade 18, for example to swap out a shorter blade for a longer blade, and vice versa.

[0231] The blade portion 272 includes an upper portion 280 and a lower portion 282. The upper portion 280 is adjacent to the attachment portion 270 and extends generally orthogonally therefrom. The lower portion 282 is located distally of the upper portion 280 and is offset from the upper portion 280 such that it forms an obtuse angle with the upper portion 280 (best shown in FIG. 30). By way of example only, the offset is such that the distal end of the lower portion 282 is offset from the plane of the upper portion 280 by approximately one-quarter of an inch. Depending upon the length of the blade portion 272, the angle formed between the upper and lower portions 280, 282 is variable to achieve this one-quarter inch offset. The lower portion 282 is wider than the upper portion to accommodate the retraction of a greater amount of the patient's soft tissue near the surgical target site. The lower portion 282 includes a recess 284 configured to receive a blade extension 290 therein. The recess 284 includes an elongated central slot 286 formed therein and configured to receive a guide extension 292 therein. The recess 284 may further include a pair of elongated lateral slot 288 formed therein on either side of the central aperture 286.

[0232] A blade extension 290 may be provided to enhance the functionality of the medial retractor blade 18. The blade extension 290 is received within the recess 284 and is coupled to the medial blade 18 by the fastener 292. According to one embodiment, the blade extension 290 is slideably coupled to the medial blade 18. To enable this slideable coupling, the fastener 292 is slideably received within the elongated central aperture 286. The blade extension 290 includes a front surface 294 and a back surface 296. In use, the blade extension 290 is oriented such that the front surface 294 faces the operative corridor, and the back surface 296 engages the patient's soft tissue. The blade extension 290 may be generally curved such that the front surface 294 has a concave curvature and the back surface 296 has a convex curvature or it may the front and back may be generally flat. The blade extension 290 further includes a distal anchor element 298 provided thereon. The distal anchor element 298 comprises a roughened surface including a series of ridges and spike members that enable the clearing away of soft tissue from the surgical target site. The distal anchor element 298 has two aspects of curvature. The first aspect of curvature is that the distal anchor element 298 curves toward the back surface 296. The second aspect of curvature is that the front surface 294 maintains its concave curvature.

[0233] The result is that the distal anchor element 298 acts much the same way as a “boat anchor” in that it is capable of travelling along the surgical target site, displacing soft tissue until the distal anchor element 298 engages hard tissue such as bone. By way of example only, when used during a TLIF procedure such as the one described herein by example, the distal anchor element 298 advantageously removes soft tissue from the facet as it is being retracted, saving the surgeon from having to manually clean the facet. Due to its unique shape, the distal engagement element 298 will either penetrate the bone or become wedged underneath the bone. The blade extension 290 is slideably coupled to the medial blade 18 such that, upon tilting or other movement of the surgical retraction system 10, the blade extension 290 will remain stationary relative to the bone segment while the medial retractor blade 18 moves relative to the blade extension 290. The blade extension 290 is therefore capable of telescoping (i.e. extending or retracting) to conform to anatomy during retraction, both with and/or without manual adjustments from the surgeon. Thus, the blade elongates since it is secured distally at the bone and proximally at the retractor body 12. In this manner, the surgeon is able to further optimize, customize, and alter the operative corridor without having to disengage the retractor and/or any blades, while ensuring the exposure at the surgical target site (the base of the operative corridor) does not change, and thereby preventing previously retracted soft tissue from entering the operative corridor under the blade. Optionally, the blade extension 290 may be mechanically biased toward the extended position in order to ensure that its tissue clearing functionality is maximized. This may be accomplished, for example, by including a spring member (not shown) attached to the medial blade 18 and configured to bias the blade extension 290 in the distal direction.

[0234] FIGS. 31-34 illustrate an example of a hoop shim assembly 6 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The hoop shim assembly 6 includes a hoop portion 300 slideably engaged with a shim portion 302. The hoop portion 300 includes a hoop member 304, a first flange 306 and a second flange 308 extending proximally from the hoop member 304. The hoop member 304 is a generally circular member having a central aperture 310 configured to receive a bone anchor 7 therein. The hoop member 304 has a first, unlocked position having a first diameter allowing passage of the bone anchor 7 therethrough. In this first position, the head of the bone anchor 7 may pass through, but with resistance. The hoop member 304 further has a second, locked position, having a second diameter that does not allow passage of the head of the bone anchor 7 therethrough. Thus, when the hoop member 304 is in the locked position, the bone anchor 7 is secured to the hoop shim 6. As will be explained below, this secured engagement does not mean that the bone anchor 7 is immobilized—on the contrary it is a polyaxial engagement (as illustrated in FIGS. 58-61). The hoop member 304 may be optionally provided with an insert 312 (FIGS. 35-37) to provide protective interaction with the bone anchor 7. More specifically, the insert 312 protects the neck of the bone anchor 7 from a metal-on-metal contact with the hoop shim 6, which could ultimately weaken the bone anchor 7. The insert 312 may be composed of any suitable materials, including but not limited to polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0235] The first flange 306 is generally elongated and extends generally perpendicularly in a proximal direction from the hoop member 304. The first flange has a wing 314 extending at least partially along the length of the flange 306 from the proximal end toward the distal end. The wing 314 is dimensioned to engage one of the track grooves 252 of the first retractor blade 14 (and/or second retractor blade 16) to enable slideable engagement of the hoop shim assembly 6 with the retractor blade 14 (as shown in FIG. 38, for example). The first flange 306 further includes a tab member 316 projecting in a forward direction (i.e. same direction as the hoop member 304). The tab member 316 is generally rectangular and configured to slideably engage the vertical slot 338 of the shim portion 302. The tab member 316 has a generally U-shaped retaining pin 318 attached thereto that prevents the tab member 316 from becoming disengaged with the vertical slot 338 during use. By way of example only, the retaining pin 318 is welded to the tab member 316 during assembly of the hoop shim assembly 6, however other attachment methods are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the tab member 316 and retaining pin 318 may be integrally formed with one another and then welded onto the first flange 306. Additionally, a retaining plate may be welded over the tab instead of the retaining pin.

[0236] The second flange 308 is generally elongated and extends generally perpendicularly in a proximal direction from the hoop member 304 opposite and generally parallel (in an initial position) to the first flange 306. The second flange 306 has a distal portion 320, a proximal portion 322, and an intermediate portion 324 positioned between the distal portion 320 and proximal portion 322. The distal portion 320 is attached to the hoop member 304, and has a first width. The proximal portion 322 has a second width that enables the proximal portion 322 to pass the knob 346 of the shim portion 302 and into the recess 344 of the shim portion 302. By way of example only, the first width is greater than the second width. The intermediate portion 324 has a third width that is greater than both the first and second widths, and a convex edge 326 extending from the proximal portion 322 to an apex 328. The intermediate portion 324 further includes a concave edge 330 extending between the apex 328 and the distal portion 320.

[0237] The shim portion 302 is a generally rectangular elongated member having a proximal end 332 and a distal end 334. The shim portion 302 further includes a first wing 336 extending substantially the length of one side of the shim portion 302 (e.g. the side that corresponds to the second flange 308 of the hoop portion 300). The first wing 336 is dimensioned to engage one of the track groove 252 of the first retractor blade 14 (and/or second retractor blade 16) to enable slideable engagement of the hoop shim assembly 6 with the retractor blade 14 (as shown in FIG. 36, for example). The shim portion further includes an elongated vertical slot 338 extending substantially the length of the shim portion 302. The vertical slot 338 is configured to slideably receive the tab member 316 therein. The shim portion 302 further includes a horizontal slot 340 positioned near the proximal end 332. The horizontal slot 340 is dimensioned to engage the distal projection 366 of the hoop shim removal tool 350, as described below. The horizontal slot has a ramped surface 341 extending toward the proximal end 332 of the shim portion 302. By way of example only, the vertical slot 338 and horizontal slot 340 are shown as one connected L-shaped aperture, however separate apertures are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The shim portion 302 further includes a second wing 342 positioned near the proximal end 332 on the opposite side of the shim portion 302 from the first wing 336. The second wing 342 is dimensioned to align with the wing 314 of the first flange 306 during use (as shown in FIG. 33). The second wing 342 has the same function as the first wing 336. The shim portion 302 further includes a recess 344 formed within the back side of the shim portion. The recess 344 is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the second flange 308 of the hoop portion 300, to enable the hoop shim 6 to transition to a locked position. The recess 344 also includes a knob 346 positioned at the distal end of the recess 344. The knob 346 functions to reduce the width of the opening of the recess 344 to prevent easy disengagement of the hoop portion 300.

[0238] In use, the hoop shim assembly 6 is preferably provided in a preassembled form in which the tab member 316 is engaged within the vertical slot 338 and the retaining pin 318 is welded to the tab member 316, preventing disengagement of the tab member 316 from the vertical slot 338. In the initial position, the proximal portion 322 of the second flange 308 is positioned within the recess 344 of the shim portion 302 and adjacent to the knob 346. In this initial position, a bone anchor 7 may be loosely engaged to the hoop member 304, within the central aperture 310. To secure the bone anchor 7 to the hoop shim assembly 6, the hoop shim assembly 6 is moved from its initial unlocked position to a final locked position. To achieve this, the first and second flanges 306, 308 are slideably advanced proximally along the shim portion 302. The convex edge 326 of the intermediate portion 324 of the second flange 308 includes a relatively gradual curvature. As the second flange 308 is advanced past the knob 346 and into the recess 344, the interaction between the knob 346 and the convex edge 326 causes the second flange 308 to deflect toward the first flange 306. The width of the intermediate portion is preferably such that the intermediate portion still engages the inner wall of the recess and remains in the deflected position. The concave edge 330 has a relatively steep concave curvature, and thus the apex 328 will not reverse past the knob 346 absent sufficient applied force. Once the apex 328 is beyond the knob 346 and within the recess 344 of the shim portion 302, the hoop shim assembly 6 is in a locked position, and the bone anchor 7 is successfully and securely engaged thereto (e.g. FIG. 44).

