Devices and methods for cutting a vertebral implant

Abstract

The present application is directed to devices and methods for cutting a spinal implant. In one embodiment, the device includes a handle and a head. The handle is sized to receive a predetermined length of the implant. A head is rotatably attached to the handle and includes a blade. After the implant is inserted into the handle, the head is rotated causing the blade to move around the implant and cut an excessive length from the predetermined length.

1 . A device to cut an elongated spinal implant comprising:
 a substantially cylindrical handle that includes an interior space with a longitudinal axis and formed by a sidewall, the handle further including an open end;   a head rotatably attached to the open end of the handle, the head including an opening aligned with the open end;   a blade operatively connected to the head and being adjustable in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis;   the interior space being formed to receive a predetermined length of the implant with an excess extending outward from the head beyond the blade, with rotation of the head relative to the handle causing the blade to move around and the implant and cut the implant at the predetermined length.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein an interior space formed within the handle is centered along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a depth limiter positioned within the interior space to control a depth of insertion of the implant into the receptacle. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a closed end opposite from the open end, wherein the depth limiter includes an arm and a member including a contact surface that faces towards the open end, the arm extending through the closed end and being movable to selectively position the contact surface within the interior space relative to the blade. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the head includes a body that extends completely around the opening. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one jaw positioned within the receptacle to contact the implant and prevent the implant from rotating during rotation of the head. 
     
     
         7 . A device to cut an elongated spinal implant comprising:
 a handle including an elongated receptacle that extends along a longitudinal axis and is sized to receive the implant, the handle including an open end;   a depth limiter positioned within the receptacle and spaced from the open end;   a head rotatably attached to the handle, the head including an opening aligned with the open end and sized to receive the implant;   a blade operatively connected to the head and being adjustable in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis;   the implant insertable through the opening and the open end and into the receptacle with the implant in contact with the depth limiter to position a predetermined length of the implant within the receptacle with an excess length extending outward beyond the blade;   rotation of the head relative to the handle causes the blade to move around the implant and cut the excess length of the implant from the predetermined length.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the handle is substantially cylindrical with a sidewall and a closed end that is opposite from the open end. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the handle further comprises grips on an exterior of the sidewall to grasp the handle during rotation of the head. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the handle includes circular ribs sized to extend around the implant and supports that extend between the ribs. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the depth limiter is operatively connected to the handle and includes a member that includes a contact surface, the member being movably positioned within the receptacle along the longitudinal axis to adjust a distance between the contact surface and the open end. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising a scale positioned along the handle to determine a predetermined length of the implant within the receptacle. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the head includes a body that extends completely around the opening. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising an adjustment mechanism that is operatively connected to the blade and extends through the body to move the blade in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising a support member operatively connected to the head opposite from the blade, the support member being adjustable in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis to maintain the blade in contact with the implant during rotation of the head. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the head comprises an arm that extends from the handle. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising a jaw positioned within the receptacle to contact the implant and prevent the implant from moving during rotation of the head. 
     
     
         18 . A device to cut an elongated spinal implant comprising:
 a handle including an elongated receptacle that extends along a longitudinal axis and is sized to receive the implant, the handle including an open end;   a head rotatably attached to the handle, the head including an opening aligned with the open end and sized to receive the implant;   a blade rotatably attached to the handle and being adjustable in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis;   the implant insertable through the open end and into the receptacle with a predetermined length of the implant within the receptacle and an excess length extending outward beyond the blade;   rotation of the blade relative to the handle causes the blade to move around the implant and cut the excess length of the implant from the predetermined length.   
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the handle includes a cylindrical shape with a closed end opposite from the open end and sidewalls. 
     
     
         20 - 28 . (canceled)