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.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for dynamic implant placement into a desired location in the patient include a guide instrument that defines a minimally invasive pathway to an implantation location and an inserter instrument guided by the guide instrument to position the dynamic implant along the pathway to the implantation location. The guide instrument can be referenced to the implantation location by mechanical connection or image guided navigation.

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: 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: 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: 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 and to tailor the connector to the particulars of a patient, i.e., age, gender, weight, height, condition, and the like.

Abstract: An interspinous spacer system includes a core having a shape configured to fit in an interspinous space between adjacent spinous processes. A plurality of extending forks extends from the core and has shaped configured to extend along vertical sides of the spinous processes. A first fork of the plurality of forks is moveable relative to the core from a non-use position to an in-use position. The first fork is located on a first side of the core in the in-use position and has a first inner side defining an opening for receiving a first spinous process of the spinous processes. The first fork is substantially non-flexible. A second fork is located on the first side of the core and has a second inner side defining an opening for receiving the first spinous process of the spinous processes. The second fork is immovable relative to the core.

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 locking device employing a break away interface member rigidly coupled to a seating member 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 an interface member rigidly connected to the seating member. The interface member breaks away from the seating member at a break-off junction to drop into contact with the stabilization member and to secure the stabilization member in the coupling mechanism following continued engagement of the seating member into the coupling mechanism.

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 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.