SPINAL RETRACTOR SYSTEM

Abstract

An embodiment of a retractor system includes a retractor blade with actuating members at the blade tip, which allow the blade to fixedly couple to and decouple from the shank of a pedicle screw with the press of a button. The actuating members each have an arced slot that acts like a cam when the button is depressed. The button-based actuation is based, at least in part, on the shape of the arcs relative to the pivot point. When the blade is in the relaxed state with the button not depressed the slope of the arc aligns with the pivot point. This prevents the actuating members from being opened from forces that may be generated during ordinary screw manipulation. When the blade is in the actuated state with the button depressed the slope of the arc is offset from the pivot point. This allows the blades to move as needed.

CPC Classifications