Abstract: A spinal surgery training process includes the steps of capturing a plurality of 2D images for each of a plurality of spines, generating a curve of each spine from the respective 2D images based on locations of select vertebrae in each of the spines, grouping the spines into one of a number of groups based on similarity to produce groups of spines having similarities, performing the capturing, generating, determining and grouping steps at least once prior to surgery and at least once after surgery to produce pre-operative groups and their resultant post-operative groups, and assigning surgical methods and a probability to each of the post-operative groups indicating the probability that a spinal shape of the post-operative group can be achieved using the surgical methods. An outcome prediction process for determining surgical methods can be implemented once the training process is complete.

Abstract: A spinal surgery training process includes the steps of capturing a plurality of 2D images for each of a plurality of spines, generating a curve of each spine from the respective 2D images based on locations of select vertebrae in each of the spines, grouping the spines into one of a number of groups based on similarity to produce groups of spines having similarities, performing the capturing, generating, determining and grouping steps at least once prior to surgery and at least once after surgery to produce pre-operative groups and their resultant post-operative groups, and assigning surgical methods and a probability to each of the post-operative groups indicating the probability that a spinal shape of the post-operative group can be achieved using the surgical methods. An outcome prediction process for determining surgical methods can be implemented once the training process is complete.

Abstract: A spinal construct comprises at least one member that defines a first implant cavity and a second implant cavity oriented transverse to the first implant cavity. The at least one member has a surface that includes a lock disposed with the first implant cavity. Systems, implants, surgical instruments and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and apparatus allows the tracking of a selected body portion, instrument, or both. A tracking device can be interconnected to a body portion at a mounting site. A procedure can be performed at a location remote from the mounting site of the tracking device. The tracking device can be interconnected with the body in a low invasive manner.

Abstract: A guide is disclosed for use in performing spinal surgery to prepare across a spinal disc and adjacent vertebrae an implantation space. The guide is associated with a computer controlled surgical navigation system employing an energy-detecting array to track positions of the guide in three dimensional space relative to a known reference point. The guide includes a body for providing protected access to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space. The body has a passage adapted to receive a bone removal device for forming the implantation space through the body. At least one electrically energizable energy emitter array is attached to the body for use in identifying the location of the guide relative to the adjacent vertebrae. A system and method for using the guide in spinal surgery are also disclosed.

Abstract: A puncture device that reliably acts on the target body site is proposed. The puncture device includes a luminal puncture body 2 having a projection opening 2a on the side surface; a tube 3, accommodated in the puncture body 2, having an acting part 3a that acts on the inside of the body; and a leading means 4 for projecting the acting part 3a of the tube 3 towards the side from the projection opening 2a. The leading means 4 includes a wire 5 inserted in the tube 3, and a moving means 6 for moving the wire 5 in the length direction of the puncture body 2, the moving means 6 adjusting the moving amount of the wire 5 to project the wire 5 from the projection opening 2a. The acting part 3a of the tube 3 can be projected by the projection of the wire 5.

Abstract: A puncture device that reliably acts on the target body site is proposed. The puncture device includes a luminal puncture body 2 having a projection opening 2a on the side surface; a tube 3, accommodated in the puncture body 2, having an acting part 3a that acts on the inside of the body; and a leading means 4 for projecting the acting part 3a of the tube 3 towards the side from the projection opening 2a. The leading means 4 includes a wire 5 inserted in the tube 3, and a moving means 6 for moving the wire 5 in the length direction of the puncture body 2, the moving means 6 adjusting the moving amount of the wire 5 to project the wire 5 from the projection opening 2a. The acting part 3a of the tube 3 can be projected by the projection of the wire 5.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising at least a fixed element (2), secured to a vertebra, at least a mobile element (10), capable of moving relative to the or each fixed element, and at least an intermediate element (22) for articulating the mobile element relative to the fixed element. The intermediate element (22) is received in an internal volume of the mobile element % (10), and the fixed element (2) is received at least partly in an internal volume (26) of the intermediate element (22). Means are provided for securing, at least in translation, said intermediate element (22) to the fixed element (2), comprising the periphery of the substantially rigid outlet of the internal volume of the intermediate element.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral device including a body extending generally along a longitudinal axis and including at least two branch portions coupled together adjacent an end portion of the body. The device further includes an expansion member positioned between the at least two branch portions with at least a portion of the expansion member arranged at an angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis whereby a change in the angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis urges the at least two branch portions apart to expand the body.

Abstract: The tightening instrument is made up of two parts (2,4) joined to each other by means which are designed to automatically uncouple the said two parts (2,4) by shearing rupture of a pin (8) when a predetermined tightening torque is reached, a first (2) of the two parts being provided with a means (3) permitting driving, characterized in that the second (4) of the two parts is a rod whose end (5) opposite its tightening end (6) is adapted to be introduced into a complementary recess (7) formed in the first part (2), and in that the said end (5) includes an axial reservoir (15) for receiving the broken end section (18) of the pin (8).

