Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation element relative to a bone anchor includes a bone anchor grasping mechanism, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The bone anchor grasping mechanism includes a first arm having a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor. The first adjustment mechanism includes a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm. The second arm has a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor and is operable to adjust a spinal fixation element in a first direction upon pivoting relative to the first arm. The second adjustment mechanism is removably and replaceably coupled to the bone anchor grasping mechanism and is movable relative to the bone anchor grasping mechanism to adjust the spinal fixation element in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: An instrument for adjusting a spinal rod relative to a bone anchor includes a handle connecting a set screw driver with a reduction collar. The handle includes an inner shaft engageable with the set screw driver, an outer shaft engageable with the reduction collar, and a clutch connecting the inner shaft to the outer shaft and permitting selective rotation of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft, and thus, selective rotation of the set screw driver relative to the reduction collar. The handle clutch may include a spring and a plurality of disc clutch members positioned about the outer shaft. The spring biases the disc clutch members into contact with one another and at least one disc clutch member may rotate relative to an adjacent disc clutch member upon application of a torque to the reduction collar and the outer shaft greater than a preselected torque value.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral disc prosthesis in a patient comprises selecting a superior and inferior endplates from a plurality of endplates having different endplate features. The different endplate features include different structural and material composition features. In addition, a core is selected from a plurality of cores having different core features such as different structural and material composition features. In one embodiment, the core is a composite core comprised of a first material and a different second material. After the endplates and core are selected, the intervertebral disc prosthesis is assembled with the selected core positioned between the selected endplates. The assembled intervertebral disc prosthesis is then positioned on an insertion tool and implanted in the patient.

Abstract: A vertebral distractor system includes a crossbar and a first distractor arm having a first end portion coupled to the crossbar and a second end portion with a first bore configured to axially receive a first coupling portion of a first pin. A second distractor arm includes a third end portion coupled to the crossbar and a fourth end portion with a second bore configured to receive a second coupling portion of a second pin. A first pin locking mechanism is configured to couple the first coupling portion and the first distractor arm within the first bore such that when the first coupling portion and the first distractor arm are coupled, movement of the first pin outwardly of the first bore is not allowed.

Abstract: A spinal implant including an at least one screw disposed within a wedge body is herein provided. The implant can be configured for placement with a facet joint in an intra-facet delivery. Furthermore, the implant can include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint in an intra-facet orientation is hereby provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and technique to seal an annular defect of an intervertebral disc, determine the in-situ volume of nucleus pulposus material removed, for example from a discectomy of a herniated disc, and facilitate injection of nuclear replacement material.

Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.

Abstract: A dilator retractor and the dilators that are used for minimally invasive spinal surgery or other surgery are configured to accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient as by configuring the cross sectional area in an elliptical shape, or by forming a funnel configuration with the wider end at the proximate end. In some embodiments the distal end is contoured to also accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient so that a cylindrically shaped, funnel shaped, ovoid shaped dilator retractor can be sloped or tunneled to accommodate the bone structure of the patient or provide access for implants. The dilator retractor is made with different lengths to accommodate the depth of the cavity formed by the dilators.

Abstract: A method of performing at least one surgical procedure is disclosed. The method includes: preparing a patient for a first surgical procedure; making a first incision through the skin of the patient in accordance with the first surgical procedure; exposing a target area for the first surgical procedure through the first incision; performing a step of the first surgical procedure on the target area for the first surgical procedure; placing a protective pad with a fluid pocket between a vulnerable anatomical part and the target area for the first surgical procedure; and closing the first incision in accordance with the first surgical procedure with the protective pad between the vulnerable anatomical part and the target area. A protective system for facilitating revision surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to new methods & kits that minimize the risks and challenges associated with sterilization of multi-component medical devices.

