Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable spinal stabilization device that may be inserted into the space between two vertebrae, normally occupied by a disc, in order to stabilize the spine during and after spinal fusion procedures. The invention also relates to a method for using the device. One embodiment of the device includes a stack of plates connected by a connecting rod in a manner that allows the plates to adopt a helical configuration about the connecting rod when the plates are rotated about the longitudinal axis of the rod.

Abstract: A vertebral prosthesis is adapted to be implanted adjacent a spinal disc prosthesis. According to one embodiment, the vertebral prosthesis includes a shaft and an endplate coupled to one end of the shaft. The endplate is adapted to be implanted adjacent a disc prosthesis, thereby obviating the need to fuse the endplate to an adjacent vertebral body.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis. A fixation element is configured to connect the pedicle screw to at least one additional pedicle screw. A coupling mechanism includes a pedicle screw securing device adapted to secure the coupling mechanism to the pedicle screw and a fixation element securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the fixation element. A fastening mechanism is configured to fasten both the pedicle screw securing device and the fixation element securing device. The fastening mechanism is located along the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial disc prosthesis system which includes a scaffold assembly and a fusion or disc prosthesis removably retained by the scaffold assembly. The artificial disc prosthesis system facilitates the removal, replacement or upgrade of disc prostheses without the need to remove the entire system from the intervertebral space in which it is disposed. Also provided are disc prostheses suitable for use in the artificial disc prosthesis system.

Abstract: A method of treating discogenic back pain in a patient includes the steps of acquiring an image of at least a portion of the patient's spine, locating the spinal disc causing the back pain, and identifying a treatment volume encompassing at least a portion of the spinal disc. The method further includes prescribing a radiation dose to be delivered to the treatment volume, providing a radiation therapy machine, positioning the patient in the radiation therapy machine, programming the radiation therapy machine to deliver the radiation dose to the treatment volume, and delivering the radiation dose to the treatment volume.

Abstract: Fenestrated bone screws and inserts disposed therein are provided for the delivery of medicants to bone. The bone screws provide a method to strengthen or repair damaged bones, or to promote bony fusion, and in conjunction with the inserts, provide a method of delivering a continuous or regulated amount of medicant to a desired location within the bone such as a fracture interface. In one embodiment, the inserts are customized in size, shape, or configuration after the bone screw has been inserted into the patient.

Abstract: An interbody cage system includes an interbody cage having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior. The interbody cage system also includes an insertion tool. A portion of the insertion tool extends into the proximal end and the interior.

Abstract: Fenestrated bone screws and inserts disposed therein are provided for the delivery of medicants to bone. The bone screws provide a method to strengthen or repair damaged bones, and in conjunction with the inserts, provide a method of delivering a continuous or regulated amount of medicant to a desired location within the bone such as a fracture interface. In one embodiment, the inserts are customized in size, shape, or configuration after the bone screw has been inserted into the patient.

Abstract: Bone screws and inserts disposed therein or thereon are provided for the delivery of medicants to bone. The bone screws provide a method to strengthen or repair damaged bones, or to promote bony fusion, and in conjunction with the inserts, provide a method of delivering a continuous or regulated amount of medicant to a desired location within the bone such as a fracture interface. In one embodiment, the inserts are customized in size, shape, or configuration after the bone screw has been inserted into the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable spinal stabilization device that may be inserted into the space between two vertebrae, normally occupied by a disc, in order to stabilize the spine during and after spinal fusion procedures. The invention also relates to a method for using the device. The device generally includes a stack of plates connected by a connecting rod in a manner that allows the plates to adopt a helical configuration about the connecting rod when the plates are rotated about the longitudinal axis of the rod.