[0239] This final, locked position is illustrated by way of example only in FIGS. 35-37. The bone anchor 7 is positioned within the aperture 310 of the hoop portion 300. An insert 312 is provided within the hoop member 304. Notably, the head 8 of the bone anchor 7 is positioned proximally of the hoop member 304, and in this position is unable to pass through the aperture. The threaded shank 9 of the bone anchor 7 extends distally of the hoop member 304.

[0240] FIG. 38 illustrates a hoop shim assembly 6 engaged with a retractor blade 14, in an unlocked position and without a bone anchor engaged thereto. FIG. 39 illustrates a hoop shim assembly 6 lockingly engaged to a bone anchor 7 and engaged with a retractor blade 14. The hoop shim assembly 6 may be coupled with the bone anchor 7 and/or retractor blade 14/16 either before or during a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the hoop shim assembly 6, bone anchor 7, and retractor blade 14 are provided in a pre-assembled state. In such an embodiment, the hoop shim assembly 6 is first coupled to a retractor blade 14 as described above, in an unlocked position. A bone anchor 7 is then introduced such that the neck region is within the central aperture 310. At this point the engagement between the hoop shim assembly 6 and bone anchor 7 is unsecure. The hoop shim assembly 6 is then moved into a locked position, securing the bone anchor 7 therein. The bone anchor 7, hoop shim assembly 6, and retractor blade 14 may then be coupled to an inserter, for example such as the inserter 400 shown and described in relation to FIGS. 64-78 below, and advanced simultaneously through the operative corridor to the surgical target site. Alternatively, the bone anchor 7 may be placed within the surgical target site and then engaged with the hoop shim assemblies 6 by slipping the heads 8 of the bone anchors 7 within the central aperture 310 of the hoop shim assembly 6 and then locking the hoop shim assemblies 6. Moreover, the hoop shim assembly 6 may be intraoperatively engaged and/or disengaged from an implanted bone anchor 7 within a surgical target site. This feature is advantageous in that it allows the operative corridor to be registered to an anatomical landmark, and also removed from that registration, for example if the user wanted to expand the operative corridor beyond the implanted bone anchors. A further advantage of this feature is that it allows for intraoperative exchange of retractor blades 14, 16, for example to swap out for a longer or shorter blade, without losing the ability to register the operative corridor to an anatomical landmark, and without changing the position of the retractor body 12.

[0241] FIGS. 40-42 illustrate an example of a hoop shim removal tool 350 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The hoop shim removal tool 350 is a generally elongated instrument having a distal engagement member 352, an intermediate shaft 354, and a proximal slap hammer 356 attached thereto. The distal engagement member 352 includes a top panel 358, a bottom panel 360, and a base 362 positioned between the top and bottom panels 358, 360 at the proximal end of the distal engagement member 352. The top panel 358 has a distal portion 364 that extends beyond the end of the bottom panel 360. The distal portion 364 includes a projection 366 configured to engage the horizontal slot 340 of the hoop shim assembly 6. As illustrated in FIG. 42, the projection 366 is oriented such that there is an acute angle formed between the projection 366 and the top panel 358. The projection 366 further includes a ramped leading surface 367 configured to deflect off the shim portion 302 as the distal engagement member 352 is advanced into engagement with the shim portion 302. The bottom panel 360 includes a pair of lateral wings 363 positioned on either side of the bottom panel 360. The lateral wings 363 are dimensioned to engage the track grooves 252 of the first retractor blade 14 (and/or second retractor blade 16) to enable slideable engagement of the hoop shim removal tool 350 with the retractor blade 14 (as shown in FIG. 43, for example).

[0242] The slap hammer 356 includes a distal stop 368, a proximal stop 370, an elongated shaft 372 extending between the distal and proximal stops 368, 370, and a slapper 374 slideably positioned on the elongated shaft 372. The slapper 374 is configured to slide along the elongated shaft 372 between the distal and proximal stops 368, 370. The slap hammer 356 is designed to allow a user to generate a tremendous force in the proximal or distal direction. For example, a user would grab the slapper 374 and exert a force in a proximal direction by “slapping” it against the proximal stop 370.

[0243] FIGS. 43-46 illustrate the steps of using the hoop shim removal tool 350 to remove the hoop shim 6. First, as illustrated in FIGS. 43-44, the hoop shim removal tool 350 is slideably engaged to the retractor blade 14 as described above. The distal engagement member 352 is advanced along the retractor blade 14 until the projection 366 engages the locked hoop shim assembly 6. As the projection 366 is being advanced over the shim portion 302 between the proximal end 332 and the horizontal slot 340, the top panel 358 is outwardly displaced. As the projection 366 engages the horizontal slot 340, the top panel 358 snaps back into place and a secure engagement is achieved between the hoop shim removal tool 350 and the hoop shim assembly 6, as illustrated in FIGS. 44 and 45. The user then slaps the slapper 374 against the proximal stop 370 to generate a proximal force on the shim portion 302 of the hoop shim assembly 6. This force should be great enough to at least pull the knob 346 past the intermediate portion 324 of the second flange 306, causing the hoop shim assembly 6 to return to its unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the aperture 310 has an increased diameter. Another slapping of the slapper 374 should supply enough force to pull the hoop member 304 past the head 8 of the anchor member 7, thus disengaging the hoop shim 6 from the anchor member 7 (as shown in FIG. 46) and retrieving the hoop shim assembly 6 from the retractor blade track. Of course, a single slapping of the slapper 374 may be sufficient to both unlock the hoop shim assembly 6, disengage the hoop member 304 from the anchor head 7. The retractor blade 14 is no longer registered to the anchor member in the surgical fixation site, but can rather move freely and/or be removed entirely.

[0244] Although the hoop shim removal tool 350 has been described by way of example with regard to a specific embodiment, other mechanisms are possible. For example, the slap hammer may be replaced by a Kerrision-style trigger without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0245] The surgical retraction system 10 described herein may be used in a variety of different surgical techniques involving a variety of areas of the body. By way of example only, the surgical retraction system 10 is ideal for performing a novel procedure for performing a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedure on a human spine. For the purposes of illustration, the example technique will be explained with regard to a one-level TLIF, in which two adjacent vertebrae are fused across a single intervertebral space. However, it should be noted that the system and method disclosed herein may be suitable to be used on multiple vertebral levels without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the system and methods described herein may be used and/or adapted for use in a variety of different surgical techniques involving a variety of areas of the body without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0246] Prior to performing this technique, the patient is positioned in the prone position, (i.e. on his/her stomach). The first step in the method is to locate the pedicles that will in part define the surgical target site. The next step is to create an incision in the patient's skin above the surgical target site (in this example, an intervertebral disc space between two adjacent vertebrae). Specifically, the incision should be made between the pedicles along the lateral border. K-wires are then placed via a jamshidi through the small incisions into the pedicles on adjacent vertebrae. To assist with this, the surgeon may use a navigated guidance system, for example one shown and described in commonly owned PCT Application Nos. PCT/US07/11962, entitled “Surgical Trajectory Monitoring System and Related Methods,” filed May 17, 2007, and PCT/US08/12121, entitled “Surgical Trajectory Monitoring System and Related Methods,” filed on Oct. 24, 2008, the entire contents of which are each incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forth fully herein. Once the K-wires are positioned properly within the target pedicles, the surgeon may create an initial surgical corridor through finger dissection. The distance from the vertebral body and surface of the skin is measured using a ruled dilator or another suitable instrument. Another tool may be used to measure the appropriate screw length by indicating how far into bone the K-wire has been advanced. The next step in the procedure is pilot hole formation. Navigated guidance and fluoroscopic imaging may continue to be used to help the surgeon ensure the proper approach and trajectory into the pedicles is being maintained. A cannulated tap is then passed over each of the K-wires to tap an appropriate sized pilot hole into each of the pedicles. Optionally, the cannulated tap may be substantially insulated and provided with an electrified tip, or alternatively a second insulated cannula may be provided while the tap is electrified, in order to enable pedicle integrity testing during pilot hole formation. This function is similar to the procedure shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/836,105, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,664,544, filed Apr. 30, 2004, entitled “System and Methods for Performing Percutaneous Pedicle Integrity Assessments,” the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this document as if set forth fully herein. Once this is completed, the appropriate length of retractor blades 14, 16 is selected and assembled with the hoop shim assembly 6, an anchor member 7, and inserter 400 as shown and described herein. This step is repeated for both the first and second retractor blades 14, 16.

[0247] Once the blade-shim-anchor assembly has been securely created, the anchor member 7 (with hoop shim 6 and first retractor blade 14 securely attached) is advanced through the initial operative corridor and driven into the pilot hole in a first of the adjacent pedicles. This process is repeated with the second retractor blade 16 assembly and the second pilot hole, until the first and second retractor blades 14, 16 are protruding from the initial incision, with the distal ends of the blades being securely registered to the anchor members 7 via the hoop shim assemblies 6. At this point, the first and second retractor blades 14, 16 may be attached to the retractor body 14 as described above. The surgeon may then operate the retractor body 12 to cause the retractor blades 14, 16 to move in cranial and caudal directions, respectively, at the skin level. Because the distal portions of the retractor blades 14, 16 are securely (and polyaxially) registered to the implanted anchor members 7, the anchor members 7 will not move. However, the angle of the retractor blades 14, 16 relative to the anchor members 7 may be adjusted to a desired angle (for example as shown in FIG. 54, and the operative corridor will be established. Once established, the retractor body 12 may be locked to an articulating arm (not shown) by either one of the attachment members 53 of the retractor body 12, or attachment members 109 of the medial rack 108. Using a suitable tool or a finger, the surgeon then releases soft tissue from the facet. A medial retractor blade 16 may then be inserted and retracted as desired and as described above. As mentioned previously, the medial retractor blade may operate to clear remaining soft tissue from the facet. The medial retractor blade 16 may be angled to match the operative corridor by pivoting the blade in a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the medial rack 108. In this fashion, the entire operative corridor may be established at an angle that is suitable for superior access to the disc space.

