Abstract: A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described.

Abstract: A minimaly invasive spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer is adjustable between a first orientation having a reduced size to facilitate insertion between the vertebral members. A second orientation has an enlarged size for contacting the vertebral members. The spacer includes linkages that are attached to a pair of plates. A pull arm is operatively connected to the linkages for adjusting the spacer from the first orientation to the second orientation. A delivery device is attached to the spacer for insertion between the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the delivery device is detachable to be removed from the spacer once positioned between the vertebral members. Methods of using the spacer include positioning the spacer between the vertebral members while in the first orientation. The spacer is then enlarged to the second orientation, and the delivery device is removed with only the spacer remaining within the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for placing adjacent vertebrae at a fixed distance and angular relationship relative to each other, fixing said vertebrae in said position by use of a milling block engaging each of said adjacent vertebrae and then using a milling means, the depth, length and excursion of which from side to side are controlled by said apparatus to machine out a defined thickness of bone and a space of defined length, height, width and shape in preparation for receiving an interbody spinal implant or graft of known size and configuration are disclosed.

Abstract: A milling instrument assembly (15) is provided for vertebral endplate preparation along a cutting path obliquely oriented to the axis of approach to the vertebra. The milling instrument assembly (15) provides control of the anterior-posterior depth of endplate removal by guiding cutting assembly (120) in the disc space as it moves transversely across a housing assembly (16.) Methods and techniques are included for using the milling instrument assembly (15) in spinal surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for aligning and implanting orthopedic fixation or stabilization implants within the body. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two bone anchors, at least one of which is provided with a transverse portal and a locking member. In one aspect, the system also includes at least one linkage rod, for linking two or more bone anchors through their respective locking members. The linking rod may include at least one angularly adjustable joint, which may be fixed by actuating the locking member. The bone anchors and the linkage rod may be locked into place to form a spinal fusion or fixation prosthesis.

Abstract: Instrumentation and method for delivering an implant into an intervertebral disc space, including a die member configured to transition the implant from an initial configuration to a deformed configuration having a reduced lateral profile suitable for insertion into the intervertebral disc space in a minimally invasive manner. In one embodiment, the die member includes an opening sized to receive the implant while in the initial configuration, and wherein relative displacement between the implant and the die member causes the implant to transition toward the reduced-profile deformed configuration. In a specific embodiment, the opening comprises an axial passage including a first portion having a rectangular cross-section corresponding to a substantially planar initial configuration of the implant, and a second portion having a circular cross-section corresponding to a substantially cylindrical deformed configuration of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a segmentable plating system which can be made to a selected length by the surgeon.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: Access to a greater area of surgical site with minimally invasive procedure is obtained by using two sets of sequentially placed tissue dilators oriented with their axes in a plane parallel to the spinal axis and a final non-circular dilator encompassing the two sets, followed by a non-circular tubular retractor providing a working channel extending longitudinally of the spine.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and method, according to which first end plate engages a first vertebral body, and a second end plate engages a second vertebral body. An insert lockingly engages one of the end plates and engages the other end plate in a manner to permit relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A minimaly invasive spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer is adjustable between a first orientation having a reduced size to facilitate insertion between the vertebral members. A second orientation has an enlarged size for contacting the vertebral members. The spacer includes linkages that are attached to a pair of plates. A pull arm is operatively connected to the linkages for adjusting the spacer from the first orientation to the second orientation. A delivery device is attached to the spacer for insertion between the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the delivery device is detachable to be removed from the spacer once positioned between the vertebral members. Methods of using the spacer include positioning the spacer between the vertebral members while in the first orientation. The spacer is then enlarged to the second orientation, and the delivery device is removed with only the spacer remaining within the patient.

Abstract: The invention concerns a staiblizing device (150) designed to link two vertebrae, comprising at least two chambers (156, 158, 186, 188) arranged proximate to said vertebrae, said chambers containing a shock absorbing fluid. Means (192, 194) are provided for providing fluid communication with controlled flow between said two chambers, thereby adequately damping the patient's movements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel connection assembly for a spinal implant system having: a novel interface element having an internal stop that limits rotation of the spinal implant rod and associated members with regard to the spinal implant bolt and associated members allowing the implant system to initially assume a position that approximates its final adjusted position and allows the assembly's size to be reduced without sacrificing its mechanical strength; a compressible member located between the interface elements that ensures free rotation of the spinal implant rod and its associated members in relation to the spinal implant bolt and its associated members until a proper position has been obtained and allows an initially secured system to be repositioned without additionally separating the interface element's locking structures; and components provisionally secured to prevent disengagement during transportation and handling that can be engaged during installation utilizing minimal force with common hand tools.

Abstract: A screw formed of cortical bone for use in the human body with an implant having a screw hole for receiving at least a portion of a screw therethrough, includes a shaft with a thread along at least a portion of its length. The thread has an outer diameter dimensioned to pass through the screw hole in the implant. The trailing end of the screw is configured to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the screw hole of the implant so as to prevent the screw from linear motion along the mid-longitudinal axis of the shaft in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion when the screw is threaded through the screw hole to attach the implant to a bone portion of the human body. The screw is formed substantially of cortical bone of a single cortical thickness.

Abstract: A registration device is used to couple an identification superstructure of a surgical navigation system to the spinal column. The registration device includes a pair of vertebral engaging members positionable in a spinal disc space. At least one of the vertebrae engaging members moves outwardly from a collapsed position to engage the registration device to the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A screw formed of cortical bone for use in the human body with an implant having a screw hole for receiving at least a portion of a screw therethrough, includes a shaft with a thread along at least a portion of its length. The thread has an outer diameter dimensioned to pass through the screw hole in the implant. The trailing end of the screw is configured to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the screw hole of the implant so as to prevent the screw from linear motion along the mid-longitudinal axis of the shaft in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion when the screw is threaded through the screw hole to attach the implant to a bone portion of the human body. The screw is formed substantially of cortical bone of a single cortical thickness.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for distracting a spinal disc space and supporting adjacent vertebrae are provided. Trial instruments are insertable into the disc space to determine a desired disc space height and to select a corresponding implant. Implants can be also be self-distracting and the implant providing the desired disc space height can be implanted in the spinal disc space.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Abstract: A disc preparation system includes an oscillating rasp for preparation of vertebral endplates and a central reamer for reaming a pair of kidney-shaped grooves into the vertebral endplate. The oscillating rasp is powered by a rotary power source. A linkage assembly is coupled to the rotary power source to convert the rotary motion into a reciprocating motion. A pair of rasps plates, which are linked to the linkage assembly, linearly reciprocate in opposite directions in response to the reciprocating motion of the linkage assembly. In one form, the central reamer includes a pair of cutting elements that are coupled to the rotary power source in order to rotate in response to rotational movement from the rotary power source. In another form, the central reamer includes a single cutting element coupled to an angled reamer handle and a reamer guide.

Abstract: A screw placement guide includes a first member having a first guide adapted to contact a first vertebral bone portion and a second member having a second guide adapted to contact a second vertebral bone portion. A clamping mechanism provided on one of the members clamps the first guide and the second guide to the vertebral bone portions. The first guide and the second guide are aligned in order to indicate how a fastener will be aligned when fastened between adjacent vertebrae. A driver engages clamping mechanism to clamp the two members together.