Abstract: There is disclosed a retractor system to facilitate surgical access to an intervertebral disc between an inferior vertebral body and a superior vertebral body. In an embodiment, the retractor system includes an elongate member having an anchor to attach to a pedicle of an inferior vertebral body with respect to an intervertebral disc. A retractor body has a collar to attach to the elongate member, slides coupled to the retractor body, and a pair of blades mounted to the slides. The blades have a proximal end and a distal end, a distance between the proximal end and the distal end of each one of the blades configured for displacing tissue for access to an intervertebral disc. An attachment portion is adjacent the proximal end of each one of the blades for attaching one of the slides thereto. Geometry of the blade end conforms to anatomy surrounding the pedicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.

Abstract: A minimally invasive tool to facilitate implanting a pedicle screw and housing is provided. The minimally invasive tool includes a first sleeve having flexible tabs that couple to a housing and a second sleeve slidably engaged in the first sleeve. The second sleeve provides reinforcing such that the first and second sleeve provide counter torque for driving the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly includes a plate, at least one bushing, and at least one bone screw. The bushing is positioned within a through hole of the plate. The bushing and screw are configured to engage each other to inhibit the screw from backing out. The screw includes a visual indicator surface that is visible to the operator during insertion of the screw through the bushing and plate. The bushing is configured to cover at least a portion of the visual indicator surface to show when the bushing and screw are properly engaged to inhibit backout of the screw.

Abstract: A stabilizer device (1) for the spinal column, comprising first engagement means (4) and second engagement means (5), which are adapted to be connected to each other by a rod-like element (8), the first and second engagement means (4, 5) being adapted to be fitted on first and second pedicle screws (2, 3), which are adapted to be in turn inserted in two adjacent vertebrae, the first and second engagement means (4, 5) being fixable on the pedicle screws (2, 3); the first and second engagement means (4, 5) accommodate bearing means (20), which are adapted to rotate within the first and second engagement means (4, 5) and to be fitted on the pedicle screws (2, 3), in order to allow the fitting of the first and second engagement means (4, 5) on the pedicle screws (2, 3).

Abstract: An intervertebral disc device is provided to support or repair one or both of the disc annulus and the disc nucleus. The intervertebral disc device includes an annulus support and an elongated member to support the disc nucleus. The disc annulus support has an elongated wire and an annulus closure. The disc nucleus has an elongated member that is expandable. Any of the devices can be loaded with biologics. Moreover, any of the devices may include a scarring factor to promote fibrous growth.

Abstract: A stabilizer device for the spinal column, comprising a first body (2) and a second body (2) adapted to be mutually connected by a rod-like element (5), the first and second bodies (2) being adapted to be fitted around first and second pedicle screws (3), which are adapted to be inserted in turn in two mutually adjacent vertebrae, the first and second bodies (2) being fixable on the pedicle screws (3), the first and second bodies (2) being fork-shaped and adapted to accommodate locking means (20), the locking means (20) being adapted to pass from a position for accommodating the pedicle screw (3) to a position for locking the pedicle screw (3) within the fork-shaped body (2).

Abstract: Embodiments presently disclosed generally relate to the treatment of spinal fractures, such as spinal compression fractures. In one embodiment, a method of treating a spinal fracture includes identifying a vertebra having an untreated fracture, coupling a first device to the spinous processes of the vertebra with the fracture and a vertebra positioned directly superior to the fractured vertebra, and coupling a second device to the spinous processes of the vertebra with the fracture and the vertebra directly inferior to the fractured vertebra.

