Abstract: A surgical staple for discectomy by an anterior approach that comprises a plate with sharp-pointed projections positioned at each of four corners of the plate and extending perpendicularly there from for frictional insertion into pilot holes formed in the vertebrae, and a pair of circular apertures in the plate spaced along a centerline for insertion of bone screws. The plurality of projections may further comprise four barbed and pointed projections that a surgeon may quickly tap into the bone, thereafter securing the staple with two smaller bone screws. An Annular C shaped retention locking clip retains the bone screws and prevents counter-rotation and back out.

Abstract: A system and method of securing an intervertebral fusion cage within the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebra in which one or more slots are provided in an anterior surface of the cage each extending from an oversized aperture. A retention plate having a post and enlarged head is advanced into each slot via the oversized aperture and captured therein. The post is advanced to the terminal end of the plate and secured to vertebral body at its distal end by a bone screw. A locking clip is slideably positioned on the retention plate to prevent withdrawal of the bone screw. The slots preferably extend to margins of the anterior surface of the cage in, for example, the pattern of an “X” or an “H”. Sliding of the posts in the slots prevents the system from carrying the vertebral load (load shielding) and permits reduction in the intervertebral space to promote bone growth and fusion by graft material retained in the spacer.

Abstract: A multi-piece disc replacement implant for replacing a disc removed by a discectomy including an upper plate member, a lower plate member, and an intermediate resilient member providing movement between the two plate members replicating the natural movement of the spine. The plate members are rigid and have orthogonal sidewalls forming an enclosure. The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid, or a helically coiled string of beads. Such an implant is capable of supporting the compressive and cyclic loads required of a natural disc. The upper and lower plate members are cooperatively formed to selectively limit the allowable range of motion in any given direction and a provided with protrusions to be received in one or more channels cooperatively formed in the vertebrae and secured in place by a bone screw.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer and method of implantation for distraction of the vertebra including an expandable member, a self sealing percutaneous access port in fluid engagement with the expandable member and an anchor member secured to and in fluid engagement with said tubular member. The anchor member may be an arcuate channel mechanically secured to adjacent spinous process by bone screws through a plurality of slots in the legs of the channel. The port allows for adding or removing fluid from the one or more chambers or envelopes of the expandable member in order to adjust the volume of the expandable member and thus the interspinous process spacing. Subsequent to initial implantation and expansion the volume of the expandable member may be increased or decreased in a non-surgical in-office procedure in which a needle is used to add or remove fluid from the expandable member via the port and tubular member.

Abstract: A method of performing vertebral facet fusion by lateral approach and related devices. The lateral approach to facet fusion involves identifying the lateral mass and introducing any of the fixation methods known or described herein laterally at one or more facets through the use of a Kirschner wire guide, a cannulated bone drill and cooperatively cannulated staple guide. A surgical bone staple have a perforated bridge is used across the lateral facet joint where fixation is required. Where fusion is desired, a bone screw have lateral perforations of the shank is inserted through the cannulated staple guide and bridge perforation at the joint to promote fusion. A staple cap and graft container for overlay grafting may be utilized for additional fusion. The method involves less surgical time, reduced blood loss and discomfort for the patient as compared to the posterior approach.

Abstract: A pedicle screw for insertion into the pedicle portion of a vertebra and having at its exposed end a threaded rod connected in a generally parallel orientation to the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw but laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. The threaded rod may be secured directly to the screw but is preferable provided with a collar that is captured by an enlarged screw head to seat, orient and retain the threaded rod in position. A locking arm and retaining nut are provided over the threaded rod for affixing a spinal rod to the pedicle screw substantially over and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the screw. A yoke may be provided in the collar also to receive and secure the rod. An alternate cap and clamping elements enable the incorporation of cross links between multiple screws and/or rods.

