Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an interbody portion including a first endplate engaging surface and a second endplate engaging surface. The portion defines at least one first cavity oriented to implant a fastener with endplate tissue. A plate portion extends from the interbody portion in a substantially perpendicular orientation and defines at least one second cavity oriented to implant a fastener with vertebral wall tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical fastener comprises a head including a wall and a drive interface oriented in a first axial direction. At least one tissue penetrating element extends from the wall in a second axial direction. The at least one element is provisionally disposed with tissue and the wall overlaps a surface of an implant to selectively position and orient the implant relative to tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant helps stabilize vertebrae for fusion. The implant is particularly adapted for percutaneous implantation, but may also be used with other access techniques. The implant includes first and second plates that extend through a slot in a frame. When installed, the frame extends laterally through the interspinous space, and the plates extend superiorly-inferiorly along respective lateral sides of the spinous processes. The plates are moved toward one another and relative to the slot to clamp the implant to the spinous processes. The slot may be variably sized along its length, and the plates may move into differently sized portions of the slot during the clamping process.

Abstract: A spinal implant helps stabilize vertebrae for fusion. The implant is particularly adapted for percutaneous implantation, but may also be used with other access techniques. The implant includes first and second plates that extend through a slot in a frame. When installed, the frame extends laterally through the interspinous space, and the plates extend superiorly-inferiorly along respective lateral sides of the spinous processes. The plates are moved toward one another and relative to the slot to clamp the implant to the spinous processes. The slot may be variably sized along its length, and the plates may move into differently sized portions of the slot during the clamping process.

Abstract: A spinal implant configured for implantation in an intervertebral disc space is disclosed. The implant comprises a section for engaging a vertebral body. The section comprises a bone-engaging surface configured to engage at least a portion of a vertical surface and/or an endplate surface of the vertebral body. The section further comprises a metal component and a polymer component that are bonded together, wherein each of the metal component and the polymer component comprises at least one structural element configured to promote fixation between the polymer component and the metal component.

Abstract: A centering tool for transverse centering between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra is disclosed. The centering tool comprises a support portion having a proximal end and a distal end, two handles, and two pin placement guides, each guide having a hollow cylinder shape for the placement of a drill or pin on each of the upper and lower vertebrae. The two handles each have a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each handle is connected to the proximal end of the support portion, and the distal end of each handle ultimately contact the uncular joint of one of the vertebrae when centering is achieved. Preferably, each handle has a spring that biases the handle in a closed position so that the distal portions of both handles abut each other in a resting or closed position.

Abstract: A spacer for inserting between vertebral members. The spacer has a non-spherical shape with an anterior section having a first shape and a posterior section having a different shape. An attachment means is positioned within the posterior section, and may include a receiver for attachment with an insertion device, and an anti-rotation mechanism for assistance in removing the spacer from the insertion device. Embodiments of using the spacer is also disclosed which may include inserting the spacer between the vertebral members in a generally posterior approach. Once inserted, the insertion device acts with the anti-rotation device to remove a connection mechanism from the receiver. The spacer remains between the vertebral members and provides relief to the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods of shaping surfaces of vertebral bodies include a reference guide instrument that can be positioned relative to a disc space between vertebral bodies and referenced to the caudally located endplate of the disc space. The reference guide instrument can then be employed to guide preparation instruments to the vertebral bodies in an orientation and spacing referenced to the caudal endplate of the subject disc space to shape vertebral surfaces to receive an implant.

Abstract: Embodiments of a drive shaft collet adapted for linking a surgical drive shaft to a surgical instrument so that the instrument may be driven by the drive shaft are disclosed. The collet includes a helically-swept cutout which forces a received shaft to be rotated into alignment during insertion. Collectively, the drive shaft collet and shaft are designed to avoid the need for multiple attempts at inserting the shaft into the collet in order to align the flats on the shaft with the flats on the collet.

Abstract: A centering tool for transverse centering between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra is disclosed. The centering tool comprises a support portion having a proximal end and a distal end, two handles, and two pin placement guides, each guide having a hollow cylinder shape for the placement of a drill or pin on each of the upper and lower vertebrae. The two handles each have a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each handle is connected to the proximal end of the support portion, and the distal end of each handle ultimately contact the uncular joint of one of the vertebrae when centering is achieved. Preferably, each handle has a spring that biases the handle in a closed position so that the distal portions of both handles abut each other in a resting or closed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods of shaping surfaces of vertebral bodies include a reference guide instrument that can be positioned relative to a disc space between vertebral bodies and referenced to the caudally located endplate of the disc space. The reference guide instrument can then be employed to guide preparation instruments to the vertebral bodies in an orientation and spacing referenced to the caudal endplate of the subject disc space to shape vertebral surfaces to receive an implant.

Abstract: Embodiments of a drive shaft collet adapted for linking a surgical drive shaft to a surgical instrument so that the instrument may be driven by the drive shaft are disclosed. The collet includes a helically-swept cutout which forces a received shaft to be rotated into alignment during insertion. Collectively, the drive shaft collet and shaft are designed to avoid the need for multiple attempts at inserting the shaft into the collet in order to align the flats on the shaft with the flats on the collet.