[0248] At this point, the tissue retraction assembly 10 is positioned as shown by way of example in FIGS. 47-49. The surgeon has established a primary operative corridor 4 to a surgical target site 1, and has distinct landmarks (i.e. the implanted anchor members 7) delineating the cranial and caudal boundaries of the relevant operative window (the respective pedicles of the superior and inferior vertebrae 2, 3). The surgeon can now perform the necessary steps to clean out the intervertebral disc space and perform the interbody fusion procedure. This example procedure continues with a facetectomy in which at least a portion of the facet joint is removed, allowing access to the intervertebral disc space. The disc space is prepared using techniques generally known in the art, including disc brushes, scrapers, etc. The interbody implant is then inserted into the cleaned out disc space. By way of example only this may include, but not be limited to, inserting one or more artificial or allograft implants within the intervertebral space. According to one example, the implant may be inserted and positioned obliquely across the disc space. If necessary, the surgeon may use the tissue retraction system 10 to distract the disc space without expanding the incision at the patient's skin and without any further instrumentation. This tissue distraction feature of the disclosed device is described in greater detail below.

[0249] After placement of the interbody implant, the distraction of the screws is released, and the hoop shim assemblies 6 are removed using the hoop shim removal tool 350 as described above. The surgeon then “opens” the retractor slightly in a caudal-cranial direction using the thumbscrews 240 on the blades (opposed to the rack assembly 22) as described below to increase the space around the pedicle screws. The pedicle screw tulips are then inserted onto the pedicle screws (FIG. 51). A posterior fixation rod is then placed within the tulips (FIG. 52), followed by compression (if necessary) and locking of the rod. With the procedure completed, the retractor can be returned to a “closed” position and then removed from the patient, closing the operative corridor (FIG. 53). The surgeon will then close the operative wound, completing the procedure.

[0250] The surgical fixation system 5 shown and described herein by way of example boasts a variety of advantageous features. An advantage of the present system is that it allows for intraoperative adjustment of the operative corridor, and in particular the angle of approach (in all directions) to the surgical target site with assurance that the exposure will not stray from the desired target site because the distal ends of the retractor blades 14, 16 are fixed in position at the target site. This advantage is accomplished by one or more features of the present invention. For example, the retractor blades 14, 16 that define the exposure are fixed to the target site with a polyaxial engagement (e.g. the hoops shim assemblies 6 have a polyaxial interaction with the bone anchors 7). The retractor blades 14, 16, 18 are each capable of multiaxial movement relative to the retractor body 12. The first and second retractor blades 14, 16 are capable of being locked in an angulated position.

[0251] FIGS. 54-57 illustrate extreme angulation capabilities of the tissue retraction system 10. Once the primary operative corridor has been established as described above, it may become necessary to alter the position of the operative corridor, for example to be able to access intervertebral disc material that otherwise would not be able to be accessed. With the tissue retraction system 10 disclosed herein the angle of the operative corridor 4 may be altered without changing the surgical window at the target site—only the approach angle changes. This is enabled by the multiaxial movement capabilities of the retractor blades 14, 16, 18. In this context, “multiaxial” means having the ability to pivot in a number of different directions relative to an initial position along one axis (or in a single plane). For example, each of the retractor blades 14, 16, has the ability to pivot in both a caudal and cranial direction. Similarly, the medial blade 18 has the ability to pivot in a caudal and cranial direction. It is contemplated that the retractor blades 14, 16, 18 may also be capable of polyaxial movement. In this context, “polyaxial” means having the ability to pivot in a number of different directions relative to an initial position along a number of axes (or in a number of different planes). Thus, blades may also be provided with the ability to pivot in a medial and/or lateral direction, or in a generally arcuate manner without departing from the scope of the present invention. Similarly, the medial retractor blade 18 may also be provided with the ability to pivot in a medial and/or lateral direction, or in a generally arcuate manner without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0252] As mentioned previously, the result of this pivoting is that the tissue retraction system 10 described herein is capable of establishing and maintaining an angled operative corridor 4 to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction system 10 is able maintain this angulation due to the thumb screws 240 that are provided on each of the retractor blades 14, 16. As described earlier in relation to FIGS. 22-26, the flange 236 and thumb screw 240 of the first retractor blade 14 interact with the second flange 166 of the first arm member 26 to enable the lockable angulation feature of the first retractor blade 14. Similarly, the flange 236 and thumb screw 240 of the second retractor blade 16 interact with the second flange 196 of the second arm member 28 to enable the lockable angulation feature of the second retractor blade 16. In one embodiment, the aperture 238 on the flange 236 and the thumb screw 240 are both threaded such that there is a threaded engagement between the flange 236 and thumb screw 240. As best illustrated in FIG. 57, once a desired angulation of the first retractor blade 14 is established, the thumb screw 240 is rotated clockwise to advance the threaded shaft 243 through the threaded aperture 238 until the distal tip 245 of the thumb screw 240 engages the top surface 184 of the second flange 166. At this point, the user stops rotating the thumb screw 240 and the first retractor blade 14 is prevented from pivoting in the opposite direction due to the threaded engagement of the flange 236 and thumb screw 240, as well as the engagement between the distal tip 245 of the thumb screw 240 and the top surface 184 of the second flange 166. This process is repeated for the second retractor blade 16. For example, once a desired angulation of the second retractor blade 16 is established, the thumb screw 240 is rotated clockwise to advance the threaded shaft 243 through the threaded aperture 238 until the distal tip 245 of the thumb screw 240 engages the top surface 214 of the second flange 196. At this point, the user stops rotating the thumb screw 240 and the second retractor blade 16 is prevented from pivoting in the opposite direction due to the threaded engagement of the flange 236 and thumb screw 240, as well as the engagement between the distal tip 245 of the thumb screw 240 and the top surface 214 of the second flange 196.

[0253] The medial retractor blade 18 may be provided with a locking element or be allowed to freely pivot. However, once the first and second retractor blades 14, 16 are locked in position, the operative corridor 4 is established and will not move whether or not the medial retractor blade 18 is locked in position.

[0254] FIGS. 58-61 illustrate the polyaxial engagement between the hoop shim assembly 6 and the anchor member 7. Due to the unique structure of the hoop member 304 and the head 8 of the anchor element 7, the hoop shim assembly 6 (and by extension the retractor blade 14/16) is able to maintain secure engagement to the anchor element 7 at a variety of angulations, including variable angulations. For example the hoop member 304 fits securely but loosely over the head 8 of the anchor member 7 to allow for locking of the hoop shim assembly 6 to the anchor member 7 but also allowing for polyaxial engagement therewith. This interaction between the hoop member 304 and anchor member 7 will serve several functions. First it provides a temporary but secure attachment for the retractor blades 14/16 to help keep the operative corridor secure during the surgical procedure and act as fixed anatomical landmarks for the surgeon, provided the surgeon knows exactly where the bone anchors are placed. In other words, the operative window at the surgical target site will not move even if the position of the retractor body 12 were to move, or even if the angles of the blades 14/16 were to alter, because the blades 14, 16 are registered to the anchor members 7, which are already implanted in the bone. Secondly, this interaction provides a pivot point for the retractor assembly, allowing the surgeon to tilt the retractor assembly (and therefore the operative corridor) while maintaining the proper placement of the distal end of the operative corridor (e.g. the space between the anchor members 7). Another benefit to this feature is that the retractor body 12 is always securely registered to the patient. Yet another benefit of this feature is that it enables multi-axial maneuverability of the retractor blades 14/16. More specifically, each retractor blade is able to tilt in a caudal direction or cranial direction (or even medial or lateral directions) without adversely affecting the engagement between the hoop shim assembly 6 and the anchor member 7.

[0255] A second advantage of the tissue retraction system 10 disclosed herein is that it functions not only as a soft tissue retractor but also may function as a distracter capable of moving the adjacent vertebrae apart in order to distract the intervertebral disc space in a caudal-cranial direction. There are at least two distinct ways in which this can be accomplished. The first is by locking the retractor blades 14, 16 in a desired orientation as described above and then operating the first toggle 30 of the rack member 22 to cause the retractor blades 14, 16 to move apart from one another, thereby distracting the disc space. With this first instance, there would necessarily be an expansion of the operative wound at the skin level, because the retractor body 12 is working to expand the entire operative corridor. The general shape of the operative corridor (e.g. angulation of the retractor blades 14, 16) remains constant but the width of the operative corridor expands.

[0256] The second, alternative method of distracting the disc space involves maintaining the first and second rack members 58, 60 in a stationary position, and then using the thumb screws 240 on the first and second retractor blades 14, 16 to cause the distal ends of the retractor blades 14, 16 to migrate apart from one another. Since these distal ends are attached to the implanted bone anchors 7, the result is a separation of the vertebral bodies. However, since the retractor body 12 remains constant, there is no enlargement of the surgical wound at the skin level. The general conical shape of the operative corridor itself changes, as the angulation of the blades 14, 16 also changes. This type of distraction can potentially have less detrimental effect to the patient because the skin incision is relatively unaltered. Referring again to FIG. 57, in order to accomplish this distraction, the user starts with the first and second retractor blades 14, 16 locked in position such that the distal tip 245 of the thumb screw 240 of the first retractor blade 14 is engaged with the top surface 184 of the second flange 166 of the first retractor arm 26, and the distal tip 245 of the thumb screw 240 of the second retractor blade 16 is engaged with the top surface 214 of the second flange 196 of the second retractor arm 28. At this point, the user would rotate one or both of the thumb screws 240 in a clockwise direction (to enable increased distraction) or in a counterclockwise direction (to decrease the distraction).

[0257] For the sake of simplicity, this process will be further described in relation to the first retractor blade 14 only, however it will be understood that the process is the same for the second retractor blade 16 as well. As the user rotates the thumb screw 240 when the distal tip 245 is engaged with the top surface 184 of the second flange 166 of the first retractor arm 26, flange 236 will effectively travel in a proximal direction relative to the shaft 243 of the thumb screw 240, since the distal tip 245 is prevented from travelling in a distal direction by the second flange 166. This causes the distal end of the retractor blade to swing outward, or away from the working channel. Since the distal end is engaged to a bone anchor 7 via a hoop shim assembly 6 as described above, the movement of the distal end of the retractor blade will cause the bony segment to be displaced in the same direction (away from the working channel). This causes distraction of the disc space. This process can be performed independently for each retractor blade 14, 16, thus enabling further customization of the operative corridor and/or surgical target site.

