Abstract: The present application is directed to guides for inserting an elongated member into a patient. The guide generally includes an elongated shape with a distal end that is positioned within the patient, and a proximal end that may be positioned outside of the patient. The guide may include a channel formed between sidewalls. The channel is sized to receive the elongated member and guide the member into a predetermined location within the patient. In one embodiment, the guide is used with an insertion device that may include a pivoting carriage for initially inserting the guide and then the elongated member into the patient. The guide may also be used in a freehand technique that is positioned specifically within the patient by the surgeon.

Abstract: A locking device and method are provided for a bone stabilization system which includes a bone anchor, a coupling mechanism and a stabilization member, wherein the coupling mechanism couples the stabilization member to the bone anchor. The locking device includes a seating member and a posted member. The seating member is operatively associated with the coupling mechanism for securing the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism, and is configured with an opening therein. The posted member, which includes an interface member and a post extending therefrom, is configured for disposition between the seating member and the stabilization member with the post extending therefrom being received into the opening in the seating member when the seating member is employed to secure the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism. The post is sized to engage and facilitate control of the stabilization member as the seating member operatively engages the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a curved spinal rod is disclosed. The method includes heating PEEK; injecting the PEEK into an arcuate spinal rod mold; holding the injected PEEK in the mold until the PEEK substantially sets; and removing the injected PEEK from the mold. In another aspect, a spinal rod is disclosed. The spinal rod includes an arcuate main body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. The central portion has a non-circular cross-section with a height greater than its width. The first and second end portions and the central portion of the arcuate main body are integrally formed of a polymer such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The spinal rod also includes a rounded end cap adapted to mate with at least one of the end portions. The end cap is radiopaque.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for spacing and/or positioning spinous processes of vertebral members. The device may include a first wing to position on a first lateral side of spinous processes and a second wing to position on a second lateral side of spinous processes. An intermediate member extends between the wings and fits within the interspinous space. The device may be selectively adjustable from a first orientation with the second wing received by the intermediate member. This first orientation may include a reduced sized to facilitate insertion of the device with a lateral approach into the interspinous space. The device may also be moved to a second orientation with the wing deployed from the intermediate member. The second orientation may provide for the second wing to be positioned on the second side of the spinous process opposite from the first wing. The intermediate member may be positioned within the interspinous space to retain a predetermined distraction height.

Abstract: Elongated connecting elements include bodies having composite cross-sections defined by a center core that is surrounded by an outer portion. The center core includes a first material and the outer portion includes a second material that is distinct from the first material. In one particular form, a connecting element includes a maximum dimension across an outer cross-sectional shape of the outer portion that is less than a minimum dimension across an oblong or round outer cross-sectional shape of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) connecting element, and the connecting element exhibits mechanical properties that are at least equivalent to the mechanical properties of the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) connecting element. In another form, the center core has a non-circular cross-sectional shape and the first material is defined by a reinforcing material randomly dispersed throughout a polymer, and the outer portion includes a circular, outer cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A locking device and method are provided for a bone stabilization system which includes a bone anchor, a coupling mechanism and a stabilization member, wherein the coupling mechanism couples the stabilization member to the bone anchor. The locking device includes a seating member and a posted member. The seating member is operatively associated with the coupling mechanism for securing the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism, and is configured with an opening therein. The posted member, which includes an interface member and a post extending therefrom, is configured for disposition between the seating member and the stabilization member with the post extending therefrom being received into the opening in the seating member when the seating member is employed to secure the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism. The post is sized to engage and facilitate control of the stabilization member as the seating member operatively engages the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: An interspinous spacer system includes a core configured to fit between adjacent spinous processes, a first fork movable relative to the core from a non-use position to an in-use position, and second fork. When in the in-use position, the first fork extends outwardly from a first side of the core and bounds an opening. The second fork extends outwardly from a second side of the core, opposite the first side, and bounds the opening. Third and fourth forks extend outwardly from the first and second sides of the core respectively and form a second opening. The second, third, and fourth forks are affixed relative to the core and relative to each other. The first fork is inserted between spinous processes in the non-use position to avoid damage to a superspinous ligament adjacent the spinous processes. Other aspects and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spinal support members having varying stiffnesses are disclosed. In one embodiment, an elongated spinal prosthetic includes a pair of curved elongated portions. The portions are formed of materials having different stiffness characteristics such that the stiffness of the prosthetic varies along its length. In another embodiment, an elongated spinal implant includes a pair of threadedly engaged elongated sections. The first section is formed of a first material having a first rigidity. The second section has an inner portion formed of the first material and an outer portion formed of a second material. The second material is less rigid than the first material. In another embodiment, a modular spinal rod is provided. The modular spinal rod includes a pair of connectable rod portions with different stiffness characteristics. In yet another embodiment, a kit for a modular spinal rod includes a plurality of connectable modular rod portions having different stiffness characteristics.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a curved spinal rod is disclosed. The method includes heating PEEK; injecting the PEEK into an arcuate spinal rod mold; holding the injected PEEK in the mold until the PEEK substantially sets; and removing the injected PEEK from the mold. In another aspect, a spinal rod is disclosed. The spinal rod includes an arcuate main body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. The central portion has a non-circular cross-section with a height greater than its width. The first and second end portions and the central portion of the arcuate main body are integrally formed of a polymer such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The spinal rod also includes a rounded end cap adapted to mate with at least one of the end portions. The end cap is radiopaque.

