Abstract: A spinal fixation device including two plates and a coupling element for coupling the plates in a fixed manner about adjacent spinous processes of the spine. Each plate is preferably equipped with integral spikes on the inwardly facing surfaces for pressing into the spinal processes and thereby augmenting the purchase between the plates and the spinous processes. Each plate contains a central aperture through which the coupling element passes in order to couple the plates together.

Abstract: A surgical fixation system having an improved mechanism to prevent the back out of screws employed in securing a surgical fixation plate to an intended orthopedic location.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method for implanting an interspinous spacer configured to self-distract a stenotic interspinous space. The present system includes, but is not necessarily limited to, an interspinous spacer and insertion instrumentation for assisting in the implantation and positioning of the interspinous spacer within an interspinous space.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bone plate system. The bone plate system comprises a base plate having two generally parallel elongated screw slots extending therethrough. Two bone screws are provided that are capable of securing the base plate to a bone by insertion through the screw slots into the bone. Each bone screw has a screw head and a threaded portion extending therefrom. An interference device is attached to the base plate and retains the bone screws while permitting the bone screws to toggle and to controllably slide in the screw slots of the base plate. This design is particularly useful for joining adjacent vertebral bodies, as it permits controlled settling of the vertebral bodies, thereby enhancing the healing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an algorithm aimed at neurophysiology monitoring, and more particularly to an algorithm capable of quickly finding stimulation thresholds over multiple channels of a neurophysiology monitoring system.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the partial replacement of a vertebral body includes an upper contact plate for connection to an upper vertebral body, a lower contact plate for connection to a lower vertebral body and a bridging part which connects the upper and lower contact plates to one another and bridges at least one intermediate vertebral body which is located between the upper and lower vertebral bodies and is to be partially replaced. The bridging part is accommodated in a recess in the vertebral body and is secured in the recess with lateral anchoring projections which penetrate into the bone substance located on both sides of the bridging part. The cross section of the bridging part may narrow toward the rear, preferably in a trapezoid shape.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis. The methods comprising gaining access to an interspinous space, abrading a portion of the superior spinous process, inserting an implant into the interspinous process space, verifying the position of the implant by observing the position of three radio-opaque markers embedded in the implant, and coupling the implant to the superior spinous process.

Abstract: A cervical intervertebral disk prosthesis has two cover plates, at least one of which is provided with a wedge-shaped connection surface for connection to a vertebral body and which is wider than it is deep. The dorsal edge of the connection surface may be set back from the dorsolateral edge of the cover plate having the connection surface and be connected to the dorsal edge protruding above it via a rounding or bevel.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant to be inserted within an intervertebral disc space in order to sustain spinal geometry and promote fusion of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A cervical intervertebral prosthesis includes two connection plates adapted for connection to adjacent vertebral bodies and a hinge core. The hinge core and one connection plate together form a hinge with a concave hinge surface on the hinge core and with a complementary convex hinge surface on the connection plate. The hinge core bears on the other connection plate via a slide surface which extends substantially parallel to the direction of the connection plate and which permits a relative movement in this direction and is surrounded by an edge limiting this relative movement. The concave hinge surface encloses the convex hinge surface within a solid angle of at least 90°. The part of the concave hinge surface lying within this solid angle lies inside the recess surrounded by the edge. The stability of the prosthesis with respect to laterally incident forces is thereby increased.

Abstract: An implant is provided for performing spinal fusion. The implant includes an implant body having a leading side and a trailing side at opposing ends along a longitudinal axis. Between the leading side and trailing side are an upper surface, a lower surface, an anterior side, and a posterior side. At least one keel structure is provided extending from the implant body for penetration into an adjacent vertebral body. A trial sizer and keel cutter may be utilized to form keel channels within the vertebral body to receive the keel structure.

Abstract: A manufacturing process and resultant medical devices and components thereof wherein one or more individual laces (12) is placed within an embroidered structure (10) using an automated process allowing for the manufacture of embroidered surgical implants containing laces to be mass produced repeatably and cost effectively.

Abstract: A prosthesis for partial replacement of a vertebral body includes upper and lower contact plates that contact upper and lower vertebral bodies and a bridging element to be inserted into a bone cavity that bridges an intermediate vertebral body to be replaced that lies between the upper and lower vertebral bodies. This bridging element has anchoring projections which can be moved between a retracted implantation position and a protruding anchoring position.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis, in particular for the cervical spine, includes a first cover plate to be connected to a first vertebral body, second cover plate to be connected to the second vertebral body, and a prosthesis core which forms an articulation with the second cover plate. The prosthesis core is held by seat of the first cover plate which is designed as a guide device. The core can be pushed into the guide device from the ventral side in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction relative to the first cover plate. A limit-stop plate is provided on the ventral edge of the first cover plate. This limit-stop plate is displaceable in a slide guide between a locking position and a nonlocking position.

Abstract: A cervical intervertebral prosthesis system includes prostheses which each have a hinge with a predefined center of hinge movement. To permit better adaptation to the different hinge radii of the cervical intervertebral disks, the cervical intervertebral prostheses of the system include at least two different prostheses with different hinge radii.

Abstract: A cervical intervertebral disk prosthesis has two cover plates, at least one of which is provided with a wedge-shaped connection surface for connection to a vertebral body and which is wider than it is deep. The dorsal edge of the connection surface may be set back from the dorsolateral edge of the cover plate having the connection surface and be connected to the dorsal edge, protruding above it, via a rounding or bevel.

Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites.