Abstract: An interbody implant and inserter tool for spinal fusion. The interbody implant includes a cage portion and a nose portion. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the nose portion defines at least a first concave profile in a first direction, and may define a second concave profile in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The outer surface may also define an oblong cross-section normal to a nose axis. The oblong cross-section may be axisymmetric or continuously curved (or both) about the nose axis. The concave profile(s) enable easier initial insertion of for more precisely locating the interbody implant, so that the greater insertion forces required during implantation do not occur until the interbody implant is securely and accurately placed.

Abstract: A “vascular-safe” pedicle screw and extension-ready spinal support system. The pedicle screw includes a self-tapping flute that recessed into a threaded shaft to define terminations of the threads at a face of said self-tapping flute. The terminations are curved to define a convex profile that extends from a root to a crest of the threads at said face of said self-tapping flute. The curved terminations tend to push soft tissue aside as opposed to slicing or tearing through the soft tissue, so that the self-tapping flute is less likely to slice into vascular vessels. The distal portion of the pedicle screw may also include depressions that reduce the circumferential contact area of the pedicle screw in the direction of rotation, which increases the applied pressure to the soft tissue for a given applied rotational force. The increased pressure augments penetration of the pedicle screw through tissue without resort to sharp cutting edges.

Abstract: A lateral disc cutter for morcellating and decorticating tissue of an intervertebral disc from between adjacent vertebrae. The device can be arranged in a retracted configuration for insertion via an access tube, and in an extended configuration for cutting of tissue in the target region. The blades may be extended to contact the concave endplate in an orientation that is substantially parallel to a mid-plane of the intervertebral disc. Blades of the device may be configured with a convex profile that substantially conforms to the concave shape of the endplate for enhanced contact length between the blade and the endplate.

Abstract: A reinforcement cap for use with pedicle screws and rod receptacles (“tulips”) in spinal support systems. The unitary reinforcement cap engages both the internal and the external surfaces of the wall segments of the rod receptacle. In some embodiments, both the internal and the external surfaces are threadably engaged. By doubling the number of threads that are engaged, additional strength and structural integrity are realized over conventional set screw arrangements. Also, because of the unitary construction, wherein an internal set screw portion and an external skirt portion are integral to the reinforcement cap, lateral movement between the set screw portion and the skirt portion is limited. In some embodiments, the threads are of a canted cantilever construction, wherein the interfaces of threadably engaged components are tailored to generate reaction force vectors that mitigate slippage at the threaded interfaces.

Abstract: A cannula tool in combination with other tools is used to provide multiple instruments necessary for surgical procedures. The cannula tool is used in combination with a piercing tool to form a dilator instrument to access a treatment site and in combination with a plunger tool to deliver biological or grafting material to a treatment site. Each of the plunger and piercing tools includes a guide lumen to track the tools over a K-wire or other guide device for placement at the treatment site. The application discloses asymmetrical piercing and plunger tools for placement proximate to a facet joint for treatment.

Abstract: An “extension ready” spinal support system that enables the extension to be accomplished with minimal disturbance to an existing spinal support structure to which the extension system is coupled. In some embodiments, the existing spinal support rod and pedicle screws can remain intact while extension subassemblies are mounted directly to the existing base rod receptacles. The extension subassemblies include a skirt portion that surrounds and engages the existing base receptacle to prevent splaying of the base receptacle. Additional resistance to splaying may be provided by a canted thread arrangement between the skirt and the base receptacle. In some embodiments, the extension receptacle is provided with a low profile (i.e., shortened axial length from the base rod receptacle) by providing a monoaxial rotation structure that rotates about but does not pitch relative to the extension axis and is shorter relative to polyaxial rotation structures.

Abstract: A cannula tool in combination with other tools is used to provide multiple instruments necessary for surgical procedures. The cannula tool is used in combination with a piercing tool to form a dilator instrument to access a treatment site and in combination with a plunger tool to deliver biological or grafting material to a treatment site. Each of the plunger and piercing tools includes a guide lumen to track the tools over a K-wire or other guide device for placement at the treatment site. The application discloses asymmetrical piercing and plunger tools for placement proximate to a facet joint for treatment.

Abstract: The present application discloses an implantable device for spinal treatment or stabilization. The device includes a spinal rod support and gripping jaws. The gripping jaws operate between an opened position and a closed position to grip and release a first spinal rod implanted into a patient. The spinal rod support includes a perimeter structure having an interior cavity and passage to connect a second spinal rod to the device to operably connect the first and second spinal rods through the implantable device to form a spinal stabilization structure.

Abstract: A cannula tool in combination with other tools is used to provide multiple instruments necessary for surgical procedures. The cannula tool is used in combination with a piercing tool to form a dilator instrument to access a treatment site and in combination with a plunger tool to deliver biological or grafting material to a treatment site. Each of the plunger and piercing tools includes a guide lumen to track the tools over a K-wire or other guide device for placement at the treatment site. The application discloses asymmetrical piercing and plunger tools for placement proximate to a facet joint for treatment.

Abstract: The present application discloses an implantable device for spinal treatment or stabilization. The device includes a spinal rod support and gripping jaws. The gripping jaws operate between an opened position and a closed position to grip and release a first spinal rod implanted into a patient. The spinal rod support includes a perimeter structure having an interior cavity and passage to connect a second spinal rod to the device to operably connect the first and second spinal rods through the implantable device to form a spinal stabilization structure.