Abstract: A process for nucleotomy of an intervertebral disk to create a nuclear space and a method for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk after a nucleotomy are provided. The methods position a nuclear implant between two overlying and underlying vertebrae of a spine segment in the form of one or more continuous wire arranged as a stack of helices inside the nuclear space.

Abstract: The device (9) comprises vertebral elements (10, 20, 10?, 20?) adapted to be fixed to the same lateral side of the bodies of at least two adjacent vertebrae (1, 2), the elements being associated in pairs that are provided to be associated with the left and right sides of the vertebrae. In order to guide the vertebrae effectively and stably, in order, in use, to reproduce an articulating intervertebral joint, the two elements of each pair delimit respective surfaces (15, 25, 15?, 25?) for the relative guiding of those elements, which surfaces are adapted, when the elements are implanted on their corresponding vertebra, to extend generally along the same lateral side of the body of the vertebrae and to rest and slide one against the other in such a manner that the surfaces define a center of rotation (C) about which the two elements are able to turn one relative to the other.

Abstract: The drilling device for forming an osseous channel (2) with a curved profile (2b) via a straight cannula (6) previously fixed in the body of a vertebra (3) with a cortical plateau (4) of a spinal segment (Sr) of a vertebral column (Cv) includes a guide pin (8) which is provided from a guide pin kit and has at one of its ends a curved profile (8a) of which the radius of curvature R is less than 20 millimetres, and a sharpened tip (8b) arranged in a direction defined by an angle Y which is less than 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of said pin, the profile of said guide pin (8) making it possible to define, after insertion thereof into the body of the vertebra (3), two contact points a and b ensuring the guidance of the free end of an articulated drill bit (10) so as to position said free end in a direction substantially perpendicular to that of the cortical plateau (4) of the vertebra (3) to be drilled.

Abstract: The device for protecting adjacent stages Vc of a spinal segment Sr of a vertebral column previously instrumented by an osteosynthesis device (1) is constituted of fixation elements (110) formed of connectors (111) immobilized in translation and in rotation on the corresponding connection rod (4) of osteosynthesis device (1), a support block (130; 180) in which is housed the spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc found just above the instrumented spinal segment Sr and at least one ligament (150, 170, 190) allowing spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc to be joined to support block (130; 180) and the support block (130; 180) to be joined to connectors (111).

Abstract: The total arthroplasty joint prosthesis includes connectors (2, 4) fixed in the pedicles Vp of the spinal levels by anchoring screws (3), upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6) connecting the connectors (2, 4) to each other, and guiding and damping element (7) connecting the upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6), the guiding and damping element (7) and the upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6) being constructed with relation to each other so as to define at least one rotation and sliding axis C situated at the level of the upper superjacent vertebra Va of the instrumented segment Sr in order to limit the stresses on the anchoring screws (3) ensuring fixation of the connectors (2) in the superjacent vertebra Va.

Abstract: The facet arthroplasty device according to the present invention comprises linking rods (2) for linking together connectors (3, 6) that are held respectively in the vertebral bodies of each treated vertebra V by way of anchoring screws (4), while each connector (3) has means for immobilizing and guiding a sleeve (5) that allows said connector (3) freedoms of movement in rotation R, R1 and/or in lateral tilting B about a vertical axis xx' and/or vv' of the anchoring screw (4), which has been fixed beforehand in the corresponding vertebral body.

Abstract: A guidance device including two vertebral units adapted to be fixed to the posterior side of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine and wherein the two units have substantially spherical complementary articulation surfaces which, when the units are fixed to the vertebrae, extend overall on the posterior side of the vertebrae and slide against one another about a center point located in the intervertebral space that separates the vertebrae, and wherein the device also includes a mechanical element to limit an amplitude of the relative sliding of the articulation surfaces.

Abstract: A vertebral anchoring device includes connectors (2) linked to one another by connecting rods (3) and fixed on bone-anchoring screws (5) implanted in the vertebrae (4) of a vertebral column, each connector (2) being composed of a connection element (6) that includes receiving and fixing members to permit immobilization of the connecting rod (3) in translation and in rotation. Each connection element (6) includes, opposite the members for receiving and fixing the connecting rod (3), a seat (12) that cooperates with a connecting device (17) permitting assembly of the anchoring screw (5). The connecting device (17), before immobilization of the connecting rod (3) in the connection element (6), permits lateral and independent tilting movements of the connection element (6) and of the anchoring screw (5) relative to each other, and rotation of the anchoring screw (5) for fixing it in the body of the vertebra (4).