Abstract: A system and apparatus allows the tracking of a selected body portion, instrument, or both. A tracking device can be interconnected to a body portion at a mounting site. A procedure can be performed at a location remote from the mounting site of the tracking device. The tracking device can be interconnected with the body in a low invasive manner.

Abstract: A fluoroscopic image guided surgery system, comprising a C-arm fluoroscope for obtaining fluoroscopic images of an object bone, the C-arm fluoroscope including at least one set of emitters; a reference bar capable of attaching to an object bone, the reference bar including emitters; a surgical instrument for performing an operation, the instrument including emitters; a digitizer system in communication with the at least one set of emitters of the C-arm fluoroscope, the emitters of the reference bar, and the emitters of the surgical instrument so that the digitizer system can determine a position of each of the C-arm fluoroscope, the reference bar, and the surgical instrument; and a single fiducial marker for attachment to an object bone, the single fiducial marker being visible in the fluoroscopic images for determining a position of an object bone relative to the digitizer system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode LIM mineralization protein, or LMP. The invention further provides vectors comprising nucleotide sequences that encode LMP, as well as host cells comprising those vectors. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods of inducing bone formation by transfecting osteogenic precursor cells with an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding LIM mineralization protein. The transfection may occur ex vivo or in vivo by direct injection of virus or naked plasmid DNA. In a particular embodiment, the invention provides a method of fusing a spine by transfecting osteogenic precursor cells with an isolated nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding LIM mineralization protein, admixing the transfected osteogenic precursor cells with a matrix and contacting the matrix with the spine.

Abstract: Implant for the cervical spine comprising an anterior plate (1) for maintaining a bone graft, bone anchorage screws (6, 7, 8) for the plate and means (22) for blocking the screws and preventing any migration of the screws, characterized in that the blocking means comprises at least one slide (22) slidably mounted on the plate so as to be applicable on at least one anchorage screw head (15, 16). The slide cooperates with means (33, 34) for retaining the slide on the head of the screw. The slide may be formed by a thin platelet (22a) which is provided with lateral flanges (25) and is slidable in a complementary cavity (18) provided in the plate (1) while being flush with the surface of the plate (1). The plate (1) includes ramps (26) for retaining the slide (22) on which the flanges (25) are slidable, the slide (22) being slidable to a position in which it at least partly overlaps the heads of the associated screws (6 or 7) and is locked in position by suitable means.

Abstract: Lateral connector with adjustable offset for a connection between a rod and a member for fixation to the spine, comprising a component to be connected to the fixation member and provided with an extension inserted into a second component which comprises a seat for the rod and a way to immobilize the rod and the extension when placed in contact with each other. The first component comprises a head with an opening with a bearing surface of articulation cooperating with a corresponding bearing surface of the fixation member. The second component comprises an orifice for receiving the extension, permitting rotation of the second component about the extension, with the orifice intersecting the bottom of the seat to form a slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument and method for surgical extraction. In one example, a surgical instrument for extracting a prosthetic device includes a distal portion transitionable from an insertion configuration to an extraction configuration, wherein the insertion configuration is adapted for displacement along a portion of a prosthetic device, and the extraction configuration is adapted for engaging and extracting the prosthetic device, and a proximal portion connected to the distal portion. In another example, an instrument for surgical extraction includes at least one extraction prong wherein the at least one extraction prong comprises a transverse flange, and a mounting portion wherein the at least one extraction prong is secured to the mounting portion.

Abstract: A spinal osteosynthesis device comprising a bone anchorage element, a vertebral rod, a connector for interconnecting the rod and the anchorage element so that the anchorage element is capable of being angularly oriented in a polyaxial manner relative to the rod. A fixation element is provided for fixing the position of the connector in translation and in rotation relative to the rod. A clamp element is provided for clamping the bone anchorage element to the connector in a predetermined angular position independent of the fixation element.

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: Implant for the cervical spine comprising an anterior plate (1) for maintaining a bone graft, bone anchorage screws (6, 7, 8) for the plate and at least one slide (22) for blocking the screws and preventing any migration of the screws, characterized in that the at least one slide (22) is slidably mounted on the plate so as to be applicable on at least one anchorage screw head (15, 16). The slide cooperates with boss and recess portions for retaining the slide on the head of the screw. The slide may be formed by a thin platelet (22a)) which is provided with lateral flanges (25) and is slidable in a complementary cavity (18) provided in the plate (1) while being flush with the surface of the plate (1). The plate (1) includes ramps (26) for retaining the slide (22) on which the flanges (25) are slidable, the slide (22) being slidable to a position in which it at least partly overlaps the heads of the associated screws (6 or 7) and is locked in position by suitable structure.

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.