Abstract: A method of conducting a surgical procedure including implanting an anchor into a bone, wherein the anchor comprises a receiving portion and a screw, the screw including a screw head contained within the receiving portion and pivotally engageable with a surface of the receiving portion, and wherein the receiving portion and the screw comprising a different material. The method further includes selecting a rod from a group of rod types and coupling the rod with the receiving portion to stabilize a position of a portion of the spine.

Abstract: Spinal surgical systems, instruments and methods include a surgical instrument with a first member mountable to a first vertebra and a second member mountable to a second vertebra. The first and second members are coupled to one another with a coupling mechanism that allows translation of the first and second members relative to another along a predetermined path. The coupling mechanism also provides a pivot axis about which the first and second members are manipulated relative to one another to deliver forces to the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: The present application is directed to set screws used with fasteners to capture and engage an elongated member. The set screws include a body sized to attach to a receiver of the fastener. A deformable member may be attached to an end of the set screw and provides for the set screw to more fully engage the elongated member to prevent potential damage to the elongated member and prevent the set screw from backing out of the fastener. In one embodiment, just the deformable member contacts the elongated member. In another embodiment, the deformable member and the body contact the elongated member. In yet another embodiment, a contact member is attached to the deformable member to contact against the elongated member.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a first arm member, a second arm member, a compressible member disposed between and coupled to the first arm member and the second arm member, and a tensioning member coupled to the first arm member and the second arm member. Wherein upon moving the first arm member toward the second arm member the tensioning member translates within the first arm member.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system is disclosed. The spinal stabilization system can include at least one anchorage component and a surgical rod. The anchorage component has a superior end, an inferior end, and an axial passage therebetween. The surgical rod is configured to be installed at least partially within the axial passage of the anchorage component. The surgical rod includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The first end or the second end is adapted to engage the superior end or the inferior end of the anchorage component. Further, the surgical rod is configured to substantially constrain rotational movement within the anchorage component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a curved spinal rod is disclosed. The method includes heating PEEK; injecting the PEEK into an arcuate spinal rod mold; holding the injected PEEK in the mold until the PEEK substantially sets; and removing the injected PEEK from the mold. In another aspect, a spinal rod is disclosed. The spinal rod includes an arcuate main body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. The central portion has a non-circular cross-section with a height greater than its width. The first and second end portions and the central portion of the arcuate main body are integrally formed of a polymer such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The spinal rod also includes a rounded end cap adapted to mate with at least one of the end portions. The end cap is radiopaque.

Abstract: An implantable article for use with an anchor and a non-metal rod assembly includes a ring having a body including an outer surface, an inner surface defining an aperture extending through the body configured to engage a non-metal rod. The ring body further includes protrusions extending from the inner surface into the aperture, wherein the protrusions are spaced apart from each other axially and circumferentially along the inner surface.

Abstract: Anchors to secure a rod to a vertebral member. The anchors may include a fastener with a distal end adapted to be connected to the vertebral member and a proximal end. A receiver may be operatively connected to the proximal end of the fastener. The receiver may include a channel sized to receive the rod. The receiver may further include at least one convex section that extends inward towards a longitudinal axis of the rod. The receiver may be formed in a unitary one-piece construction. The anchor may also include a securing member that connects to the receiver and may include a lower edge that extends into the channel and may contact the rod.

Abstract: A spinal system comprising a spinal rod with an outer wall, a proximal end, a distal end, and a first axis extending centrally through the spinal rod between the proximal and the distal ends. The spinal rod comprises a first region having a first modulus of elasticity, a second region having a second modulus of elasticity different from the first modulus of elasticity, and a third region between the first and second region having a modulus gradation ranging from the first modulus of elasticity to the second modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: An elongated connecting element for use in a spinal stabilization system comprises a first section, a second section, a first elastomer disposed within the first section, and a second elastomer disposed between the first section and the second section. One of the first elastomer and the second elastomer resists movement of the first section and the second section toward each other and the other of the first elastomer and the second elastomer resists movement of the first section and the second section away from each other.

Abstract: A multimedia software application that can include audio, video and/or graphics, in a manner that combines the multimedia experience with the transfer of information from and between a variety of sources (126), in a variety of directions, and subject to a variety of prompts. The application provides a “Web in Page” approach, in which a series of windows have the same or similar “look and feel”, yet can be used to access and display information from a variety of sources (126), including local content (112) (hard drive or other locally stored media), and web-based online content (118), including that available from a dedicated, integrated server (114), affiliated servers (114), or even other computer users. The application of the present invention can be provided in stand-alone form, to be loaded on a client device (116) (e.g., personal computer) from either a recorded medium or downloaded online.