Abstract: A system for interchangeable retractor blades includes a shell, a first retractor blade, and a second retractor blade. The shell includes a rigid proximal end configured to attach to a surgical retractor and an opening, a distal closed end, and a pliable portion including a pocket in communication with the opening and extending along a length of the shell to the distal closed end. The first retractor blade includes a first geometry received through the opening into the pocket and that shapes the pliable portion to configure the shell in a first configuration. The second retractor blade includes a second geometry received through the opening into the pocket and that shapes the pliable portion to configure the shell in a second configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are occipital plates that include a fixation plate portion and at least two extensions integrally connected to the fixation plate portion and extending away from the fixation plate portion. The fixation plate portion has a plurality of through-holes for receiving bone screws that secure the occipital plate to a patient's skull or, specifically, the occiput. Each extension includes a slot for removably receiving a rod connector or a rod-to-rod connector, the slots having an entry area or portion for receiving a connector and a holding area or portion for maintaining the connector in the slot.

Abstract: A surgical system may include a conductive stylet with a distal end advanceable into bone material and a proximal end coupled to a stylet hub. A handle is non-removably attached to the stylet hub, and removably attachable to an insulative cannula hub. The cannula hub is non-removably attached to a conductive cannula that surrounds the stylet when the handle is attached to the proximal end of the insulative cannula hub. An outer insulative sheath is slideably engaged to insulative cannula hub, and has a radiopaque distal tip. An electrical signal source may be applied to the stylet hub to conduct a pedicle integrity assessment. The handle and stylet may be removed from the cannula assembly, leaving the cannula assembly in place at the surgical site.

Abstract: A fastener retention system for retaining fasteners within apertures of an orthopedic plate includes a first pocket disposed between two of the apertures in the plate, a blocking member disposed between the two apertures and including a second pocket that forms a cavity with the first pocket, and a spring that expands from a compressed configuration within the first pocket to a decompressed configuration within the cavity.

Abstract: A system and a bone fixation plate for preventing a fastener from rotating so as to prevent the fastener from backing out is provided. The system includes a plate having an opening. A retention member having an arm extending into the opening is configured to engage the head of the fastener so as to prevent the fastener from rotating after the fastener is seated within a vertebral body or implant. In one embodiment, the retention member engages a top surface of the head of the fastener. In another embodiment, the retention member engages a side wall of the head of the fastener.

Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.

Abstract: A system and a bone fixation plate for preventing a fastener from rotating so as to prevent the fastener from backing out is provided. The system includes a plate having an opening. A retention member having an arm extending into the opening is configured to engage the head of the fastener so as to prevent the fastener from rotating after the fastener is seated within a vertebral body or implant. In one embodiment, the retention member engages a top surface of the head of the fastener. In another embodiment, the retention member engages a side wall of the head of the fastener.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.

Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.

Abstract: An osteotomy instrument for compression and/or distraction spinal procedures includes a first leg and a second leg pivotally attached to the first leg. The first leg and the second leg each include a proximal portion, a distal portion with a distal end and a pocket extending within the distal end towards the proximal portion. The distal portion of each leg is configured to rotatably engage a bearing attached to a spine of a patient. The pocket may be generally hemispherical with an inner surface configured to engage the bearing and form a ball-in-socket joint with the bearing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to expandable interbodies that include superior and inferior shells and a control assembly positioned between and inside of the shells, the control assembly including nested cages operably connected to each other with an adjustment screw. Rotation of the adjustment screw translates the cages relative to each other, which in turn causes the shells to open or expand.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an expandable interbody that includes superior and inferior shells enclosing a control mechanism that includes interlocking proximal and distal cages as well as an adjustment screw that longitudinally translates the distal cage relative to the proximal cage and thereby expands interbody by pushing apart the distal ends of the superior and inferior shells.

Abstract: An intervertebral cage with an outer frame, an open inner core region and a porosity gradient within the outer frame is provided. The outer frame includes a posterior wall, an anterior wall, a pair of side walls extending between the posterior wall and the anterior wall and the porosity gradient may comprise at least one of: a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls; and an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls.

Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion, and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebra. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent an interior surface disposed about a bottom opening of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the head portion engages the interior surface so as to provide for pivotal motion between the body member and the pedicle screw. The bone anchor also includes a bushing insertable into the body member and having an outwardly projecting structure that snaps under a downward facing abutment surface to maintain the bushing within the body member.

Abstract: A tool for delivery and/or compaction of bone graft material includes a cannula with an inner lumen extending along a longitudinal axis from a hopper end of the cannula to a delivery tip of the cannula. A hopper with an internal volume for storing bone graft material is connected to the hopper end of the cannula with the internal volume of the hopper in communication with the inner lumen of the cannula for delivery of bone graft material from the hopper to the delivery tip of the cannula. An output shaft within the inner lumen extends along the longitudinal axis. The output shaft includes a helical screw thread extending radially outward from the output shaft toward an inner surface of the cannula. An actuator is connected to the hopper and to the output shaft to drive the output shaft rotationally relative to the hopper and to the cannula.

Abstract: A system and a method for performing a spinal procedure configured to minimize the size of the surgical corridor so as to reduce recovery time is provided. The system and method include an implant and a guide. The guide is configured to be disposed within a surgical corridor formed by an instrument. The instrument is removed wherein the muscles may contract onto the guide so as to reduce the surgical corridor, wherein the implant is slid down the surgical corridor between a pair of guide members.

Abstract: A system for reducing deformities of the vertebrae in the spine includes a first reduction assembly, a second reduction assembly, and a reduction drive assembly. The first reduction assembly is configured for attachment to a first reduction tower that attaches to a first vertebra. The second reduction assembly is configured for attachment to a second reduction tower that attaches to a second vertebra. The reduction drive assembly includes an arcuate rack gear operably coupling the first reduction assembly to the second reduction assembly to translate the first reduction assembly relative to the second reduction assembly along an arcuate path in a first plane.

Abstract: An intervertebral cage with an outer frame, an open inner core region and a porosity gradient within the outer frame is provided. The outer frame includes a posterior wall, an anterior wall, a pair of side walls extending between the posterior wall and the anterior wall and the porosity gradient may comprise at least one of: a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls; and an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls.

Abstract: The tool and surgical kit are configured to facilitate in-situ reattachment of a screw extender to screw is provided. The surgical kit includes a screw extender, a screw assembly and a tool. The screw extender has a channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the screw extender. The screw assembly includes a screw and a set screw. The screw includes a threaded shaft and a head having a pair of sidewalls spaced apart from each. The interior surface of the sidewalls is threaded. The tool includes a first and a second removable shaft, the distal ends of which are configured to respectively engage the screw and the set screw. The tool includes a main shaft, a handle and a hollow housing. The main shaft is configured to fit through the channel, and the hollow housing is configured to receive the screw extender housing.

Abstract: A surgical screw configured to expand and prevent or minimize bone growth inside of the surgical screw is provided. Accordingly, the surgical screw is configured to increase the purchase of the surgical screw with respect to the bone, but also to be withdrawn from the bone without damaging the bone as a result of bone ingrowth. The surgical screw includes a center post with an inner bore and an outer sleeve concentric to the center post. An outer surface of the outer sleeve includes a thread to engage bone. The outer sleeve includes a cut pattern defining an expandable region configurable between a first state with a first radius measured from a longitudinal axis of the surgical screw to the outer surface and a second state having a second radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface.