Abstract: A bone plate for securing a spinal fixation element to bone includes a base portion having a top face, a rod receiving portion and a bone anchor receiving portion. The bone anchor receiving portion includes a plurality of angled holes for receiving bone screws. At least one of the screw holes is oriented at an acute angle relative to the top face of the plate.

Abstract: An implant insertion device includes a handle, an insertion rod attached to the handle, and an implant gripper attached to the insertion rod. The implant gripper includes a gripping surface that has a movable pin and a fixed pin. The implant insertion device also includes a pin actuator so that the movable pin can be moved into place in an implant. A method of attaching an implant to an implant insertion device is disclosed, as well as a method of detaching an implant from an implant insertion device. Finally, a method of inserting an implant with an implant insertion device is provided.

Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation rod includes a gripping section for engaging a spinal implant and a lever body pivotally attached to the gripping section. A rod carrier extends from one side of the lever body and is adapted to push a spinal fixation rod downwardly into the spinal implant.

Abstract: A counter-torque wrench includes a tubular outer body having distal and proximal ends and an inner shaft disposed within the outer body. The inner shaft has a proximal end and a distal end and is axially displaceable relative to the outer body. The distal end of the inner shaft has a gripping end portion disposed proximate to the distal end of the outer body. The gripping end portion comprises a plurality of branches extending distally of the outer body. The branches are radially displaceable between a relatively open position, in which the branches are displaced radially outwardly from one another, and a relatively closed position, in which the branches are displaced radially inwardly toward one another. The distance between the branches is greater in the open position than in the closed position. A method of using the counter-torque wrench is also provided.

Abstract: A receiver body for an elongated spinal fixation element includes a housing portion with one or more flanges extending outwardly. In one embodiment, the receiver body includes first and second flanges extending outwardly from the housing portion. The housing portion includes first and second slots that form a passage through the housing portion. Each flange has a circular perimeter edge and a chamfered section, the chamfered section having a notched undercut for engagement with an instrument. In another embodiment, the receiver body includes a housing portion having a circular flange with a first chamfered section and a second chamfered section diametrically opposite the first chamfered section. The first chamfered section has a first aperture that opens out beneath the flange, and the second chamfered section has a second aperture that opens out beneath the flange. The first and second apertures form diametrically opposed pivot-attachment points for an instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a spinal rod to a cross bar comprising a main body having a channel with a wall for receiving a spinal rod therein, an opening for receiving a fastener with at least one tang adjacent to the opening, a clamping body pivotally disposed in the main body, the clamping body being moveable between a first position in which it does not clamp the spinal rod in the channel and a second position in which it does clamp the spinal rod in the channel, a cross bar having an opening aligned substantially with the opening of the main body and having the tang disposed therein, and a fastener for rigidly coupling the cross bar to the main body, the fastener being positioned within the openings of the cross bar and the main body, wherein the fastener is operable to force the tang into the cross bar to clamp the cross bar to the main body and simultaneously to move the clamping body between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a body for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, and one or more anchors extending from the body for securing the body between the vertebrae. A linear motion control mechanism is mounted in the body and operable to limit linear translation of the anchor(s) relative to the body. Also, a pivot control mechanism in the body operates to limit pivot motion of the anchor(s) relative to the body. The linear and pivot control mechanisms are configured in various arrangements and embodiments exhibiting adjustable dynamic settings, allowing a single implant to provide various types of dynamic fixation with ranges of motion that permit loads to transfer to graft material contained in the disk space.

