Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices are described for providing access to a surgical site proximate the anterior region of a patient's spine. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a cannula that includes a distal end adapted to mate with the anterior surface of a vertebra. An exemplary method includes positioning the cannula through an incision, placing the distal end of the cannula against the anterior surface of a vertebra, and performing a surgical procedure through the cannula. Instruments or spinal implants may be inserted through the cannula.

Abstract: An instrument for insertion and placement of dynamic spinal fixation plates is provided. In general, the instrument is a clip that holds the plate at its maximum extension for implantation.

Abstract: A surgical drill assembly is provided that includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end adapted to mate to a driver mechanism, and a distal end having a bone preparation element formed thereon. An elongate, hollow sleeve is coupled to, but slidably disposed around at least a portion of the elongate shaft. The hollow sleeve includes a stepped region that is positioned between proximal and distal portions such that the distal portion has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the stepped region to allow the distal portion to be disposed within a lumen in a drill guide, and the stepped region to abut the drill guide. In use, the elongate, hollow sleeve is effective to longitudinally align the elongate shaft therein during a surgical procedure. The elongate shaft can also optionally include a stop member that is effective to limit penetration depth of the bone preparation element with respect to the hollow sleeve.

Abstract: A tissue retractor and guide device for use in securing a spinal fixation plate to a spine is provided. In general, the device includes an elongate member having a guide member formed thereon or mated thereto with at least one lumen extending therethrough for receiving a tool. The guide member is adapted to couple to a spinal implant, while the distal portion of the elongate member is effective to retract tissue disposed adjacent to the guide member.

Abstract: A guide device for use in securing a spinal fixation plate to a spine is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the guide device generally includes a support member having first and second arms mated thereto. Each arm includes a proximal end and a distal end having at least one guide member coupled thereto and defining a pathway for receiving a tool. One or both arms can be slidably movable along the support member to allow the distance between the arms to be adjusted. In use, the arms can be adjusted to couple to a spinal fixation plate and to position the guide member on each arm in alignment with the fixation plate. The guide device can then be used to drill, awl, tap, and insert implants, such as spinal screws, into the vertebral bodies to attach the fixation plate thereto.

Abstract: A guide device is provided for use with a spinal plate that has at least one pair of screw bores formed therein. The guide device generally includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A guide member is coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft and it includes at least one lumen extending therethrough, and at least one alignment element that is positioned distal of the guide member. Each alignment element(s) is adapted to interact with a spinal plate to position the guide member with respect to the spinal plate such that the each lumen in the guide member is aligned with a corresponding screw bore formed in the spinal plate. The guide member can then be used to guide a tool or implant through each lumen in the spinal plate and into bone.

Abstract: A guide device is provided for use with a spinal fixation element that has at least one pair of thru bores formed therein. The guide device generally includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A guide member is coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft and it includes at least one pathway extending therethrough, and at least one alignment element that is positioned distal of the guide member. Each alignment element(s) is adapted to interact with a spinal fixation element to position the guide member with respect to the spinal fixation element such that the each pathway in the guide member is aligned with a corresponding thru bore formed in the spinal fixation element. The guide member can then be used to guide tools, devices, and/or implants through each pathway in the spinal fixation element and into bone.

Abstract: A drill guide for use in securing a spinal fixation plate to a spine is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the drill guide generally includes a support member having first and second arms mated thereto. Each arm includes a proximal end and a distal end having at least one barrel coupled thereto and defining a lumen for receiving a tool. One or both arms can be slidably movable along the support member to allow the distance between the arms to be adjusted. In use, the arms can be adjusted to engage a spinal fixation plate and to position the barrels on each arm in alignment with bores formed in the fixation plate. The drill guide can then be used to drill, awl, tap, and insert implants, such as spinal screws, into the vertebral bodies to attach the fixation plate thereto.