Abstract: A system for replacing a natural nuclear disc in an intervertebral space has a spinal device configured for placement in the intervertebral space. An insertion tool is configured for holding the spinal device while the spinal device is inserted into the intervertebral space. A gripping member of the insertion tool has an end for adjustably holding the spinal device within the intervertebral space. A steering actuator of the insertion tool is operably connected to the spinal device and configured for pivoting the adjustably held spinal device within the intervertebral space while the steering actuator is controlled remotely from the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device comprises an expulsion prevention member associated with the nuclear implant and is configured to transition between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. In another form, a method for restraining a nuclear implant includes cutting an opening in the annulus, shifting an implant retention device into an unexpanded position, inserting the implant retention device through the opening, and shifting the retention device to an expanded position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluidly coupling a reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial to a mold. The flow of the flowable biomaterial into the mold is controlled in accordance with a first operating parameter. At least one injection condition is monitored. The flow of the flowable biomaterial is controlled in accordance with a second operating parameter in response to one or more of the injection conditions reaching a threshold level. The second operating parameter is maintained during at least a portion of the curing of the flowable biomaterial. In some embodiments, the second operating parameter may optionally include permitting a portion of the flowable biomaterial to be expelled from the mold.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a first engagement member and a support structure. The first engagement member is adapted to be disposed between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The engagement member generally includes a seating surface for accommodating at least a portion of a laminar region of the first vertebra. The support structure engages a portion of the second vertebra. The structural cooperation of the first engagement member and the support structure is such that the engagement member restricts reduction of the intervertebral spacing between the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: A method of treating a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus. The method includes the steps of accessing and preparing the intervertebral disc for receipt of the biomaterial by removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create a nuclear cavity. A quantity of the curable biomaterial is delivered under pressure to the nuclear cavity. The delivered biomaterial is at least partially cured in such a manner to retain it in the nuclear cavity. The at least partially cured biomaterial is contoured to achieve a desired conformation approximating that of the nuclear cavity.

Abstract: Implant apparatuses are provided for being inserted between adjacent vertebral bone portions and maintaining mechanical engagement with the vertebral bone portions. The implant apparatuses are generally constructed to be inserted in an insertion orientation and pivoted between the vertebral bone portions to an implanted orientation. The implant apparatuses are further secured in the implanted orientation to maintain engagement with the adjacent vertebral bone portions.

Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.

Abstract: An implantable device which provides structural support for the skeletal system, such as the spine, coated with hydroxyapatite (HA). This invention provides a mechanically and bioactively functional coating of hydroxyapatite (HA) without altering the biocompatibility profile of the poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) substrate.

Abstract: A motion preserving implant having first and second bearing members and a biasing member disposed therebetween operable to provide resistance to the translation of the bodies with respect to one another. An intervertebral implant having first and second bearing members, a translatable member, a resilient connection between the translatable member and one of the bearing members to allow for relative motion therebetween and bearing surfaces of the translatable member and the other bearing member to allow complex, natural motion between the bearing members. A spinal implant having upper and lower bodies and an articulation surface that allows for polyaxial articulation and translation through a concave articulation surface having a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature in at least one plane, and a convex articulation surface having the first radius of curvature in the same plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a size measurement within an intervertebral space by placing an expandable and contractible device into the intervertebral space, expanding the device, measuring a size characteristic of the space, contracting the device and then removing it. The measurement may be accomplished by an external x-ray or other imaging device imaging the expanded device in situ or by mechanically operated devices. An expansion and contraction mechanism such as fluid containing bladder or mechanically shifted members expands the device which later contracts in a controlled manner to the contracted size. An apparatus and method is provided for the measuring of the intervertebral space at a controlled distraction force. The apparatus includes an expandable device for providing a measurement within the intervertebral space and facilitating the measurement of the angulations of the lordotic curve of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing adjacent vertebrae including the steps of forming at least one annulotomy in an annulus. At least a portion of the nucleus material is removed through the annulotomy to form a cavity in an intervertebral disc space between the adjacent vertebrae. A reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial is fluidly coupled to the intervertebral disc space. A flowable biomaterial is delivered to the cavity. The delivery of the flowable biomaterial into the intervertebral disc space is controlled in accordance with at least a first operating parameter. The biomaterial is at least partially cured to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In general, the implant retention device blocks or obstructs at least a portion of an opening in the annular wall, thereby keeping the implant from exiting the nuclear space through the annular opening. In one form, the implant retention device comprises an expulsion prevention member positioned adjacent the nuclear implant and configured to transition between a compressed position and an expanded position. In another form, the implant retention device may comprise a mounting portion to be positioned adjacent one of the vertebral bodies, a blocking portion for at least partially obstructing the annular opening, and an end projection at a terminal end of the blocking portion to resist expulsion of the implant through the annular opening.

Abstract: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device may include an elongated tensioning member having a portion configured to connect to the implant and at least one anchoring device disposed on the tensioning member, the anchoring device configured to at least partially penetrate spinal tissue such as the annulus, vertebral body, or other secure tissue.

Abstract: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device comprises an expulsion prevention member associated with the nuclear implant and is configured to transition between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. In another form, a method for restraining a nuclear implant includes cutting an opening in the annulus, shifting an implant retention device into an unexpanded position, inserting the implant retention device through the opening, and shifting the retention device to an expanded position.

Abstract: A system for replacing a natural nuclear disc in an intervertebral space has a spinal device configured for placement in the intervertebral space. An insertion tool is configured for holding the spinal device while the spinal device is inserted into the intervertebral space. A gripping member of the insertion tool has an end for adjustably holding the spinal device within the intervertebral space. A steering actuator of the insertion tool is operably connected to the spinal device and configured for pivoting the adjustably held spinal device within the intervertebral space while the steering actuator is controlled remotely from the intervertebral space.

Abstract: Articulating devices for replacing damaged or degenerated weight bearing joints are provided. The devices may have two or more surfaces that articulate against one another that are coated or fully formed of PEEK or similar materials to provide improved wear capabilities while maintaining sufficient strength to operate in a weight bearing capacity.

Abstract: A prosthetic spinal implant having a deployable securing mechanism that is deployable into a portion of the vertebral space for affixing the implant between the vertebrae, the securing mechanism having tactile feedback means comprising a surface for transmitting tactile feedback during deployment of the securing mechanism. A spinal implant having deployable securing means that interface with the implant to prevent the deployable securing means from retracting after deployment. An implant that utilizes its resilient properties to provide the user with tactile feedback with which the user may ascertain the position of the securing mechanism. A system and tools for sizing and implanting implants with the aforementioned characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and methods for cutting the annulus of a spinal disc. The cutting tools of the invention may be cannulated for use in conjunction with a guide wire. A stop surface of the cutting tool is configured to contact the annulus during cutting to prevent further longitudinal movement of the surgical blade(s) into the annulus, thus limiting the size of the incision(s).

Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.

Abstract: A method of treating a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus. The method includes the steps of accessing and preparing the intervertebral disc for receipt of the biomaterial by removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create a nuclear cavity. A quantity of the curable biomaterial is delivered under pressure to the nuclear cavity. The delivered biomaterial is at least partially cured in such a manner to retain it in the nuclear cavity. The at least partially cured biomaterial is contoured to achieve a desired conformation approximating that of the nuclear cavity.