Abstract: Devices and methods for placing an implant between two bone portions are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible member through a first bone portion, through an aperture in a trial implant, and through a second bone portion. The trial implant can be withdrawn to enable an implant to be coupled to the flexible member. The method includes applying tension to the flexible member to urge the implant into the space between two bone portions. In some embodiments, the two bone portions are facets.

Abstract: Various embodiments of bone ties, bone tie inserters, and methods for treating the spine are provided. The bone tie can include a proximal end and a distal end. The bone tie can include a head section comprising a rounded head. The bone tie can include a neck section extending proximally from the head section. A bone tie inserter for placing a bone tie can also be provided. The bone tie inserter can include a bone tie advancer with a curved surface configured to guide a rounded head of a bone tie. The bone tie inserter can include a bone tie retriever configured to receive the rounded head of a bone tie. The bone tie is configured to pivot and/or rotate within the retriever portion of the bone tie inserter. The method can include forming a lumen in a first bone portion and a second bone portion. The bone tie can be configured to pivot and/or rotate as the bone tie retriever is withdrawn.

Abstract: An interspinous process device includes a first plate, a second plate, and a transverse member between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the second plate is adjustably coupled to the transverse member. A post is coupled to the transverse member and a spring mechanism is disposed between the post and the first plate. The spring mechanism is configured to provide a preloaded compression force to the first and second plates. Methods of implanting the interspinous process device using an inserter tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of bone ties, bone tie inserters, and methods for treating the spine are provided. The bone tie can include a proximal end and a distal end. The bone tie can include a head section comprising a rounded head. The bone tie can include a neck section extending proximally from the head section. A bone tie inserter for placing a bone tie can also be provided. The bone tie inserter can include a bone tie advancer with a curved surface configured to guide a rounded head of a bone tie. The bone tie inserter can include a bone tie retriever configured to receive the rounded head of a bone tie. The bone tie is configured to pivot and/or rotate within the retriever portion of the bone tie inserter. The method can include forming a lumen in a first bone portion and a second bone portion. The bone tie can be configured to pivot and/or rotate as the bone tie retriever is withdrawn.

Abstract: A method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using a retractor comprising a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis, and further comprising a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In the method, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.

Abstract: A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.

Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.

Abstract: A curved expandable interbody device for placement between vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure, and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the curved expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae and actuating the screw mechanism, wherein the deployment tool can lock to the curved expandable interbody device and pivot relative to the curved expandable interbody device.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for treating the spine are provided. A portal system can be provided for treating the spine. The portal system can include a portal comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a first passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a second passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a latch. The bone tie can include a head, a body section comprising one or more gears, and a fastener section comprising a ratchet.

Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible fastening band into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion. The portion of the flexible fastening band having a substantially uniform shape configured to substantially compliment a shape of the first bone portion and a shape of the second bone portion. The method further includes inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener and advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener until the first bone portion and the and the second bone portion are stabilized.

Abstract: Embodiments of a lever reducer and methods of using a lever reducer are provided. In some embodiments, the lever reducer system includes a first tower, a second tower, and a lever reducer configured to couple to the first tower and the second tower. The lever reducer can include a fulcrum configured to be coupled to the first tower and a swivel configured to be coupled to the second tower. The lever reducer is configured to vertically lift the second tower. The method can include coupling a first tower to a first vertebra, as well as coupling a second tower to a second vertebra. The method can include coupling a lever reducer to the first tower and the second tower by coupling a fulcrum to the first tower and a swivel to the second tower. The method can include applying a force to the lever reducer to vertically lift the second tower.

Abstract: A spinal implant device is provided comprising a body structure with a central cavity and a movable lid configured to cover the central cavity. The movable lid is configured to be opened to pack a material in the central cavity. The movable lid can be connected to the body structure with a moveable joint. The spinal implant device can include a compressible feature. A method for treating the spine is provided comprising opening a movable lid of a spinal implant device, packing a material in a central cavity of a spinal implant device, closing the movable lid, and inserting the spinal implant device between vertebrae.

Abstract: Various embodiments of cervical plates for treating the spine are provided. The cervical plates include an access surface and a bone facing surface. The cervical plate further includes at least one hole between the access surface and the bone facing surface. The hole includes a trajectory surface that guides an anchor into a corner or edge of a vertebral body, wherein a portion of the hole extends into the disc space region. In some embodiments, the cervical plate includes a ledge to support high angle screw insertion. In some embodiments, an interbody implant is provided. The cervical plate and the interbody spacer can have a corresponding curvature.

Abstract: A spinal implant device is provided comprising a body structure with a central cavity and a movable lid configured to cover the central cavity. The movable lid is configured to be opened to pack a material in the central cavity. The movable lid can be connected to the body structure with a moveable joint. The spinal implant device can include a compressible feature. A method for treating the spine is provided comprising opening a movable lid of a spinal implant device, packing a material in a central cavity of a spinal implant device, closing the movable lid, and inserting the spinal implant device between vertebrae.

Abstract: Various embodiments of bone ties, bone tie inserters, and methods for treating the spine are provided. The methods can include wrapping the bone tie around transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae to correct coronal plane deformity. The methods can include wrapping the bone tie around the spinous process of one vertebra and around the transverse process of a second adjacent vertebra to achieve rotational correction. The methods can include wrapping the bone tie around the lamina of adjacent vertebrae to achieve sagittal correction. The methods can include applying tension to the bone tie to set the sagittal correction. The methods can include passing the bone tie through a lumen in a vertebral body or a pedicle of the inferior vertebra and the lamina or articular process of the superior vertebra.

Abstract: A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies. In operation, the blade assemblies are initially in a closed position to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The retractor is adapted to rotate a first blade about a first axis and a second blade about a second axis. The retractor is adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart along a third axis. The retractor is adapted to pivot the first blade about a fourth axis and the second blade about a fifth axis. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor is provided.

Abstract: A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies. In operation, the blade assemblies are initially in a closed position to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The retractor is adapted to rotate a first blade about a first axis and a second blade about a second axis. The retractor is adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart along a third axis. The retractor is adapted to pivot the first blade about a fourth axis and the second blade about a fifth axis. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor is provided.

Abstract: A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies. In operation, the blade assemblies are initially in a closed position to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The retractor is adapted to rotate a first blade about a first axis and a second blade about a second axis. The retractor is adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart along a third axis. The retractor is adapted to pivot the first blade about a fourth axis and the second blade about a fifth axis. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor is provided.

Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.