Abstract: A threaded rod or pedicle screw for insertion into the pedicle portion of a vertebra and having at its exposed end a second threaded rod rigidly connected in a generally parallel orientation to the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. The second rod being offset from the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw and having a locking pin or arm and retaining nut for affixing a rod to the pedicle screw substantially over and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A multi-piece disc replacement implant device for replacing a disc removed by a discectomy including an upper plate member, a lower plate member, and an intermediate resilient member providing movement between the two plate members replicating the natural movement of the spine including flexion/extension, lateral bending, and, in some embodiments, rotation. The plate members are rigid and have orthogonal sidewalls forming an enclosure. The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid, or a helically coiled string of beads. Such an implant is capable of supporting the compressive and cyclic loads required of a natural disc. The upper and lower plate members are cooperatively formed to selectively limit the allowable range of motion in any given direction.

Abstract: A method of performing vertebral facet fusion by lateral approach and related devices. The lateral approach to facet fusion involves identifying the lateral mass and then introducing any of the fixation methods known or described herein laterally at one or more facets through the use of a hollow cannula. A surgical bone staple have a perforated bridge is used across the lateral facet joint where fixation is required. Where fusion is desired, a bone screw have lateral perforations of the shank is inserted through the bridge perforation at the joint to promote fusion. The staple and screw may be used in conjunction with one another or individually. The facet joint may be distracted prior to fixation to increase the foraminal space and decompress the neural structures to relieve pain. The method involves less surgical time, reduced blood loss and discomfort for the patient as compared to the posterior approach.

Abstract: A surgical staple for discectomy by an anterior approach that comprises a plate with sharp-pointed projections positioned at each of four corners of the plate and extending perpendicularly there from for frictional insertion into pilot holes formed in the vertebrae, and a pair of circular apertures in the plate spaced along a centerline for insertion of bone screws. The plurality of projections may further comprise four barbed and pointed projections that a surgeon may quickly tap into the bone, thereafter securing the staple with two smaller bone screws. An Annular C shaped retention locking clip retains the bone screws and prevents counter-rotation and back out.

Abstract: The present invention is a cervical plate connector system comprising cervical plates and a spacer mechanism. Ridged rails span the entire midline of the plates. Screw holes are cut into the center of one side of each of the two plates. Screws are inserted into the screw holes of each of the plates, which attach to both the superior and inferior vertebral bodies of the cervical spine. The midline of the plates have ridged rails running between screw holes. A spacer mechanism connects to the ridged rails of plates, and moves along them until the healing is complete and the two plates are adjacent to each other. A locking mechanism locks the screws into the plates of the connector system without detracting from the mobility of the spacer mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a locking plate having screw holes, and at least one plate cover.

Abstract: A spinal disc prosthetic for replacement of cervical and/or lumber discs, that in each case allows a limited degree of rotational articulation, as well as durability and resistance to fatigue. The prosthetic is formed with three primary layers, including a superior (upper) plate, inferior (lower) plate, and intermediate layer, in a sandwich. The superior plate member is adapted to be secured on one side to an upper vertebra in a spinal column, and has a formed concave side exposed downwardly. The inferior plate member is adapted to be secured on one side to a lower vertebra in the spinal column, and has a substantially flat side exposed upwardly. The intermediate member is sandwiched between the superior and inferior plate members with conforming sides, and includes a short cylindrical post protruding downward into a circular recess in the inferior plate member to center it and to maintain a predetermined spacing there between.

Abstract: A spinal disc prosthetic for replacement of cervical and/or lumber discs, that in each case allows a limited degree of rotational articulation, as well as durability and resistance to fatigue. The prosthetic is formed with three primary layers, including a superior (upper) plate, inferior (lower) plate, and intermediate layer, in a sandwiched configuration. The superior plate member is adapted to be secured on one side to an upper vertebra in a spinal column, and has a formed concave side exposed downwardly. The inferior plate member is adapted to be secured on one side to a lower vertebra in the spinal column, and has a substantially flat side exposed upwardly. The intermediate member is sandwiched between the superior and inferior plate members with conforming sides, and a short cylindrical post protrudes downward from the intermediate member and is seated inside a circular recess in the inferior plate member to center it and to maintain a predetermined spacing there between.