[0258] A third advantage of the tissue retraction system 10 described herein is the ability to intraoperatively exchange retractor blades 14, 16, 18. For example, this may be useful in situations in which the user desires one blade to be longer than the other. FIGS. 62-63 illustrate option for different sized blades. Because the blades 14, 16 are independently insertable, and are also inserted prior to the retractor body 12 being attached, an opportunity exists for a surgeon to elect multiple sized retractor blades depending upon the type of procedure to be performed. For example, if the surgeon is anticipating the need for extreme angulation in a particular direction, he or she may choose to use a longer retractor blade to accommodate for increased angle of one of the retractor blades. The interchangeability of the retractor blades allows for customization of the operative corridor.

[0259] FIGS. 64-67 illustrate an example of an inserter 400 for use with the tissue retraction system 10 of the present invention. As mentioned previously, the bone anchor 7, hoop shim assembly 6, and retractor blade 14 may then be coupled to an inserter, and advanced simultaneously through the operative corridor to the surgical target site. FIGS. 64 and 65 illustrate a bone anchor 7, hoop shim assembly 6, and retractor blade 14 coupled to the inserter 400. In order to couple the various components together prior to insertion through an operative corridor, the first step is to slideably engage the unlocked hoop shim assembly 6 with the retractor blade 6 as described above. The bone anchor 7 is then loosely coupled with the hoop shim assembly 6. The hoop shim assembly 6 is then locked with the bone anchor 7 engaged. The inserter 400 is then slideably engaged to the retractor blade 14 (as described below), advanced toward the bone anchor 7, and then releasably coupled to the bone anchor as described below. Once this coupling has occurred, the insertion assembly is very secure due to the fact that each component (bone anchor 7, hoop shim assembly 6, retractor blade 14 and inserter 400) is coupled to two other components at the same time. Specifically, the bone anchor 7 is coupled to the hoop shim assembly 6 and inserter 400. The hoop shim assembly 6 is coupled to the bone anchor 7 and retractor blade 14. The retractor blade 400 is coupled to the hoop shim assembly 6 and the inserter 400. The inserter 400 is coupled to the bone anchor 7 and retractor blade 14. The result is a secure and robust engagement that allows the user to safely advance the components to the surgical target site.

[0260] Referring to FIGS. 66 and 67, the inserter 400 includes a receiver assembly 402, a driver assembly 404, and an engagement assembly 406. Broadly, the receiver assembly 402 includes a receiver member 408, an elongated shaft 410, and a thumbwheel 412, and functions to securely engage the exterior of the head 8 of the anchor member 7. The driver assembly 404 includes cannulated driver 414, a housing 416, and a proximal engagement member 418, and functions to engage the head of the bone anchor 7 and drive it into the bone. The engagement assembly 406 includes a blade engagement member 420 and functions to engage the inserter 400 and retractor blade 14, as well as enable the locking of the head 8 of the anchor member 7 within the receiver assembly 402.

[0261] Referring to FIGS. 68-70, the receiver member 408 is a generally cylindrical member having a proximal end 424, a distal end 426, and a body 428 extending therebetween. The receiver member 408 further includes a central lumen 430 extending therethrough from the proximal end 424 to the distal end 426. At the proximal end 424, the central lumen 430 has a first diameter. At the distal end 426, the central lumen 430 has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, forming a receptacle 432 configured to receive the head 8 of the anchor member 7 therein. The distal end 426 further includes a plurality of deflectable flanges 434 arranged radially about the distal end 426. The deflectable flanges 434 include a raised surface 436 extending radially outward at the exterior of the distal end 426. Within the central lumen 430, the deflectable flanges 436 also include a concave surface 438 such that the opening 440 of the central lumen 430 has a smaller diameter than that of the receptacle 432. The raised surfaces 436 interact with the distal aperture 494 of the engagement assembly 406 to cause the flanges 434 to be deflected inward. This in turn causes the concave surfaces 438 to engage the neck 9 of the bone anchor 7, thereby entrapping the head 8 within the receptacle 432. The proximal end 424 further includes a plurality of apertures 442 formed therein, the apertures configured to receive connectors 452 at the distal end 446 of the shaft 410. By way of example only, the receiver member 408 includes four apertures 442, however, any number may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0262] Referring to FIGS. 67, 71 and 72, the shaft 410 has a proximal end 444 and a distal end 446. The proximal end 444 includes a threaded region 448 configured to threadedly engage the thumbwheel 412, as will be described in further detail below. The shaft 410 is cannulated and therefore has a lumen 450 extending therethrough from the proximal end 444 to the distal end 446. The lumen 450 is dimensioned to receive a K-wire (not shown) or similar guidance tool to guide the inserter 400 to the surgical target site during a surgical procedure. The distal end 446 includes a plurality of connectors 452 dimensioned to be received within the apertures 442 on the receiver member 408. The connectors 452 snugly fit within the apertures 442 and are provided to prevent the receiver member 408 from rotating when the bone anchor 7 is being driven into bone.

[0263] The thumbwheel 412 has a lumen 454 extending axially therethrough and includes a pair of recesses 456 located on either end of the lumen 454 the recesses are each configured to receive a stopper 458 therein. The stoppers 458 are annular members that help hold the thumbwheel 412 in place and provide friction resistance to the thumbwheel 412 so that some force is required to turn the thumbwheel 412. The lumen 454 is threaded to interact with the threaded region 448 of the shaft 410. As will be explained below, the thumbwheel 412 is operable to cause the shaft 410 to translate proximally and distally, thereby causing the receiver member 408 to translate in and out of the distal aperture 494 of the engagement assembly 406, and further causing the receiver member 408 to lock or unlock a head of an anchor member 7 therein. The thumbwheel 412 is further provided with a suitable friction engagement element 460, for example ridges, recesses, bumps, adhesives, and the like, for enabling a user to grip and rotate the thumbwheel 412.

[0264] Referring to FIGS. 67 and 73, the housing 416 includes a proximal end 462, a distal end 464, and an aperture 466 positioned therein. The aperture 466 is dimensioned to receive the thumbwheel 412 and at least a portion of each of the stoppers 458. The housing 416 is cannulated, having a lumen 468 extending therethrough dimensioned to receive the shaft 410 therein. The proximal end 462 includes a post 470 dimensioned to engage the proximal attachment member 418. The distal end 464 includes a second post 472 dimensioned to engage the cannulated driver 414. The proximal engagement member 418 extends proximally from the housing 416 and is configured to engage an attachment (e.g. a T-handle) that enables the application of torque by a user in order to drive a bone anchor 7 into bone.

[0265] Referring to FIGS. 74 and 75, the cannulated driver 414 includes a proximal end 474, a distal end 476, and an elongated cylindrical shaft 478 extending therebetween. The cannulated driver 414 further includes a lumen 480 extending axially therethrough, the lumen 480 configured to receive the shaft 410 of the receiver assembly 402. The distal end 476 includes a first cylinder 482 adjacent the shaft 478 and a second cylinder 484 extending distally from the first cylinder 482. The first cylinder 482 is configured to engage the blade engagement member 406. The second cylinder 484 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the first cylinder 482, and is configured to be at least partially received within the lumen 430 of the receiver member 408. The second cylinder 484 includes a plurality of elongated slots 488 extending axially therethrough. The elongated slots 488 are provided in a number corresponding to the number of connectors 452 provided on the shaft 410. By way of example, the second cylinder 484 includes four elongated slots 488, however any number is possible. The elongated slots 488 each have width dimension corresponding to the diameter of the connectors 452. The connectors 452 are slideably engaged within the elongated slots 488, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 76 and 77. The length of the elongated slots 488 determine the degree of translation of the shaft 410, and thus the receiver member 408 that is allowed upon operation of the thumbwheel 412.

[0266] Referring to FIG. 78, the engagement assembly 406 includes a blade engagement member 420 and a cylindrical body 422. The blade engagement member has a pair of elongated wings 490 that are configured to slideably engage the track grooves 252 of the first and/or second retractor blades 14, 16. The cylindrical body 422 includes a lumen 492 extending axially therethrough and a distal aperture 494. The lumen 492 is dimensioned to receive the receiver member 408 and cannulated driver 414 therein. The aperture 494 is dimensioned to allow passage of the receiver member 408 therethrough. The blade engagement member 420 further includes an axially oriented deflectable flange 496 extending thereon, the deflectable flange 496 including a knob 498 configured to be received within the recesses 250 in the retractor blade 14. When the knob 498 is positioned within a recess (or notch) 250, the flange 496 is in a relaxed position. As the inserter 400 is being advanced along the retractor blade 14, the knob 498 is forced out of the recess 250 and the flange 496 is deflected and under stress. When the knob 498 enters the next recess 250, the flange 496 snaps back into its initial position. This provides both a tactile and audible indication of the sequential advancement of the knob 498 along the series of recesses 250. In this manner, the user may be able to use the audible and tactile indications to determine how far the inserter 400 has been advanced along the retractor blade 14.

[0267] In use, preferably the hoop shim assembly 6, bone anchor 7, and retractor blade 14 are coupled together as described above, with the hoop shim assembly 6 in the locked position. The inserter 400 is provided in an initial position, with the distal end 426 of the receiver member 408 protruding from the distal aperture 494 of the engagement assembly 406. The inserter 400 is coupled to the retractor blade 14 via the engagement between the wings 490 of the engagement assembly 406 and the track grooves 252 of the retractor blade 14. Once coupled to the retractor blade 14, the inserter is slideably advanced along the retractor blade until the head 8 of the anchor member 7 is received within the receptacle 432 of the receiver member 408. The opening 440 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the head 8 of the anchor member 7, and thus there will be a tactile and/or audible indication as to when the anchor member 7 is received within the receiver member 408. Once this indication is relayed, the user then turns the thumbwheel 412 to lock the head 8 within the receiver member 408. Clockwise rotation of the thumbwheel 412 causes the shaft 410 (through the threaded engagement between the threaded region 448 of the shaft 410 and the threaded lumen 454 of the thumbwheel 412) to migrate proximally through the inserter 400. Due to the engagement between the connectors 452 and the receiver member 408, a proximal migration of the shaft 410 causes a proximal migration of the receiver member 408. This in turn draws the distal end 426 of the receiver member 408 through the distal aperture 494 of the engagement assembly 406. As this happens, the raised surface 436 interacts with the distal aperture 494 to cause the flanges 436 to be deflected radially inward. This causes the concave surfaces 438 to become engaged with the head 8 and/or neck 9 of the anchor member 7, thereby securely locking the anchor member 7 to the inserter 400. The assembly comprising the hoop shim assembly 6, anchor member 7, retractor blade 14, and inserter 400 is now ready for use.

