Importance

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Abstract

A rod cutting instrument having a depth gauge and/or a anti-twisting strap is provided. The depth gauge is secured to the strap of a set of surgical cutting jaws. The gauge has a U-shaped guide at one end thereof which extends into the cutting area defined by the cutting blades of the jaws. The guide is sized to encompass a surgically-implanted rod which is to be severed. The depth gauge is dimensioned so that when it is placed against the rod, it provides sufficient blade depth such that the blades can cut the rod all the way through. The depth gauge may include two guide sizes or depths, one on either end of the guide, which can be selected depending upon the size of rod to be cut and removed, or for cutting rods outside of the body. The anti-twisting strap is attached to an opposite side of the rod cutter. The anti-twisting strap includes a strap portion that controls the movement of the jaws and a stabilizing unit that incorporates two legs, which extend along the cutting blades to resist against attempts by a surgeon to twist the handles and potentially break the blades.

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First Claim