Abstract: A slide-type cervical plate includes an anti-backout device (2) preventing the vertical movements of the bone anchor screws (3) and which consists of first vertical-blocking elements (71) capable of deforming elastically in a first direction so that an anchor screw (3) can be introduced into the corresponding bore (4) and of second vertical-blocking elements (8) capable of deforming elastically in a second direction different than the first so that another anchor screw (3) can be fitted into another bore (4), the first and second blocking elements deforming elastically when a combined external load in a vertical direction and in rotation in the clockwise direction is applied to the anchor screws (3).

Abstract: The device for protecting adjacent stages Vc of a spinal segment Sr of a vertebral column previously instrumented by an osteosynthesis device (1) is constituted of fixation elements (110) formed of connectors (111) immobilized in translation and in rotation on the corresponding connection rod (4) of osteosynthesis device (1), a support block (130; 180) in which is housed the spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc found just above the instrumented spinal segment Sr and at least one ligament (150, 170, 190) allowing spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc to be joined to support block (130; 180) and the support block (130; 180) to be joined to connectors (111).

Abstract: The hinge mounting system according to the present invention is constituted of a link connector (10) comprising, on either side of a U-shaped opening (8), a first and a second vertical branch (11, 12) respectively cooperating through axes of rotation (13, 14) with a clamping element (15) enabling the linking rod (4) to be immobilized in translation and in rotation after it has been pivoted and locked above the opening (8) by a lock (16) elastically loaded by a leaf spring (29).

Abstract: The total arthroplasty joint prosthesis includes connectors (2, 4) fixed in the pedicles Vp of the spinal levels by anchoring screws (3), upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6) connecting the connectors (2, 4) to each other, and guiding and damping element (7) connecting the upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6), the guiding and damping element (7) and the upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6) being constructed with relation to each other so as to define at least one rotation and sliding axis C situated at the level of the upper superjacent vertebra Va of the instrumented segment Sr in order to limit the stresses on the anchoring screws (3) ensuring fixation of the connectors (2) in the superjacent vertebra Va.

Abstract: The nuclear implant according to this invention constitutes, between two overlying and underlying vertebrae Va, Vb of a spine segment Sr, an intervertebral support device that damps shock and ensures the mobility of the functional unit that is formed by the vertebrae of a vertebral column, whereby the nuclear implant includes a filling element (2) that includes at least one continuous wire (50, 51) that is arranged—inside a nuclear space Es that is obtained after nucleotomy of the intervertebral disk Di—along a profile in the shape of a ring whose stack of coils (55) makes it possible to delimit a central internal space (52).

Abstract: There is provided a posterior lumbar joint prosthesis which includes prosthetic elements reproducing the movements of the joint facets and vertebral anchors which adapt to the variations in the anatomy of vertebra. In use, the prosthesis has lower and upper connectors on each side of the lumbar vertebra. The lower connectors are coupled with, and pivotably mounted onto, respective lower pedicular screws, and a member defining a member axis links lower and upper connectors on each side of the lumbar vertebra. Upon lateral flexion of one of the upper and lower vertebrae relative to the other, each lower connector is capable of multiaxis pivotable movement relative to the respective lower pedicular screws such that each member is capable to pivot with respect to (i) the axis of the lower screw, (ii) a first axis intersecting the lower screw and the lower connector, and/or (iii) an axis intersecting the above first axis and the lower screw, while the member can also move along the member axis.

Abstract: A vertebral anchoring device includes connectors (2) linked to one another by connecting rods (3) and fixed on bone-anchoring screws (5) implanted in the vertebrae (4) of a vertebral column, each connector (2) being composed of a connection element (6) that includes receiving and fixing members to permit immobilization of the connecting rod (3) in translation and in rotation. Each connection element (6) includes, opposite the members for receiving and fixing the connecting rod (3), a seat (12) that cooperates with a connecting device (17) permitting assembly of the anchoring screw (5). The connecting device (17), before immobilization of the connecting rod (3) in the connection element (6), permits lateral and independent tilting movements of the connection element (6) and of the anchoring screw (5) relative to each other, and rotation of the anchoring screw (5) for fixing it in the body of the vertebra (4).