[0268] To disengage the inserter 400 from the anchor member 7, the thumbwheel 412 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. This rotation reverses the effects described above, and releases the inserter 400 from the anchor member 7. The inserter 400 may then be slideably removed from the retractor blade 14.

[0269] FIGS. 79-82 illustrate an example embodiment of a reattachment tool 500 for use with the tissue retraction system 10. The reattachment tool 500 may be used to simplify the act of reattaching a hoop shim 6 (and retractor blade 14, 16) to the head 8 of an implanted bone anchor 7, in the event the hoop shim 6 becomes inadvertently or intentionally disengaged. For example, during the procedure the user may decide to swap out one or both of the retractor blades 14, 16 with longer or shorter blades. To do this, the user the user may disengage the hoop shim 6 from the bone anchor 7, with the hoop shim removal tool 350. The hoop shim 6 and retractor blade 14, 16 are removed from the operative corridor while the bone anchor 7 remains anchored. The new blade 14, 16 and hoop shim 6 are engaged, as described above, with the hoop shim 6 in the unlocked position. The reattachment tool 500 is then engaged with the retractor blade 14, 16 above the hoop shim 6 and the blade, hoop shim, and reattachment tool are advanced towards the bone anchor 7. The hoop member is then attached over the bone anchor 7 and the hoop shim is locked.

[0270] The reattachment tool 500 includes an outer body 502, an anchor engaging member 504, a shim engaging member 506, and a blade engaging member 508. With reference to FIGS. 80-81, the anchor engaging member 502 includes a shaft 510 terminating in a distal head 512 with a spherical pocket 514. The anchor engaging member is spring loaded in a distal cavity 516 of the body 502. The shaft 510 has a neck region 518 with a diameter that is larger than the rest of the shaft 510. A spring 520 encircling the shaft 510 is captured between the neck 516 and a back wall 522 of the cavity 516. A pin 526 traversing through cavity 516 prevents passage of the neck 518, keeping the anchor engagement member 504 fixed in the body 502. A cutout 526 between the distal head 512 and the neck 518 permits the anchor engaging member to slide along the pin 524 between a neutral position wherein the distal head 512 extends out of the body 502 and a depressed position wherein the distal head 512 is fully received within the body 512. With the anchor engaging member 504 contacting the head 8 of bone anchor 7, downward pressure is applied to the body 502 causing the distal head 512 of the anchor engaging member 504 to retract into the body 502 as the body 502 advanced towards the anchor site. The opening 528 at the distal end of the body 502 is large enough to receive the head 8 therein. As the head 8 is received into the body 502, the distal end presses the hoop member 304 over the head 8, such that the hoop shim 6 and bone anchor 7 are engaged in the unlocked position. The spherical pocket 514 of the distal head 512 complements the head 8 of the bone anchor 7 to help maintain engagement and alignment of the distal head 512 and anchor head 8. A handle 530 is preferably included to facilitate use of the reattachment tool.

[0271] The shim engaging element 506 has a base 532 and an arm 534 ending in a pair of fingers 536. The base 532 is spring loaded in a proximal cavity 536 of the body 502. The arm 534 and fingers 536 extend along the outside of body 502. Slot 538 in body 502 allows the base 532 and arm 534 to travel along the body 532. A spring 540 is captured between a front wall 542 of the proximal cavity 536 and the base 532 and holds the shim engaging element 506 in a neutral position. Fingers 536 slidably engage the track grooves 252 of the retractor blade 14, 16 and rest above the top of the shim element 302 of the hoop shim 6 when in the neutral position. Pusher 544 connects to the base 532 through a proximal end 548 of the body 502 and is used to advance the shim engaging element 506 distally towards the hoop shim 6. After reengaging the hoop member 304 over the anchor head 8, and with the distal end of the body still pressed against the hoop member 304 at the anchor site (and thus with the anchor head 8 still captured within the body 502), the pusher is used to apply downward force to the shim element 302, via the fingers 536, to move the hoop shim into the locked configuration. The pusher 544 preferably includes an enlarged end 546 for easier use.

[0272] The blade engagement member 508 extends from the body 502 and includes a deflectable flange 550 extending thereon. The deflectable flange 550 includes a knob 552 configured to be received within the recesses 250 in the retractor blade 14, 16. When the knob 552 is reattachment tool 500 is being advanced along the retractor blade 14, 16, the knob 552 is forced out of the recess 250 and the flange 550 is deflected and under stress. When the knob 552 enters the next recess 250, the flange 550 snaps back into its initial position. This provides both a tactile and audible indication of the sequential advancement of the knob 552 along the series of recesses 250, as well as a secure (but releasable) engagement to the retractor blade 14, 16. The fingers 536 of the shim engaging element are situated on either side of the blade engaging element 508 and slidably engage the track grooves.

[0273] Another embodiment of a reattachment tool is illustrated in FIGS. 83-84. The reattachment tool 700 includes a dilator 702 and anchor adjustor 704. The dilator 702 has a dilator body 706, grip 708, and central passage 710 extending through the dilator 706 from the proximal end 712 to the distal end 714 and dimensioned to receive the anchor adjustor 704 therethrough. The dilator 702 has a length such that the distal end 714 can rest at a position adjacent the spine while the grip 708 remains outside of the patient. The grip 708 may be configured in any number of shapes, sizes, and materials to facilitate handling, for example, as pictured, the dilator grip 708 is diamond shaped. The anchor adjustor 704 includes a shaft 716 with a handle 718 at one end and a driver tip 720 at the opposite end, the shaft 716 having a length such that when the anchor adjustor is positioned within the dilator 702 the driver tip 720 extends beyond the distal end 714 and the handle extends beyond the proximal end 712. A slip ring (not shown) is situated within the central passage 710 and creates a friction interference between the dilator 702 and anchor adjustor 704 such that translation of the anchor adjustor 704 through the central passage requires the application of force from the user. By way of example, the slip ring may be a canted coil fitted within a groove formed in the interior wall of the central passage. The distal end 714 of the dilator body 704 is dimensioned with a circumference that closely approximates the circumference of the hoop member 304 such that the distal end of the dilator 714 will engage the hoop member while the anchor head 8 may be received within the central passage 710.

[0274] Like the hoop shim reattachment tool 500, the hoop shim reattachment tool 700 may be used to reattach a hoop shim 6 (and retractor blade 14, 16) to the head 8 of an implanted bone anchor 7 if the hoop shim 6 is inadvertently or intentionally disengaged (e.g. if the user decides to swap out one or both of the retractor blades 14, 16 with longer or shorter blades, or changing a right or left blade with the opposite blade during a multi-level procedure). To do this, by way of example, the hoop shim 6 is removed from the incision with the hoop shim removal tool 350, returned to the unlocked position (if necessary), and then recoupled to the blade 14 or 16 such that the hoop shim rests adjacent the screw head. The anchor adjustor 704 is loaded into the dilator 702 such that the driver tip 720 extends beyond the distal end 714 of the dilator body 706 and advanced to the anchor head 8. A K-wire may be used to help align the attachment tool 700 with the hoop shim 6. If the K-wire is used, the K-wire is advanced into the anchor head 8 through the hoop member 304. The anchor adjustor 704 is then advanced over the K-wire until the driver tip 720 mates with the tool recess in the anchor head 8 through the hoop member 304. With the anchor adjustor 704 related to the anchor head 8, the dilator 702 is pushed down towards the anchor 7 which drives the hoop member 304 down over the anchor head 8. The attachment tool 700 is then removed and the shim remover 350 can be used to lock the hoop shim 6.

[0275] Turing to FIGS. 85-88, the surgical fixation system described herein may be provided with a number of additional features or accessories. For example, as depicted in FIG. 85, a light cable 554 capable of coupling to the retractor blade assemblies and illuminating the operative corridor without obstructing the surgeon's view may be provided. The light cable 554 has an offset distal end 556 and wing extensions 558 beginning proximally to the offset distal end. In this configuration the distal end 556 can slide over the shim element 302 when the light cable is advanced down the track grooves 252, as shown in FIG. 86. By extending the distal end 556 over the shim element 302 of the hoop shim, glare that might occur from light reflecting off of the shim element 302 is negated. An o-ring 560 disposed around the distal end 558 engages the slot 340 of the shim element 302 to secure the light cable 554 from unwanted movement. The light cable may be bendable but also capable of holding its bended shape such that the proximal portions can be bended out of the way after exiting the retractor blade. According to an alternate embodiment (not shown), rather than the o-ring (or in addition too), the light cable may include one or more silicone beads situated on the blade facing side to provide friction against the blade and help eliminate unwanted movement of the light source.

[0276] By way of further example, tissue shims 562, illustrated in FIGS. 87-88, are capable of coupling to the retractor blade assemblies to extend the width of the retractor blades. The tissue shims 562 include a blade engaging portion 564. The blade engaging portion includes wing extensions (not shown) that slidably engage the track grooves 252 of the retractor blade 14, 16. A deflectable tab 566 similar those previously described engages the notches 250 on the interior face of the retractor blades 14, 16 to secure the position of the tissue shim 562 along the retractor blade. Branches 568 extend outward and downward from the blade engaging portion 564, such that when the blade engaging portion 564 is slidably received down the track grooves 252 of the retractor blade 14, 16, the branches 568 extend down to the target site, or nearly so, while the blade engaging portion remains above the shim element 302 of the hoop shim 6. The light cable 554 may be inserted above the tissue shim 562.

[0277] According to yet still another example, a malleable wall barrier may be provided that can be inserted between the retractor blades and the surrounding soft tissue to help keep the soft tissue out of the operative corridor and surgical target site. This malleable barrier may be semi-rigid in that it can be formed to conform to a desired shape yet hold this shape under pressure from the surrounding tissue. It is contemplated that this malleable barrier be supported by the retractor blades, but not necessarily attached to them. The malleable barrier may also extend out of the operative corridor (out of the patient) and be capable of being “folded” to lay on the patient's skin so as to be out of the surgeon's way.

