Abstract: An implant system for implantation between adjacent spinous processes for the relief of pain associated with the spine. The implant has a series of spacers which may be inserted over a shaft located between adjacent spinous processes thus allowing the implant to be assembled in situ. The spacers may rotate on the shaft relative to the wings. To minimize trauma to the patient, each spacer has a tapered tissue expander to distract the opening between the spinous processes during assembly. The shaft is connected to a wing, and a second wing or deployable wing may be inserted over the shaft and locked into place.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a tool resembles an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint. The tool can be used for distracting and/or sizing the cervical facet joint and thereby distracting the cervical spine and increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The tool can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an implant comprising a spacer for defining a minimum space between adjacent spinous processes, a distraction guide for piercing and distracting an interspinous ligament during implantation, a binder for limiting or preventing flexion motion of the targeted motion segment, and a tensioner tool for applying tension to the binder. In one embodiment, the tensioner engages the implant and draws the binder through the capture device and applies tension to the binder. In one embodiment, the tensioner tool has a tension gauge with which a physician may measure the tension applied to the binder. The binder may be grasped by the capture device when the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A disk replacement endoprosthesis and a procedure for implantation of the endoprosthesis to treat pain, nerve root compression, and neural injury caused by degeneration or injury to vertebral disks. The endoprosthesis may include an intervertebral wedge or other body having a lead-in distractor. A fastening plate may be attached to the intervertebral wedge by a joint such that the first fastening plate may move from a first configuration in which the first fastening plate is in-line with the intervertebral wedge to facilitate insertion of the endoprosthesis to a second configuration in which the first fastening plate is in contact with an anterior surface of the inferior vertebral body for attachment thereto.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention can include an implant having a first wing, a spacer with a thickness and a second wing, wherein a first configuration of the second wing has a first height substantially similar to the thickness and wherein the second wing is adapted to be selectably arranged in a second configuration such that the second wing has a second height greater than the first height. The implant is then urged into position between adjacent spinous processes and subsequently arranged in a second configuration to fix the implant in position.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion. An interspinous process implant with a selectably expandable spacer can be placed between adjacent spinous processes. a device implanted between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the spine can be used for relieving pain associated with the vertebrae and surrounding tissues and structures by maintaining and/or adding distraction between adjacent vertebrae. A tissue expander can be adapted to move from a first insertion position, for ease of implantation between spinous processes, to a second retention position that prevents displacement of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device that is implanted between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the spine and used for relieving pain associated with the vertebrae and surrounding tissues and structures by maintaining and/or adding distraction between adjacent vertebrae. The present invention includes a tissue expander adapted to move from a first insertion position, for ease of implantation between spinous processes, to a second retention position that prevents displacement of the implant.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing or reinforcing the spinous process. The system and method provide a procedure and surgical tools for injecting a flowable bone repair material into and optionally around the spinous process. The system and method include location of the guide over the spinous process, preparation of the spinous process for injection and injection of a flowable material into the spinous process. The system and method reinforce the spinous process, increasing the strength of the spinous process and enhancing the applicability and outcome of other surgical spinal interventions.

Abstract: Systems, procedures and tools for repairing, or reinforcing the spinous process. The systems and procedures provide for injecting bone cement into and optionally around the spinous process. Additional reinforcing elements may be embedded in the bone cement inside or outside the spinous process. The procedures include positioning of the guide and reinforcing elements relative to a spinous process, preparation of the spinous process for injection and injection of bone cement into the spinous process. Tools are provided to facilitate the accurate injection of bone cement. The systems and procedures increase the strength of the spinous process and enhance the applicability and outcome of spinal interventions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implant that can be placed between two adjacent vertebral bodies using a lateral insertion method. The implant is characterized as having a first end plate and a second end plate which a crossbar spacer therebetween. The crossbar spacer preferably fits within a channel on the inner surfaces of the first end plate and the second end plate, whereby the spacer allows pivots, twisting and/or rotational movement of the spine. The first end plate and the second end plate include a keel extending therefrom, whereby the keel traverses longitudinally between a first lateral side and a second opposed lateral side and is substantially perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the patient's spine.

Abstract: The present invention is an interspinous process implant with a selectably expandable spacer that can be placed between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an implant comprising a spacer for defining a minimum space between adjacent spinous processes, a distraction guide for piercing and distracting an interspinous ligament during implantation, and a binder for limiting or preventing flexion motion of the targeted motion segment. The binder can be secured to a brace associated with the implant during implantation by a capture device. A binder aligner aligns the binder with the implant stabilizing the implant, binder and the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device with that can be placed between two vertebrae. The implant is characterized by having a first plate and a second plates with a crossbar therebetween. The crossbar fits within cavities on each of the first and second plate and allows for pivotal or rotational motion and also for twisting motion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device with that can be placed between two vertebrae. The implant is characterized by having a first plate and a second plate with a crossbar therebetween. The crossbar fits within cavities on each of the first and second plate and allows for pivotal or rotational motion and also for twisting motion.

Abstract: A system and method for replacing degenerated spinal disks in accordance with the present invention can substitute for interbody fusion techniques by replacing degenerated spinal disks with artificial spinal disks. In one embodiment, the system can comprise one or more artificial spinal disks, each comprising an upper and lower housing, a first spacer and a second spacer partially enclosed by a cavity formed by the housings, and a shaft with a spring positioned between the first spacer and the second spacer such that the spacers are urged apart.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: A system and method for replacing degenerated spinal disks in accordance with the present invention can substitute for interbody fusion techniques by replacing degenerated spinal disks with artificial spinal disks. In one embodiment, the system can comprise one or more artificial spinal disks, each comprising an upper and lower housing, a first spacer and a second spacer partially enclosed by a cavity formed by the housings, and a shaft with a spring positioned between the first spacer and the second spacer such that the spacers are urged apart.

Abstract: The present invention is an interspinous process inplant with a selectably expandable spacer that can be placed between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: The present invention is an interspinous process implant with a selectably expandable spacer that can be placed between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the spinous processes distracted and the hook members about the spinous processes, the hook members can be rigidly secured to a hub in order to rigidly affix the spinous processes about the spacer. The rigidity between the spinous processes assures that the vertebral bodies will be held rigidly in place in order to promote bone growth and fusion. Further additional freedom of movement between the spacer and hub is accomplished with the spacer being pivotably mounted relative to the hub. The hooks have a tissue distracting lead-in guide for allowing the hooks to be easily urged between spinous processes.