Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for stabilizing a facet joint are provided herein. The surgical method includes angling a screw from a ventral and a lateral side of the spine toward a dorsal and medial side of the spine, and screwing the screw through a superior facet of an inferior vertebra and into an inferior facet of a superior vertebra. The system includes a screwdriver insertable into a surgical opening, a screw coupled to the screwdriver and a torque transmitter coupled to and rotatable with a head on the screwdriver. The screwdriver apparatus includes a handle and a head projecting at an obtuse angle from the handle. The head in turn is coupled to and rotatable with a torque transmitter. The accompanying facet screw includes a sharp and self-tapping point, an ellipsoidal shaft with progressively spaced threads, and a bulbous screw head. The optional cutter includes a narrow, longitudinal shaft with a two-handle closing mechanism.

Abstract: A speculum system with four blades is provided. The blades project in approximately the same direction, and each blade is connected to a handle linearly or at an angle. The handles are coupled together. In one embodiment, the distance between the blades is changeable so that a field of view defined as the viewable area between the blades can be increased or decreased. In another embodiment, the blades include texture, such as ribs, holes or teeth to grip onto surrounding muscle fiber. In yet another embodiment, a stabilizing arm attaches to a stabilizing object, such as a table or heavy or immovable object, and to one of the handles to stabilize the speculum system.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a method, system and apparatus for stabilizing a facet joint. One embodiment of a method according to the current invention includes angling a screw from a ventral and a lateral side of the spine toward a dorsal and medial side of the spine, and screwing the screw through a superior facet of an inferior vertebra and into an inferior facet of a superior vertebra. One embodiment of a system according to the present invention includes a screwdriver insertable into a surgical opening, a screw coupled to the screwdriver and a torque transmitter coupled to and rotatable with a head on the screwdriver. An embodiment of a screwdriver according to the invention includes a handle and a head projecting at an obtuse angle from the handle. The head in this embodiment is coupled to and rotatable with a torque transmitter.

Abstract: A speculum system with four blades is provided. The blades project in approximately the same direction, and each blade is connected to a handle linearly or at an angle. The handles are coupled together. In one embodiment, the distance between the blades is changeable so that a field of view defined as the viewable area between the blades can be increased or decreased. In another embodiment, the blades include texture, such as ribs, holes or teeth to grip onto surrounding muscle fiber. In yet another embodiment, a stabilizing arm attaches to a stabilizing object, such as a table or heavy or immovable object, and to one of the handles to stabilize the speculum system.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for accessing the spinal epidural space via the neural foramen. In one aspect of this invention a deflecting conduit needle device is disclosed having an elongated body extending substantially along a first axis. The device has a proximal end and a distal end, and a transverse conduit, positioned along the distal one-eighth of the device and extending substantially along a second axis, wherein the second axis is positioned at an acute angle relative to the first axis. In another aspect of the invention a method is disclosed for accessing the spinal epidural space via the neural foramen.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for accessing the spinal epidural space via the neural foramen. In one aspect of this invention a deflecting conduit needle device is disclosed having an elongated body extending substantially along a first axis. The device has a proximal end and a distal end, and a transverse conduit, positioned along the distal one-eighth of the device and extending substantially along a second axis, wherein the second axis is positioned at an acute angle relative to the first axis. In another aspect of the invention a method is disclosed for accessing the spinal epidural space via the neural foramen.

Abstract: In one method for performing a laparoscopic lumbar discectomy an incision is created in the abdominal wall of a patient. The peritoneal lining is dissected from the abdominal wall while relocating the peritoneal lining toward the midline of the abdomen to create an expanded retroperitoneal space. A surgical apparatus is inserted into the incision comprising an endoscope and surgical means suitable for performing a lumbar discectomy. The surgical apparatus is directed through the expanded retroperitoneal space until the surgical apparatus approaches the anterior aspect of a vertebral body and a discectomy is performed on the vertebral body.

Abstract: A discectomy apparatus comprises an elongated sleeve member having receiving means therein for an endoscope, receiving means for securing and suction and irrigation channel means, all secured and extending along the interior length of the sleeve. The apparatus is especially suitable for performing a laparoscopic lumbar discectomy. In another embodiment, an elongated sleeve member is provided with means for receiving an endoscope and means for removably receiving selected elongated surgical instruments.The invention also includes an improved method for performing laparoscopic lumbar discectomy.