[0278] While the retractor system 10 and methods described above have been directed towards single level fusion, it is possible to perform multiple level fusions using the retractor system 10. This may be accomplished in a number of different fashions. For example, the steps described above can be completed in the same fashion expect that the blade-shim-anchor assemblies are implanted in the pedicles of the vertebra at either end of the multi level multi-level spinal segment such that the operative corridor simply spans the entire segment. Alternatively, the operative corridor may be adjusted to expose each level of the multi level multi-level fusion sequentially. In this case, a third blade-shim-anchor assembly is advanced and anchored into the pedicle of the additional vertebra. For efficiency, this step may be performed at the same time the blade-shim-anchor assemblies are anchored to the first and second pedicles or it may be performed once the user is ready to begin work on the additional level(s). The hoop shim 6 is disengaged from the bone anchor 7 at the middle vertebrae of the segment and the retractor blade 14 or 16 is removed and replaced with a retractor blade 16 or 14, respectively, that faces the opposite direction (and the added third retractor blade). In one example this may be accomplished using the reattachment tool 500 or 700 described above. According to another example, an alternate retractor blade 600, illustrated in FIGS. 89-93, that facilitates swapping of the left and right facing blade at the middle level may be used. According to still another example, this may be accomplished using another alternate retractor blade 730 designed to be used as both a right sided blade and a left sided blade (e.g. an “ambiblade”), such as that illustrated in FIGS. 103-109. When used at the middle vertebra, the ambiblade 730 may simply be detached from the retractor body 12, rotated (with the hoop shim still attached to the bone anchor) to face the third blade, and reattached to the retractor body together with the third blade.

[0279] FIG. 89 illustrates an alternate retractor blade 600 that may be used with the retractor assembly 10 to facilitate multilevel procedures. The retractor blade 600 is similar to blade 14, 16 described above and includes an attachment portion 602 and a blade portion 604. The attachment portion 602 is generally identical to the attachment portion 220 of retractor blade 14, 16, such that repeat discussion is unnecessary.

[0280] The blade portion 604 is also similar to the blade portion 222 of retractor blade 14, 16 in that it extends distally from the attachment portion 602 and includes an outside surface 606, an inside surface 608, a first lip 610, and a second lip 611. The first lip 610 and second lip 611 comprise edges of the blade portion 604 and each extend along the length of the blade portion from the attachment portion 602 to the distal end of the blade portion 604. The first and second lips 610, 611 are asymmetric relative to one another. For example, the first lip 610 has a concave portion 613 that allows for clearance of spinal anatomy during blade angulation. The outside surface is a smooth arcuate surface configured to interact with the patient's soft tissue near the operative corridor. The outside surface 606 extends from the attachment portion 602 at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the top surface of the attachment portion. Since much of the blade has a generally uniform thickness, the inside surface 608 extends from the attachment portion 602 at the same non-orthogonal angle relative to the top surface. Thus, the effect is that the operative corridor is immediately established having a conical shape with no further adjustment of the tissue retraction assembly 10 required. Additionally, the blade portion extends from the attachment portion 602 such that the blade face is oriented orthogonal to the attachment portion 602. Thus, when the retractor blade 600 is attached to the retractor body 10, the inside surface 608 faces the operative corridor at an angle, for example between 20 and 60 degrees). This orientation of the blade portion relative to the attachment portion helps optimize the shape of the operative corridor.

[0281] Where the retractor blade 600 differs from the retractor blade 14, 16, is in that the inside surface 608 is not formed of a single surface, but rather it includes a track insert 612. As best viewed in FIG. 90, inner surface 608 has recess 614 which slidably receives the track insert 612 from the bottom of the blade portion. Edges 616 of the track insert 612 slide into grooves 618 formed in the sides of the recess 614. A deflectable tab 620 extends into the recess 614 pointing upward. As the track insert 612 advances into the recess 614 it deflects the tab 620 allowing the insert 612 to pass. When the track insert 612 is fully inserted into the recess 614 it abuts an upper portion 622 such that the track insert 612 and upper portion form a generally flush inner face. Together, the upper portion 622 and track insert 612 also define track grooves 630 that slidably receive the shim element 302 (as well as the inserter 400, reattachment tool 500, light cable 554, tissue shim 562, and guide 650, for example). The deflectable tab 620 aligns with a horizontal aperture 624 near the top of the track insert 612 when the track insert is fully inserted and the tab 20 returns to a natural position, catching the horizontal aperture like a hook such that the track insert cannot disengage from the recess 614. The track insert includes stops 632 that prevent the hoop shim 6 from disengaging from the bottom. The upper portion 622 and the track insert 612 both include notches 626 that function like the notches 252 described above.

[0282] Initially, the hoop shim 6 and bone anchor 7 may be engaged to the retractor blade 600, coupled to the inserter 400, and implanted into the appropriate pedicle as described above for blade 14, 16. To replace the blade 600 with an opposite facing blade 600′ (or to simply change blades for a longer or shorter blade), rather than removing the hoop shim 6 and reattaching the hoop shim together with a new blade, as described above, the hoop shim 6 and track insert 612 remain attached to the bone anchor 7 (as in FIG. 93) and a new retractor blade 600′ (having the desired new orientation or size) slides onto the track insert 612.

[0283] With reference to FIGS. 94-102, a guide instrument 650 according to an example embodiment is pictured. The Guide instrument functions to both disengage the track insert 612 from the deflectable tab 620 and to guide the new blade onto the track insert 612. The guide 650 includes a driver 652, an actuator 654, and a body 656. The body 656 has a generally tubular outer shaft 658 fitted with a handle 660 at the proximal end and a housing 662 at the distal end. The underside of the outer shaft 658 includes an engagement plate 664 that slidably engages the track grooves 630 of the blade portion 604. The housing 662 holds the actuator 655 and has an opening 666 through the engagement plate 664. The driver 652 has a knob 668 to facilitate rotation of the driver. The distal end 670 of the driver includes a projection 672. By way of example, the projection shown has a generally half circle shape. The projection 672 is offset from the center of the distal end 670 such that rotation of the driver 652 causes the height of the projection 672 to change as it travels the circumference. The projection 672 extends into housing 662 and rests in slot 674 of the actuator 654. As projection 672 travels along the circumference of the distal end 670, it drives the actuator 654 up or down. When the actuator is forced to the bottom of the housing 662, that is when the actuator is in a locked position, a horizontal extension 676 extends through the opening 666. When fully engaged with the retractor blade 600, the horizontal extension 676 aligns with the horizontal aperture 624 of the track insert. The horizontal extension 676 passes through the horizontal aperture 624, deflecting the tab 620 inward and releasing the track insert 612 from the rest of retractor blade 600. The blade 600 can then be removed by sliding the blade along the engagement plate 664. The guide 650 remains in place and the replacement retractor blade 600′ slides down the engagement plate 664 onto the track insert 612. Rotating the driver to the unlocked position draws the horizontal extension 676 into the housing 662 and the deflectable tab 620 replaces the horizontal extension in the horizontal aperture.

[0284] With reference to FIGS. 103-109 the ambiblade 730 includes an attachment portion 732 and a blade portion 734 extending distally from the attachment portion 732. The attachment portion 732 has a front side 736, a back side 738, and a top surface 740. The back side 738 includes a first aperture 742 extending laterally through the upper attachment portion 732 and configured to receive an adjustable engagement post 744 therein. The adjustable engagement post 744 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position adjustable engagement post 744 mates with the aperture 172 of the first arm member 26 to couple the ambiblade 730 with the retractor body 12. In the second position the adjustable engagement post 744 mates with the aperture 202 of the second arm member 28 to couple the ambiblade 730 with the retractor body 12. The attachment portion further includes a flange 746 extending angularly (relative to the top surface 740) therefrom, the flange 746 including an aperture 750 configured to receive a thumb screw 750 therein. The flange 746 and thumb screw 750 interact with the second flange 166 of the first arm member 26 or the second flange 196 of the second arm member 28 to enable the same lockable angulation feature and alternate tissue distraction feature described previously. By way of example only, both the thumb screw 750 and aperture 748 include threads to enable a threaded engagement therebetween. However, other engagements are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Unlike the first and second blades 14 and 16, the flange 746 is preferably situated on the center of the attachment portion 732 such that it can engage with either the second flange 166 of the first arm member 26 or the second flange 196 of the second arm member 28.

[0285] The blade portion 734 extends distally from the attachment portion 732 and includes an outside surface 752, an inside surface 754, and lateral side lips 756. The outside surface is a smooth arcuate surface configured to engage the patient's soft tissue near the operative corridor. The outside surface 752 extends from the attachment portion 732 at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the top surface 740. Since much of the blade has a generally uniform thickness, the inside surface 754 extends from the attachment portion 732 at the same non-orthogonal angle relative to the top surface 740. Thus, as with the blades 14 and 16, the effect is that the operative corridor is immediately established having a conical shape with no further adjustment of the tissue retraction assembly 10 required. Shim tracks 751 are formed on the sides of the outside surface 752 to engage wing shims 790. The inside surface 754 includes a plurality of notches or recesses 758 arranged in a linear alignment thereon, the notches or recesses 758 being configured to interact with the knob 498 of the inserter 400, as will be described above. The blade portion 734 further includes a pair of track grooves 760 spaced apart from one another and extending down the inside surface 754. The track grooves 760 are configured to slideably receive a shim attachment, for example the hoop shim 6 shown and described herein. It should be understood, however, that any suitable shim attachment may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. At the distal end of each of the track grooves 760 there is a stop 762, which interacts with the hoop shim 6 to prevent the hoop shim 6 from passing the stop 762 once it has been fully engaged to the retractor blade. The slide lips 756 comprise edges of the blade portion 732 and each extend down the length of the blade portion 732 and meet concave cutout portions 764 which provide clearance for patient anatomy whether the ambiblade is being used as a right facing or left facing blade.

