Abstract: An implantable, modular spine stabilization system that allows for multi-level treatment of the spine by providing either rigid fixation or dynamic stabilization at different levels to be treated is provided. This modular spine stabilization system may be configured to span multiple spine levels, and have a curvature that closely matches the curvature of the spine over those multiple levels to be treated. Further, the modular spine stabilization system allows adjustment of the curvature of the overall system such that the system may be adapted for a patient for a customized fit. Instruments are also provided for the assembly and/or implantation of the modular spine stabilization system. The associated instruments may include instruments for adjusting the curvature of the system to the patient, and for implanting the curved system into the patient. The instruments may be configured for implantation of the system in a minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A bone fastener assembly instrument that can assemble a two-component bone fastener during surgery is provided. The bone fastener may be of a type that comprises a threaded bolt and nut for securing an implantable device to bone, such as a spinous process. A method for using the bone fastener assembly instrument is also provided.

Abstract: An interspinous, interlaminar space expander and measurement instrument for preparing an interspinous, interlaminar space between adjacent vertebrae to receive an implantable interspinous, interlaminar stabilization device is provided. The instrument includes an indicator which measures both height of the space and applied force to maintain that height.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprises surgical instruments for use with an implantable interspinous device having at least one pair of wings for securing the implantable device to a spinous process. The instrument system may include a surgical instrument for expanding or spreading the pair of wings to accommodate the spinous process. Further, a surgical instrument may be provided for crimping or compressing the pair of wings against the spinous process for secure attachment of the device to a vertebra. The surgical instruments may be configured similar to pliers and apply force to the pair of wings within a predetermined range so as to avoid damage, weakening or breakage of the pair of wings. The surgical instrument system may also include interspinous devices of differing sizes.

Abstract: An interspinous stabilization device configured to fit interlaminarly between adjacent vertebrae and their spinous processes, while also cooperating with a bone graft, or bone substitute, component to facilitate fusion at that segment of the spine is disclosed. Also provided is a method for using such a device and bone graft, or bone substitute, component to stabilize a spinal segment.

Abstract: Surgical instruments to properly implant interspinous/interlaminar stabilization devices, and instrumentation kits containing these instruments are provided. These surgical instruments may be configured to be disposable, or for single patient use, and therefore do not require resterilization for reuse, thus reducing risk of infection as a result of reuse and logistical costs associated with these resterilization procedures.

Abstract: Surgical instruments to properly implant interspinous/interlaminar stabilization devices, and instrumentation kits containing these instruments are provided. These surgical instruments may be configured to be disposable, or for single patient use, and therefore do not require resterilization for reuse, thus reducing risk of infection as a result of reuse and logistical costs associated with these resterilization procedures.

Abstract: An interspinous stabilization device configured to fit interlaminarly between adjacent vertebrae and their spinous processes, while also cooperating with a bone graft, or bone substitute, component to facilitate fusion at that segment of the spine is disclosed. Also provided is a method for using such a device and bone graft, or bone substitute, component to stabilize a spinal segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides interspinous vertebral and lumbosacral stabilization devices, and methods of using these devices for treating spinal instability conditions. The invention includes interspinous vertebral stabilization devices adapted for placement between the spinous processes of two or more adjacent vertebrae. The invention also includes lumbar stabilization devices adapted to be placed between a lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, including the first sacral vertebra (S1), to stabilize the lumbosacral region of a patient, and method for using such devices.

Abstract: A modular, customizable system that provides components for assembling an implantable device is provided. The system allows the user to assemble an implantable spine stabilization device that is flexible and allows dynamic stabilization. The same system also provides components for assembling a rigid or non-flexible fusion-enabling spine stabilization device. The components of the system are easily interchangeable, allowing the user the ability to customize the assembled device for a true fit with the patient, as well as allow an easy conversion of the dynamic device into a fusion-enabling device. Associated insertion instruments and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae and the lumbosacral region of a patient. The devices can comprise an interspinous flexible spacer body having a substantially U-shape comprising a superior section, inferior section, and a midsection extending therebetween. The superior and/or inferior sections can include a pair of lateral walls configured to engage a spinous process of a vertebra. Fixation caps can be provided for securing a spinous process of a vertebra to the flexible spacer body. To secure the flexible spacer body between the lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, an anchor assembly is provided. Also provided are methods of using the implantable devices to stabilize a patient's spine.

