Abstract: Spinal fusion implants are inserted into a disc space of disc material separating first and second vertebrae by forming bores between the vertebrae. A distraction spacer is temporarily put in place on one side of the vertebrae while a bore is being formed on an opposite of the vertebrae.

Abstract: Spinal fusion implants are laparoscopically placed in a disc space separating two vertebrae. Implant tools, including distraction spacers, boring tools and implants are passed through a hollow tube having exposed teeth and including a blunt sleeve slidably placed over the hollow tube.

Abstract: An implantable device for affixing to the anterior side of cervical vertebrae for stabilizing the cervical vertebral column. A plate has an anterior surface and a posterior surface and a plurality of through holes open at the anterior surface and at the posterior surface. Each hole has an anterior portion having a first diameter and a posterior portion having a second diameter. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, and the anterior portion of the hole is internally threaded. A bone screw has a threaded shank having a major diameter smaller than the second diameter of the through hole of the plate. The bone screw also has a head having a major diameter greater than the second diameter of the through hole of the plate and smaller than the first diameter of the hole of the plate. A locking cap has an exterior thread and is sized to be threadedly received within the anterior portion of the through hole of the plate while the head of the bone screw is disposed within the through hole.

Abstract: The invention provides a guide system for use in a spinal implant procedure. The system includes a hollow tube for accurately guiding instruments to prepare a site and/or insert a spinal fusion implant between opposing vertebrae. The guide tube can be surrounded by a sheath to reduce the chance of injury during placement of the guide tube.

Abstract: A lordotic implant has a frusto-conical shape with external threads. Prior to placement of the implant, vertebrae are distracted in a manner to provide a desired lordosis between the vertebrae. The pre-distracted vertebrae are then tapped to provide a tapped bore having a geometry matching the conical geometry of the implant. The threaded implant is then placed within the pre-tapped conical bore.

Abstract: A method for implanting an implant into a bore formed between opposing vertebra includes forming a bore between the vertebra and selecting an implant having a rigid body with exposed threads and a hollow interior and with holes formed through a shell of the body into the interior. The implant is placed within the bore with a longitudinal axis of the body aligned with an axis of the bore. The body is advanced into the bore to stretch an annulus.

Abstract: A lordotic implant has a frusto-conical shape with external threads. Prior to placement of the implant, vertebrae are distracted in a manner to provide a desired lordosis between the vertebrae. The pre-distracted vertebrae are then tapped to provide a tapped bore having a geometry matching the conical geometry of the implant. The threaded implant is then placed within the pre-tapped conical bore.