[0286] Referring to FIG. 106-107, adjustable engagement post 744 includes a first boss 766 a second boss 768 and a cylindrical body 770. The first boss 766 is separated from the cylindrical body 770 by a first recess 772 and the second boss 768 is separated from the cylindrical body by a second recess 774. In the first position, first boss 766 and first recess 772 extend out of the aperture 742. The first boss 766 is dimensioned to be received within the aperture 172 of the first arm member 26 and the first recess is configured to receive at least a portion of the set screw 176 to securely engage the ambiblade 700 to the arm 26. In the second position, the second boss 178 and second recess 774 extend out of the aperture 742 on the opposite side. The second boss 768 is dimensioned to be received within the aperture 202 of the second arm 28 and the second recess 774 is configured to receive at least a portion of the set screw 206 to securely engage the ambiblade to the arm 28 of the retractor body 12. The cylindrical body includes a first ring groove 776 situated adjacent to the first recess 742 and a second ring groove 778 situated next to the second recess 774. Each of the ring grooves 776 and 778 include a flat 780 and a tapered surface 782 tapering out from the flat 780 to the maximum diameter of the cylindrical body 770. A central groove 784 within the aperture 742 houses a split ring 786. The split ring 786 has an internal circumference dimensioned to receive the maximum diameter of the cylindrical body 770 in an expanded state. In a relaxed state the split ring 786 rests in either the first ring groove 776 (when the adjustable engagement post 744 is in the first position) or the second ring groove 778 (when the adjustable engagement post 744 is in the second position). The flats 780 engage the sides of the split ring 784 and prevent the engagement post 744 from translating too far through the aperture 742 and separating from the blade attachment portion 732. The tapered surfaces 782 permit adjustable engagement post 744 to translate through the aperture 742 between the flats 780 (i.e. between the first position and the second position) with the application of an appropriate force. While not shown, it is possible that instead of using an adjustable engagement post 744, the ambiblade 730 may simply include two fixed engagement posts.

[0287] Wing shims 790 may be engaged to the shim tracks 751 on the sides of the ambiblade 730. The wing shims 790 recreate the curved lip 246 of blade 14 on the appropriate side of the ambiblade and thus imbue the ambiblade with the same configurationally benefits (e.g. prevent tissue creep laterally and help define the exposure around the pedicle while at the same time not getting in the way of the exposure medially) as the right and left blades 14 and 16. In other words, when the ambiblade is used as a left blade (i.e. attached to arm 28), a left wing shim may be attached to the shim track 751 on the right side of the ambiblade. When the ambiblade 730 is rotated around to act as the right blade (i.e. attached to arm 26), the left wing shim may be removed from the right side of the blade and a right wing shim may be attached to the shim track 751 on the left side of the ambiblade. Like the blades 730, the wing shims 790 may come in a range of sizes.

[0288] With reference now to FIGS. 110-117, the surgical retraction system 10 is demonstrated in use for performing a multi-level TLIF procedure. By way of example, the multi-level procedure begins the same way as the single level procedure described above (except that the anchor-shim-blade combination for the third vertebra (e.g. the fourth blade according to one example method, or according to another example, the fifth blade when a fourth (lateral) blade is used opposite the medial blade as described below), may be placed at the same time as the anchor-shim-blade combinations for the first and second vertebrae (e.g. the first and second blades according to one example)) and with reference to FIGS. 47-57. This description of the multi level multi-level procedure picks up after the user has completed work at the first level (e.g. performed a discectomy and implanted a fusion implant), but before the spinal rod is inserted connecting the anchors 7 (FIG. 51). The hoop shim 6 is removed from the outer vertebra of the completed level, a bone anchor receiver is attached to anchor 7, and the corresponding retractor blade 16 is removed. The guide instrument 650 is advanced down the track grooves of the middle blade (i.e. the retractor blade positioned over the center vertebra of the multi-level segment) (FIG. 110). When fully seated, the guide 650 is actuated to engage the horizontal extension 676 into the horizontal aperture 624 to disengage the tab 620. With the tab 620 disengaged, the retractor blade 600 (e.g. the second blade according to one example) is removed leaving the track insert 612 and guide 650 attached to anchor 7 via the hoop shim 6 (FIG. 102).

[0289] The new retractor blade 600′ (e.g. the sixth retractor blade according to one example method) is slidably engaged to the guide 650 and advanced into the operative corridor along the engagement plate 664 of the guide. When the retractor blade recess 614 of blade 600′ has fully received the track insert 612, the guide 650 is actuated to release the deflectable tab 620, locking the track insert 612 to the new blade 600′. The guide 650 is then removed.

[0290] At this point, with the retractor blades 14, 600′ protruding from the incision and the distal ends of the blades being securely registered to the anchor members 7 via the hoop shim assemblies 6, the retractor blades 14, 600′ may be attached to the retractor body 14 (FIG. 113). The surgeon may then operate the retractor body 12 to cause the retractor blades 14, 600′ to move in cranial and caudal directions, respectively, at the skin level. As previously described, because the distal portions of the retractor blades 14, 600′ are securely (and polyaxially) registered to the implanted anchor members 7, the distal end of the blades will not move. However, the angle of the retractor blades 14, 600′ relative to the anchor members 7 may be adjusted to a desired angle and the new operative corridor will be established to the second spinal level. Once established, the retractor body 12 may be locked to an articulating arm (not shown) by either one of the attachment members 53 of the retractor body 12, or attachment members 109 of the medial rack 108. Using a suitable tool or a finger, the surgeon then releases soft tissue from the facet. A medial retractor blade 16 may then be inserted and retracted as desired (FIG. 114). As mentioned previously, the medial retractor blade may operate to clear remaining soft tissue from the facet. The medial retractor blade 16 may be angled to match the operative corridor by pivoting the blade in a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the medial rack 108. In this fashion, the entire operative corridor may be established at an angle that is suitable for superior access to the disc space.

[0291] At this point, with the new operative corridor 4′ established, and has distinct landmarks (i.e. the implanted anchor members 7) delineating the cranial and caudal boundaries of the new operative window. The surgeon can now perform the necessary steps to clean out the intervertebral disc space and perform the interbody fusion procedure. As above, this may include a facetectomy in which at least a portion of the facet joint is removed, allowing access to the intervertebral disc space and a discectomy. The interbody implant is then inserted into the cleaned out disc space. By way of example only this may include, but not be limited to, inserting one or more artificial or allograft implants within the intervertebral space. According to one example, the implant may be inserted and positioned obliquely across the disc space. If necessary, the surgeon may use the tissue retraction system 10 to distract the disc space with the retractor body 12.

[0292] After placement of the interbody implant, the distraction off the screws is released, and the hoop shim assemblies 6 are removed using the hoop shim removal tool 350 as described above. The surgeon then “opens” the retractor slightly in a caudal-cranial direction using the thumbscrews 240 on the blades (opposed to the rack assembly 22) as described below to increase the space around the pedicle screws. The pedicle screw receivers or tulips are then inserted onto the pedicle screw and the retractor blade 600′ can be actuated to expand out to the first anchor of the first vertebra (preferably by splaying the distal portion of the retractor blade to minimize expansion at the top of the operative corridor. A spinal fixation rod is then placed within the tulips, followed by compression (if necessary). With the procedure is completed, the retractor can be returned to a “closed” position and then removed from the patient, closing the operative corridor. The surgeon will then close the operative wound, completing the procedure. While the above example has been set forth using the alternate retractor blade 600 to facilitate movement of the retractor between levels, it should be appreciated that ambiblade 730 may be substituted into the steps described above, wherein adjusting the ambiblade from the right blade to the left blade (e.g. FIGS. 113 to 115) simply requires, adjusting the adjustable engagement post 744, rotating the blade with the hoop shim connected to the anchor, and replacing the right wing shim with the left wing shim.

[0293] With reference to FIGS. 118-125, a fourth blade attachment (secondary retractor) may be utilized with the retractor assembly 10. The fourth blade attachment independently places a fourth retractor blade within the operative corridor opposite the medial retractor blade 18. The fourth retractor blade may be used to expand the operative corridor laterally, that is to add a lateral (fourth) blade to expose the transverse processes, for example, to augment the procedure with a posterolateral fusion (i.e. fusion between the transverse processes). The fourth blade attachment may also be useful for preventing tissue creep during multi-level cases in which the retractor is used to span the entire multi-level exposure. FIGS. 118-120 illustrate a first example embodiment of a fourth blade attachment 800. The fourth blade attachment 800 includes a rack member 802 with a plurality of teeth 803 on one surface, the teeth being provided along substantially the length of the rack member 802, and an articulating arm connector 805 for rigidly fixing the rack to a table or other fixed object with an articulating arm (or other suitable fixation arm). The fourth blade attachment 800 also includes two moving arm members 804 and 806. The first moving arm 804 includes a first connector 808 with a passageway 816 dimensioned to receive the rack member 802. A first toggle 818 engages the teeth 803 within the passageway 816 to control movement of the first moving arm 804 along the rack 802. A spring loaded pawl 820 also engages the teeth 103 in the passageway 816 to prevent undesired movement of the moving arm 804. A pivot arm 810 is attached to the first connector 808 by a pivot 812 which allows the height of the forth retractor blade 886 to be variable relative to the rack member 802. The pivot arm 810 may be connected to the connector by a releasable connection (e.g. the socket connection shown) or by a permanent connection. The distal end 814 of the pivot arm 810 includes an aperture 815 that receives the fourth retractor blade 886 and a set screw that advances perpendicularly into the aperture 815 to lock (while still permitting pivoting motion in line with the arm 804) blade to the pivot arm 810.

[0294] The second moving arm 806 includes a second connector 822 with a passageway 824 dimensioned to receive the rack member 802. A second toggle 826 engages the teeth 803 within the passageway 824 to control movement of the second moving arm 806 along the rack 802. A spring loaded pawl 828 also engages the teeth 103 in the passageway 824 to prevent undesired movement of the moving arm 804. A pivot link 830 is attached at one end to the second connector 822 by a pivot 832 and at the opposite end to retractor coupler 834 by a second pivot 836. The double pivot allows the height of the retractor coupler to be variable relative to the rack member 802 without affecting the ability to couple to the retractor 10. This in turn allows the fourth blade attachment retractor to rest low against the patient and out of the surgeon's way. The pivot link 830 may be connected to the connector by a releasable connection (e.g. the socket connection shown) or by a permanent connection. The retractor coupler 834 is configured to couple with the retractor 10. In the example shown, the retractor coupler 834 mates with the knob 274 of the medial blade 18. To accomplish this, the retractor coupler includes By way of example, coupler include a cylindrical aperture 838 with a canted coil (not shown) received in a notch therein. In a natural position, the coil extends into the cylindrical aperture 838. The tapered end of the knob 274 deflects the canted coil as the coupler is pressed onto the knob. When the coil reaches the groove 275 formed in the knob, the coil returns to the natural position and secures the fourth blade attachment 800 to the retractor 10.