Abstract: A functionally dynamic stabilization unit and system for treatment of spinal instability are provided. Each unit, and collectively, the system, is configured to control flexion, extension and translation of the affected unstable vertebral area, thereby stabilizing the vertebral segments by restoring normal function. This is achieved by providing a unit and system that allow for lateral bending, axial compression, rotation, anterior segmental height adjustment, and posterior segmental height adjustment. The unit and system provide sufficient segmental stiffness, while also limiting, or controlling, the range of motion (i.e., sufficient stiffness in the neutral or active zone, while limiting or preventing motion outside of the active zone) to stabilize the vertebral segments. In use, the system mimics the natural movement of the normal spine. Furthermore, the system includes a rigid, fusion-promoting coupler configured for use in an adjacent level, or as a substitute for the functionally dynamic unit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprises surgical instruments for use with an implantable interspinous device having at least one pair of wings for securing the implantable device to a spinous process. The instrument system may include a surgical instrument for expanding or spreading the pair of wings to accommodate the spinous process. Further, a surgical instrument may be provided for crimping or compressing the pair of wings against the spinous process for secure attachment of the device to a vertebra. The surgical instruments may be configured similar to pliers and apply force to the pair of wings within a predetermined range so as to avoid damage, weakening or breakage of the pair of wings. The surgical instrument system may also include interspinous devices of differing sizes.

Abstract: A translaminar, interspinous stabilization system is provided. The system may comprise an implantable device for placement between two adjacent vertebrae. The device may comprise an inferior section, a superior section, and a flexible midsection extending therebetween and configured to seat against the lamina between the adjacent vertebrae. A pair of lateral plates may extend from at least one of the inferior section and superior section for engaging a laminar surface of one of the vertebra. Each of the lateral plates includes an aperture for receiving a bone screw therethrough. Also provided is a bone screw for placement through at least one lateral plate for securing the device to the laminar surface of one of the vertebra.

Abstract: A modular, customizable system that provides components for assembling an implantable device is provided. The system allows the user to assemble an implantable spine stabilization device that is flexible and allows dynamic stabilization. The same system also provides components for assembling a rigid or non-flexible fusion-enabling spine stabilization device. The components of the system are easily interchangeable, allowing the user the ability to customize the assembled device for a true fit with the patient, as well as allow an easy conversion of the dynamic device into a fusion-enabling device. Associated insertion instruments and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preparing an interspinous space to receive an implantable device. The system may comprise a cutting tool guide having a guiding surface for directing a cutting tool therethrough and a holder for positioning the cutting tool guide relative to the interspinous space. The holder may be configured to adjustably attach to at least one of a pair of spinous processes defining the interspinous space.

Abstract: The implant includes two side walls resting against the vertebral end-plates and an intermediate wall joining the supporting walls. The implant can be deformed for insertion between the vertebrae to be treated to restore the attenuated mobility of the vertebrae, and includes mounting elements mounting on the vertebrae. The side walls have a curved shape, whose convexity is oriented towards the outside of the implant; the intermediate wall has a curved shape, whose convexity is oriented towards the outside of the implant such that it does not form any pronounced angles with the supporting side walls. The supporting side walls and the intermediate wall, have a partially oval shape; and the mounting elements are configured such that the implant can be mounted on the vertebrae.

Abstract: A functionally dynamic stabilization unit and system for treatment of spinal instability are provided. Each unit, and collectively, the system, is configured to control flexion, extension and translation of the affected unstable vertebral area, thereby stabilizing the vertebral segments by restoring normal function. This is achieved by providing a unit and system that allow for lateral bending, axial compression, rotation, anterior segmental height adjustment, and posterior segmental height adjustment. The unit and system provide sufficient segmental stiffness, while also limiting, or controlling, the range of motion (i.e., sufficient stiffness in the neutral or active zone, while limiting or preventing motion outside of the active zone) to stabilize the vertebral segments. In use, the system mimics the natural movement of the normal spine. Furthermore, the system includes a rigid, fusion-promoting coupler configured for use in an adjacent level, or as a substitute for the functionally dynamic unit.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae and the lumbosacral region of a patient. The devices can comprise an interspinous flexible spacer body having a substantially U-shape comprising a superior section, inferior section, and a midsection extending therebetween. The superior and/or inferior sections can include a pair of lateral walls configured to engage a spinous process of a vertebra. Fixation caps can be provided for securing a spinous process of a vertebra to the flexible spacer body. To secure the flexible spacer body between the lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, an anchor assembly is provided. Also provided are methods of using the implantable devices to stabilize a patient's spine.

Abstract: A translaminar, interspinous stabilization system is provided. The system may comprise an implantable device for placement between two adjacent vertebrae. The device may comprise an inferior section, a superior section, and a flexible midsection extending therebetween and configured to seat against the lamina between the adjacent vertebrae. A pair of lateral plates may extend from at least one of the inferior section and superior section for engaging a laminar surface of one of the vertebra. Each of the lateral plates includes an aperture for receiving a bone screw therethrough. Also provided is a bone screw for placement through at least one lateral plate for securing the device to the laminar surface of one of the vertebra.