Abstract: A method, kit, and system to separate muscle fiber prior to threading pedicle screws. The kit and system include at least one dilator that is sized and shaped with a leading edge to expand and separate muscle fibers between the first and second pedicles. The dilator(s) expose the surgical area by separating the muscle fiber prior to threading the pedicle screws. Because the muscle fiber is spread, it does not need to be cut to place rods, which facilitates minimally invasive surgical methods.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes selecting a countersink depth setting with a linear countersink adjustment mechanism of a distractor-inserter, positioning distal ends of blades of the distractor-inserter between the two vertebral bodies to be separated, driving a head block assembly of the distractor-inserter forward until the retraction members of the distractor-inserter engages respective outer faces of the vertebral bodies, and retracting the distal ends of the blades and the tip from between the vertebral bodies, wherein the vertebral bodies compress the disc implant and hold the disc implant between the vertebral bodies at the countersink depth. A distractor-inserter includes first and second retraction members disposed within channels of the blades, and a countersink adjustment mechanism configured to linearly adjust a distance between a tip and the retraction members to thereby linearly adjust a countersink depth of an implantable element inserted between two distracted elements.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices of the present invention may be inserted through conventional open procedures, typically requiring a relatively large incision and a general anesthetic, or through novel minimally-invasive procedures, typically requiring only a local anesthetic. These novel minimally-invasive procedures and related enabling devices are also disclosed and described herein.

Abstract: Surgical retractors, retractor insertion tools, and methods of use are disclosed. The surgical retractor includes a first protrusion end, a second insertion end opposite the first protrusion end, and an opening extending through the retractor body from a first end opening located at the first protrusion end of the retractor body to a second end opening located at the second insertion end of the retractor body. The first and second end openings may have different sizes and shapes. The first and second end openings may be arranged out of alignment with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.

Abstract: The cross connecting device includes a bar arm coupled to one of a pair of posterior rods or spinal fixation rods and a rod arm coupled to the other of the pair of the rods. The bar arm and rod arm are coupled together by a connector or coupling device. The coupling device has a shank extending through a bore in the bar arm and a connector bore through which a protrusion on the bar arm extends. The bar arm is rotationally movable in the connector bore. The shank is rotationally and translationally movable in the bar arm bore. The coupling device is vertically movable through the bore. The protrusion is rotationally and translationally movable in the connector bore. The cross connecting devices are coupled to the rods by a pair of opposing surface to surface contacts formed by a surface of a hook end and a surface of a pad.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc device is provided to support or repair one or both of the disc annulus and the disc nucleus. The intervertebral disc device includes an annulus support and an elongated member to support the disc nucleus. The disc annulus support has an elongated wire and an annulus closure. The disc nucleus has an elongated member that is expandable. Any of the devices can be loaded with biologics. Moreover, any of the devices may include a scarring factor to promote fibrous growth.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for weight bearing surface, i.e., intervertebral disc (“disc”), between spinous processes and articular cartilage, repair. Compositions include fibrosis inducing agents for facilitating fibrosis in or on the site in need of repair in order to form fibrotic connective tissue. In addition, methods are provided for distracting the appropriate disc space during treatment of a disc in need of repair, and in particular treatment of the disc in need of repair with a fibrosis inducing agent. Further, methods and compositions are provided for inducing or forming fibrotic tissue at a bone surface having damaged cartilage or in a joint in need of repair.

Abstract: A pedicle screw stabilization device comprises a superior and inferior pedicle screw anchor with a shaped memory alloy spacer therebetween.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices of the present invention may be inserted through conventional open procedures, typically requiring a relatively large incision and a general anesthetic, or through novel minimally-invasive procedures, typically requiring only a local anesthetic. These novel minimally-invasive procedures and related enabling devices are also disclosed and described herein.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, generally in the form of an expandable elongate conduit, for use as a distractor and/or retractor. The conduit generally includes a first elongate trough and a second elongate trough movable between an expanded state and a collapsed state wherein the second trough is nestable with the first trough. The first and second troughs may be fastened to vertebrae to facilitate distraction and/or compression of the vertebrae relative to one another.

Abstract: Facet replacement device is provided. The facet replacement device comprises a superior seating device coupled to a superior vertebral body and an inferior seating device coupled to an inferior vertebral body. The seating devices provide a joint to replace the facet. Another device comprises a superior vertebral body anchor with a first extension terminating in a joint connection, such as, a socket. An inferior vertebral body anchor has a second extension terminating in a corresponding joint connection, such as, a ball.