Abstract: An interspinous spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes includes a flexible, fillable container (e.g., a bag or balloon) for containing a material that is compressible during end use, for example, silicone after curing. The container is impermeable to the material it will be filled with. A fabric mesh, for example, made of PET fabric, provides structure for and containment of the container. The material can be injected into the container through an optional conduit, for example, a one-way valve.

Abstract: A spinal implant, implant control device and method of treating a spine are provided. An exemplary spinal implant can include an adjustable component and a connector in communication with the adjustable component, wherein the connector is configured for transcutaneous delivery of an agent to the adjustable component in a manner that affects a condition of the adjustable component.

Abstract: An interspinous spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes includes a flexible, fillable container (e.g., a bag or balloon) for containing a material that is compressible during end use, for example, silicone after curing. The container is impermeable to the material it will be filled with. A structural mesh, for example, made of PET fabric and interwoven shape-memory alloy wire, provides structure for and containment of the container, as well as shape control. The material can be injected into the container through an optional conduit, for example, a one-way valve.

Abstract: Instrumentation and techniques for preparing vertebral members for insertion of an implant. Foundation instruments provide a reference relative to the vertebral members. The foundation devices guide the placement of one or more instruments that prepare the vertebral members. The instruments operatively align with the foundation instruments in a specific orientation to ensure proper placement relative to the vertebral members. Preparatory instruments may be used to further remove bone from the vertebral members. The preparatory instruments may be used prior to or after the other instruments. An insert is inserted and mounted to the vertebral members after the bone has been removed. A holder may be used for holding and placing the implant relative to the vertebral members.

Abstract: A multi-chamber expandable interspinous process brace is disclosed and can include at least two chambers. Each of the at least two chambers can receive an injectable biocompatible material. Further, the multi-chamber expandable interspinous process brace can be moved between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. In the inflated configuration, the multi-chamber expandable interspinous process brace can engage and support a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process.

Abstract: A surgical staple assembly is disclosed and can include a surgical staple. The surgical staple assembly can be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the surgical staple can be in an original shape. Moreover, in the second configuration, the surgical staple can be in a deformed configuration.

Abstract: A partial nucleus implant is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral disc between an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra proximate to a previously installed full nucleus implant. The partial nucleus implant can include a component that can be configured to be installed within a void between the full nucleus implant and an annulus fibrosis. Further, the component substantially secures the full nucleus implant in a desired position.

Abstract: A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The elastic properties of the connector can be selected and set on a per-patient basis to allow variance in range of motion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in spinal surgery is provided. The surgical instrument may have particular application in posterior total disc arthroplasty. The surgical instrument is adapted to be minimally invasive. The surgical instrument can be anchored into position by a stability pin. Further, the surgical instrument can guide a chisel or other instrument to the intervertebral space to resect a portion of a vertebral endplate. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument is also capable of distracting the disc space.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral space between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include an inferior component that can have a depression formed therein and a superior component that can have a projection extending therefrom. The projection can be configured to movably engage the depression and allow relative motion between the inferior component and the superior component. Further, the projection can include a superior wear resistant layer that can have a cross-linked polymer and can be configured to engage the depression.

Abstract: An intervertebral process brace is disclosed and can include a frame that can support a first vertebral process and a second vertebral process. The intervertebral process brace can also include a first vertebral process support strap that can span a first portion of the frame. The first vertebral process support strap can engage the first vertebral process and bind the first vertebral process between the first vertebral process support strap and the first portion of the frame.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes a bumper with a resilient central member. The system is designed such that the resilient central member is compressed in both compression and extension of the bumper or vertebral motion segment. The system includes first and second means for connecting the bumper to the vertebrae.

Abstract: A set screw with a deformable saddle for use in securing a stabilization member within a bone stabilization system. The bone stabilization system includes a bone anchor, a stabilization member, a coupling mechanism and a locking device. The locking device is structured to engage the coupling mechanism and the coupling mechanism is configured to couple the stabilization member to the bone anchor. The locking device which is configured to thread into the coupling mechanism, includes a set screw connected to a saddle member. The saddle member is fabricated from a deformable material. The locking device is configured to frictionally secure the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism by the application of a compressive force.

Abstract: A spinous process clamp employs a pair of elongate plates that are positioned on either side of the spinous processes of vertebrae that are to be fused. The plates are joined by fasteners, preferably bolts and nuts. The plates include a recess on the bone facing side of the plate for retaining a bone growth promoting substance. When the bolts and nuts are tightened, the spinous processes are clamped between the plates, thereby pressing the bone growth promoting substance against the bone and encouraging bone growth across the vertebrae fixed by the plates.

Abstract: A surgical implantation procedure and a device for performing same according to which an expandable member is inserted between anatomical structures and expanded in one plane to cause relative movement between the structures. The expansion is terminated when the structures are in a predetermined spatial relationship.

Abstract: A molding device is disclosed and can include a first mold component and a second mold component substantially opposite the first mold component. The first mold component and the second mold component can fit around a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral space between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include an inferior component having a depression formed therein and a superior component having a projection extending therefrom. The projection can be configured to movably engage the depression and allow relative motion between the inferior component and the superior component. Further, the projection can include a superior wear resistant layer configured to engage the depression.

Abstract: An artificial vertebral joint having an anterior motion preserving system connected to a posterior motion preserving system is disclosed. The anterior motion preserving system may be permanently connected or selectively connected to the posterior motion preserving system. Further, the anterior and posterior motion preserving systems may include flexible members, such as springs, to preserve motion while providing stability.

Abstract: A bone anchor system including a bone anchor having an integral head, a stabilization member, and a coupling member molded around the integral head of the bone anchor is provided for coupling the bone anchor to the stabilization member. The coupling member includes an interface to the stabilization member. Advantageously, the interface to the stabilization member is made of a deform able material to reduce surface stress concentration in the stabilization member. The interface of the coupling member may be integral to the coupling member, or the interface may be an interface piece that may be inserted into the coupling member. The integral head of a bone anchor may include a molded cap that is formed from a deformable material and configured to provide an interface to the stabilization member.

Abstract: A surgical procedure for distracting two anatomical structures, according to which one or more cams are rotatably mounted on a body member and are inserted between the structures and rotated to distract the structures.