[0295] With reference to FIGS. 121-125, a second example embodiment of a fourth blade attachment 840 is described. The fourth blade attachment 840 includes a rack member 842 with a plurality of teeth 843 on one surface, the teeth being provided along substantially the length of the rack member 842. A moving arm 844 is coupled to the rack member 842. The moving arm 844 includes rack connector 846 and a pivot arm 848 connected to the rack connector 846 by pivot 850 which allows the height of the fourth retractor blade 886 to be variable relative to the rack member 842. The distal end 852 of the pivot arm 838 includes an aperture 854 that receives the fourth retractor blade 886 and a passive locking mechanism 856. This quick-connect feature allows the surgeon to rapidly apply a lateral blade 886 and change sizes if need be without additional cumbersome steps, such as, for example, threading and unthreading a set screw. According to the example shown, the locking mechanism may be a swivel lock 858. The swivel lock 858 includes a wheel 860 with a flat region 862. The wheel 860 is spring loaded such that the flat 862 rests within groove 918 on the engagement post 894 of the lateral blade preventing movement of the post 894 out of the aperture 852. To release the blade, the wheel 862 is rotated to disengage the edge of flat region 862 from the groove. The beveled end 899 of the engagement post 894 allows the post to pass the wheel 860 in one direction (i.e. moving into the aperture 854) without actuation of the wheel by a user. Openings 861 in the top and bottom surfaces of the pivot arm 838 expose the wheel 860 so that it can be rotated by hand. The rack connector 846 includes a passageway 864 therethrough dimensioned to receive the rack member 842. First and second knobs 866 situated one each on the top and bottom surfaces of the rack connector 846 engage the teeth 843 within the passageway 864 to control movement of the moving arm 844 along the rack 842. A spring loaded pawl 868 also engages the teeth 843 in the passageway 864 to prevent undesired movement of the moving arm 844.

[0296] A base arm 870 includes a base 872 and a retractor coupler 874 connected together by a pivot link 876. The pivot link connects to the base 872 at a first end via pivot 878 and connects to the retractor coupler 874 at the second end via pivot 880. The double pivot allows the height of the retractor coupler 874 to be variable relative to the rack member 842 without affecting the ability to couple to the retractor 10. This in turn allows the fourth blade rack member 842 to rest low against the patient and out of the surgeon's way. According to the example shown, the retractor coupler 874 is configured to couple with the knob 274 of the medial blade 18. To accomplish this, as illustrated in FIGS. 126-127, the retractor coupler includes a cylindrical aperture 882 with a canted coil 883 received in a notch therein. In a natural position, the coil extends into the cylindrical aperture 882. The tapered end of the knob 274 deflects the canted coil as the coupler is pressed onto the knob. When the coil reaches the groove 275 formed in the knob, the coil returns to the natural position and secures the fourth blade attachment 840 to the retractor 10. The retractor coupler 874 may be loaded onto the knob 274 from either direction (i.e. from top to bottom or from bottom to top). This, together with the dual knobs 866 and dual openings 861 of the moving arm 844 and the full swivel connection of the fourth blade 886 permit the fourth blade attachment to be engaged to the retractor 10 with the rack member 842 situated to either the right or left of the retractor body 12.

[0297] Turing to FIGS. 124-125, a fourth (lateral) retractor blade 886 for use with the fourth blade attachments 800 and 840 is illustrated. The lateral retractor blade 886 may be provided in any size or shape suitable to establish and maintain an operative corridor to the surgical target site. By way of example only, the fourth retractor blade 886 includes an attachment portion 888 and a blade portion 890. The attachment portion 888 includes a flange 892 and an engagement post 894 coupled to the flange 892. The flange 892 includes a cavity 896 with a first opening 898 in the inner surface of the blade portion 890 and a second opening 900 opening in a the lower surface 902 and rear face 904 of the flange 892. The engagement post 894 has a first enlarged end 906 with a rear facing partially spherical surface 908. The first opening 898 has a partially spherical surface that receives the enlarged end 906 such that the partially spherical surface 908 can articulate with the partially spherical surface of the opening. The second opening 900 permits the engagement post 894 to move relative to the flange 894 in a plane in line with the axis of the engagement post. Thus, first opening 898, second opening 900, and engagement post 894 form a ball and socket joint that permits the blade 886 to be tilted. This provides the ability for the surgeon to expand the exposure distally by angling the blade without increasing the exposure at the skin. A set screw 912 in the top of the flange 892 locks the blade angle. A collar 914 keeps the ball and socket joint intact. The second end 916 of the engagement post is dimensioned to be received in the pivot arm of the fourth blade attachment. A bevel 899 facilitates engagement of the post 894 with the pivot arm aperture. The groove 918 receives the set screw 817 of the fourth blade attachment 800 or the wheel 860 of the fourth blade attachment 842 to couple the blade to the retractor attachment. These engagements provide the ability of the blade to swivel (mimicking the swiveling ability of the center blade to which it is attached). This allows the surgeon to customize the exposure by moving the retractor, while still maintaining an ideal distal exposure.

[0298] The blade portion 890 includes an upper portion 920 and a lower portion 922. The upper portion 920 is adjacent to the attachment portion 888 and extends generally orthogonally therefrom. The lower portion 922 is located distally of the upper portion 920 and is offset from the upper portion 920 such that it forms an obtuse angle with the upper portion 920 (best shown in FIG. 129). The lower portion 922 is wider than the upper portion to accommodate the retraction of a greater amount of the patient's soft tissue near the surgical target site and includes a curved distal anchor element 924. While not shown, the lower portion 922 may include a floating blade extension like that described for blade 18. In either case, it is intended that the distal anchor element 924 of the fourth retractor blade 886 may elevate tissue off of the bone as it is extended or swept laterally.

[0299] FIGS. 131-132 illustrate a first example embodiment of a manual handle 930 for manipulating the fourth blade 886. The handle includes a grip 932, a shaft 933, a distributor 934, and a pair of mounting fingers 936. The mounting fingers 936 are dimensioned to be received, within mounting apertures 893 on the flange 892. The distributor 934 translates torsion force on the shaft 933 to mounting fingers 936, allowing the surgeon to establish the desired retraction and blade angle. A cutaway 938 in the distributor allows the surgeon to tighten the set screw 912 while holding the desired angle to lock the blade 886 into the desired orientation. The handle 930 also allows the surgeon to retract manually (e.g. without turning toggles 818, 826 or knobs 866) by simply pulling back on the blade when it is attached to the retractor.

[0300] FIGS. 133-134 illustrate a second example embodiment of a manual handle 940. The handle 940 includes a grip 942, a shaft 944, a distributor 946, a pair of mounting fingers 948, and a locking mechanism 950 to actively retain the blade 886 on the handle. The locking mechanism 950 includes a latch shaft 954 with latch pin 956, a release 958, and a spring 960. The spring 960 biases the latch shaft 954 forward where the latch pin 956 positively engages the attachment portion of the blade 886. The mounting fingers provide support to stabilize the connection between the blade 886 and the handle 940. The release 958 withdraws the latch shaft 954 and latch pin 956 to disengage the handle 940 from the blade 886. By way of example, in FIGS. 133-134 retractor blade 886 is illustrated in a configuration without the ball and socket connection of the engagement post 894. Instead, the engagement post is fixed to the flange 892, eliminating ability to adjust the angle of the blade 886 in the plane in line with the engagement post.

[0301] Although described with respect to specific examples of the different embodiments, any features of the systems and methods disclosed herein by way of example only may be applied to any of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, procedures described for example only involving specific structure (e.g. vertebral bone) may be applied to another structure (e.g. femur) without departing from the scope of the present invention. While this invention has been described in terms of a best mode for achieving this invention's objectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0302] One advantageous feature of the surgical fixation and retraction system described herein is the registration of the distal ends of the retractor blades 14, 16 to the implanted bone anchors 7. Although described herein by way example as using a hoop shim assembly 6 to accomplish this purpose, other attachment mechanisms are possible, including but not limited to sutures, cables, hooks, etc.

[0303] The example method of performing surgery described herein disclosed the use of an electrified tap, in order to enable pedicle integrity testing during pilot hole formation. However, the system described herein may be provided with additional features to enable pedicle integrity testing before, during, and after placement of the bone anchors within the pedicle. For example, using the electrified tap as described above is one way to test for pedicle integrity prior to placement of the bone anchors. However, the system may be equipped to continuously monitor for pedicle integrity during placement of the bone anchors as well. For example, the blade-anchor-shim-inserter assembly may be substantially insulated, either through a insulative coating or an external barrier (e.g. sheath, cannula, etc) such that only a portion of the bone anchor (e.g. the distal tip) is electrified to deliver stimulation to evoke an EMG response. EMG monitoring can be continuous to test for potential pedicle breach during placement of the bone anchors. Moreover, pedicle integrity can be further tested for upon final placement of the bone anchors.

[0304] Although shown and described herein in use with a specific example of a TLIF procedure on a human spine, the tissue retraction assembly herein may be used for a variety of different procedures involving any parts of the body. The surgical fixation system described herein is well suited for use in any procedure involving decompression using bone anchors. The surgical fixation system can be used for any type of bony fusion, including discectomy and fusion. Within the spine space apart from fusion, the tissue retraction system can be used to create an operative corridor to enable any type of procedure, including but not limited to vertebral augmentation and vertebroplasty.

[0305] By way of example only, the various components of the surgical fixation system described herein may be manufactured of any material suitable to achieve the goals of stability and rigidity, including the ability to use the blades to distract the bony segments. By way of example only, the retractor body and retractor blades are made of stainless steel, however any metallic substance is possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, any part of the system described herein, including for example the retractor blades, may be composed of image-friendly material such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) or poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) without departing from the scope of the present invention. The ability to intraoperatively switch out retractor blades may be advantageous in that one or more image-friendly retractor blades may be used to initially establish the working channel, and then be intraoperatively exchanged for a stainless steel retractor blade in the event that the surgeon wishes to use the blades to distract the disc space.