Abstract: A system for guiding an implant to an optimal placement within a patient includes a trajectory guide for guiding instruments along a selected trajectory and a trajectory fixation device for fixing the trajectory guide in a selected position. The trajectory guide defines a path configured to align with the selected trajectory. A movable support mounts the trajectory guide and selectively moves the trajectory guide to align the trajectory guide with the selected trajectory prior to fixing the trajectory guide in the selected position. After fixing the trajectory guide, instruments can be inserted along the trajectory through the path defined by the trajectory guide.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expandable intervertebral fusion cage and a method for its use for spinal fusion that reduces annular, vertebral body and cage damage and that is compatible with anterior, posterior as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Abstract: An occipital clamping hook assembly includes a hook for engaging a first side of an occipital bone and a compressor movable relative to the hook for applying a compressive force to the occipital bone from a second side of the occipital bone. The occipital clamping assembly further includes a rod-receiving portion coupled to the hook for coupling a rod to the occipital bone engaged by the hook.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for placing a spinal fixation rod into a rod receiving opening in a spinal anchor and installing a fastener to secure the rod to the spinal anchor. In one embodiment, the system can include a cap having a bore extending therethrough, an elongate drive rod that is adapted to extend through the bore, and a fastener that is disposed on a distal portion of the drive rod. The cap can include a driving element that is adapted to cooperate with a complementary driving element disposed on the rod to form a driving mechanism. Actuation of the driver mechanism can be effective to advance the drive rod through the cap to thereby reduce a spinal rod into a rod receiving opening of the spinal anchor and install the fastener to secure the rod to the spinal anchor.

Abstract: A vertebral implant comprising a first base configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra, and second base configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra. A connecting member is configured to associate the first and second bases at a preselected spacing from each other, and the implant is preferable adjustable to select the spacing.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first endplate, a second endplate, and a bearing surface positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate. The bearing surface may be provided by a mobile bearing disc including a convex bearing surface configured to engage the first endplate and a concave bearing surface configured to engage the second endplate. The multiple bearing surfaces of the mobile bearing disc engage articulating surfaces on the endplates to form a plurality of articulating joints. Each articulating joint is configured to facilitate a particular type of movement for the segmental unit. Furthermore, each articulating joint is defined by a distinct center of rotation. The contact pair formed by the convex bearing surface of the bearing component and the concave bearing surface of the first endplate may provide a flexion/extension center of rotation for the prosthesis.

Abstract: A bone filler material delivery system comprising a longitudinal channel, wherein said channel incorporates a perforated segment at least partially along, at or substantially near its distal end, and wherein said channel is sealed at its distal end so the filler material may be delivered only by the lumen and through the perforated segment peripheral wall/s. Optionally, said system comprising an expandable-collapsible permeable bag capable of being inserted into a bone while in collapsed configuration and then to expand within the bone when filled with bone voids filler. The mesh structure is designed to allow such permeable bag to expand to a predetermined size or shape under certain pressures, and further allows exudation of said bone void filler through its walls. One satisfactory result is achieved by extracting the permeable bag out of treated body, thus promoting a flow of the bone void filler through its pores into the cancellous bone and/or cavity in the bone.

Abstract: A vertebral implant is provided that includes a distraction member having a first end configured to pivotally couple to a first cut portion of a vertebra and a second end configured to mate with a base member configured to couple to a second cut portion of the vertebra. The distraction member can move relative to the base member to create a force effective to adjust a distance between the first and second cut portions of the vertebra.

Abstract: Bone implantable devices and methodologies permit careful application of biologically active substances and management of bone growth processes. The device includes a body defining a carrier receiving area for locating adjacent bone. Carrier material is located in the carrier receiving area. Substance is delivered onto carrier material through a port. A pathway delivers substance from the carrier receiving area to the bone surface. The body may be in the form of a spinal fusion cage, facet fusion screw, artificial joint, bone fixation plate, interbody graft, IM nail, hip stem, or other bone-to-bone appliances or bone-to-device appliances. In use, carrier is installed in the carrier receiving area of the device. The device is then implanted adjacent a bone. The substance is applied to the carrier for subsequent delivery to the bone. By doping carrier material after device implantation, inadvertent contact of the substance with non-target bone is more easily eliminated.

Abstract: An installation tool that is useful for the efficient and effective placement of an article, such as an artificial disc, between adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The installation tool can be provided as a kit having modular components which allow the surgeon to select from among a variety of components to assemble an installation tool that is optimized for its intended use. The installation tool of the invention generally includes a pair of opposed levers, each of which has a proximal handle portion and a distal portion. A fulcrum is disposed between the two levers to enable proper operation of the tool. The tool further includes a pusher block that is positioned between the two levers and is selectively movable between an initial location distal of the fulcrum and a final location adjacent the distal end of the levers. The pusher block includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore extending at least partially therethrough.