Abstract: A tissue retractor system includes first and second arms extending from a support assembly, and third and fourth arms extending from a support mechanism. Each arm includes a proximal span, a distal span, and a blade support between the proximal span and distal span. The retractor system features retractor units that can be used independently or in a nested arrangement. The system also includes instruments for inserting a spinal rod. A method for implanting a spinal rod through an incision includes the steps of inserting the spinal rod through a dividable tube, turning the rod subcutaneously toward a rod receiving anchor and advancing the rod subcutaneously toward the rod receiving anchor.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes an implant and instrumentation for stabilizing the spine. In one embodiment, the system includes a plate having a side rail and a channel extending adjacent the side rail. A pedicle screw assembly is positioned in the channel in releasable engagement with the side rail. The pedicle screw assembly includes a polyaxial screw seated in a lower housing having a lower locking flange. An upper housing having an upper locking flange secures the plate to the lower housing. The side rail of the plate is releasably engaged between the upper locking flange and the lower locking flange. The upper and lower housings include on-board locking mechanisms for fixing components in the screw assembly. The screw assembly and plate are inserted and oriented by remote manipulation. Minimally invasive techniques for inserting the implant are performed with the instrumentation, and cause minimal disturbance to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes an implant and instrumentation for stabilizing the spine. In one embodiment, the system includes a plate having a side rail and a channel extending adjacent the side rail. A pedicle screw assembly is positioned in the channel in releasable engagement with the side rail. The pedicle screw assembly includes a polyaxial screw seated in a lower housing having a lower locking flange. An upper housing having an upper locking flange secures the plate to the lower housing. The side rail of the plate is releasably engaged between the upper locking flange and the lower locking flange. The upper and lower housings include on-board locking mechanisms for fixing components in the screw assembly. The screw assembly and plate are inserted and oriented by remote manipulation. Minimally invasive techniques for inserting the implant are performed with the instrumentation, and cause minimal disturbance to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes an implant and instrumentation for stabilizing the spine. In one embodiment, the system includes a plate having a side rail and a channel extending adjacent the side rail. A pedicle screw assembly is positioned in the channel in releasable engagement with the side rail. The pedicle screw assembly includes a polyaxial screw seated in a lower housing having a lower locking flange. An upper housing having an upper locking flange secures the plate to the lower housing. The side rail of the plate is releasably engaged between the upper locking flange and the lower locking flange. The upper and lower housings include on-board locking mechanisms for fixing components in the screw assembly. The screw assembly and plate are inserted and oriented by remote manipulation. Minimally invasive techniques for inserting the implant are performed with the instrumentation, and cause minimal disturbance to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes an upper surface configured for engagement with a first vertebral body, and a lower surface configured for engagement with a second vertebral body. A wall extends between the upper surface and the lower surface, and forms a chamber for containing osteogenic material. At least a portion of the wall is collapsible from a first position associated with a first volume of the chamber to a second position associated with a second volume of the chamber. The second volume is less than the first volume.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a first plate and a second plate that is configured to be moveably engaged with the first plate along an axis of translation. Each plate defines at least one hole or recess for receiving a fastener that is configured to be fastened to a respective vertebrae. In one embodiment, a toothed surface is defined on both the first plate and the second plate. The toothed surface of the first plate is configured for engaging the toothed surface of the second plate such that translation of the second plate with respect to the first plate is limited in a single direction along the axis of translation.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface and a transverse fastener hole. The body includes a dynamic fixation mechanism for seating a fastener in the fastener hole and translating the fastener relative to the implant to accommodate subsidence of the implant. In one embodiment, an implant includes a transverse slot with an elongated seat for translating a seated fastener relative to the implant. In another embodiment, an implant includes a displaceable sliding member for translating a fastener relative to the implant.

Abstract: An instrument includes components configured to secure a locking device inside a rod fixation assembly. In one embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve and a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve. A drive assembly cooperatively engages the pusher member. In another embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve, a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve, and a pair of drive assemblies. A first drive assembly engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a first loading. A second drive assembly also engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a second loading, the second loading being substantially greater than the first loading. In another embodiment, a method for reducing and locking a spinal rod includes the step of advancing a locking element while the locking element is retained in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: An assembly for dynamic stabilization of the spine includes a rod having a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. A hollow housing forms a passage that receives the second end of the rod. An elastic member connects the first end of the rod with the housing. The assembly includes or is operable with a first pedicle screw and a second pedicle screw, each pedicle screw having a rod receiving slot. The first end of the rod is supported in the rod receiving slot of the first pedicle screw, and the housing is supported in the rod receiving slot of the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: An assembly includes a lever to guide a surgical tool, such as drill, during operation. The lever includes an arm for engaging a surgical tool. A guide member is pivotally coupled to the lever. The arm is pivotally displaceable relative to the guide member in an arc-shaped path, while the guide member is adapted to restrict movement of a surgical tool in a generally linear direction in response to pivotal displacement of the arm.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a rod in a screw and rod fixation assembly includes a cap having a sidewall and a locking element extending from at least a portion of the sidewall. Locking mechanism cooperates with a receiver component for a spinal fixation rod to lock the rod in the receiver without requiring application of torque. A method of locking a spinal fixation member in a receiver of a screw fixation assembly includes the steps of placing the spinal fixation member into a channel of a receiver, axially advancing a locking cap into the receiver toward the spinal fixation member without application of any torque, and securing the locking cap in a locked position above the spinal fixation member without application of any torque.

Abstract: A spring member for an artificial intervertebral disc includes a substantially annular body including an axially extended bore therethrough defining a passageway. A seat extends radially inward towards the bore for seating therein a bearing member for adjusting and compensating vertebral disc motion. An engagement member extends radially outwardly from the bore for engaging a housing member and securing the spring member within the housing member. The spring member absorbs compressive loads between the bearing member and the housing member while controlling motion and position of the bearing member.

Abstract: Vertebra bodies in the human spine are stabilized through the use of minimally invasive surgery for the implantation of an elongate implant plate assembly having spaced first and second screw receiving socket elements which are configured for respective attachment to first and second spaced vertebra with the aid of bone fixation screws and these elements are slidably received with respect to each other for adjustably changing the distance between the screw receiving socket elements. A lock assembly is also provided for selectively locking the first and second screw receiving elements from further relative sliding. An elongate insertion tool is releaseably secured to the plate assembly, and the insertion tool is configured for manipulating the plate assembly as a whole and for remotely manipulating the screw receiving socket elements for adjusting the distance therebetween.