Abstract: A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes a tensioning mechanism adapted to couple to a tether extending along a path between at least two bone anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. The tensioning mechanism can be adapted to apply a tensioning force to the tether along the path of the tether to thereby move the tether along the path. The device further includes an actuation mechanism movably coupled to the tensioning mechanism such that the actuation mechanism is adapted to effect movement of the tensioning mechanism to control the tensioning force applied to the tether.

Abstract: A stabilizer device for the spinal column, comprising a first body (2) and a second body (2) adapted to be mutually connected by a rod-like element (5), the first and second bodies (2) being adapted to be fitted around first and second pedicle screws (3), which are adapted to be inserted in turn in two mutually adjacent vertebrae, the first and second bodies (2) being fixable on the pedicle screws (3), the first and second bodies (2) being fork-shaped and adapted to accommodate locking means (20), the locking means (20) being adapted to pass from a position for accommodating the pedicle screw (3) to a position for locking the pedicle screw (3) within the fork-shaped body (2).

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are provided for torsionally stabilizing a spinal motion segment. One or more implants are placed between two vertebrae to provide torsional stabilization. In particular, one or more implants may be fixed between a superior vertebral body, such as at the spinous process, and an inferior vertebral body. The implants may be connected to the superior vertebral body using a fixation device such as a turnbuckle, an outrigger, a thimble, an endobutton, a suture plug or combinations thereof. The implant may also be connected to the inferior vertebral body using various types of hardware, including staples, screws and anchors. The implant may be kept in tension to provide torsional stabilization and may be comprised of one or more sutures. A multi-functional instrument having one or more arms having holes can be used to clamp onto the superior vertebral body and guide one or more implants to various locations for fixation in accordance with the methods described herein.

Abstract: A spine stabilization implant includes a first portion having a first fixed angulated extension, a first rod receiving element and a connecting element. The implant also includes a second portion having a second fixed angulated extension, a second rod receiving element, and a receiving portion for receiving the connecting element of the first portion. The second portion is configured with a locking assembly for locking the first portion and second portion to one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved bone implantation and stabilization assemblies, and improved systems/methods for deploying and/or undeploying such bone implantation and stabilization assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved devices, systems and methods for stabilizing bones and/or bone segments. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved devices, systems and methods for deploying bone implantation and stabilization assemblies into bone tissue (e g., spinal structure, vertebrae, cancellous bone, cortical bone, etc.) in order to stabilize bones and/or bone segments.

Abstract: A system for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes a dilator with an expandable sleeve positioned around its outer surface that accepts one or more additional dilators or retractors between the sleeve and the dilator to form an access port to a surgical site in a patient. The system can be used in spinal surgical procedures and the sleeve and one or more additional components of the system can be radiolucent and disposable after use.

Abstract: An expandable interspinous spacer implant that is configured to be inserted into an interspinous space that is defined between a spinous process of a superior vertebral body and a spinous process of an inferior vertebral body is provided. The implant may include a superior housing, an inferior housing, and a distracting member. The superior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the superior vertebral body and the inferior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the inferior vertebral body. The distracting member may be disposed between the superior and inferior housings, such that activation of the distracting member distracts the superior and inferior housings apart from each other.

Abstract: A spinal fixation element rotation instrument with two lever arms is provided. The lever arms are connected to each other at distal ends thereof. The second lever arm rotates relative to the first lever arm. The distal ends of the first and second lever arms are adapted to couple to a spinal fixation element. The distal ends of the lever arms may have a dual ratchet feature that prevents rotation in a set direction. When one arm rotates back and forth, the other arm is held stationary. As a result, the spinal fixation element rotates in a predetermined direction and is prevented from rotating back toward its initial position. The direction of the rotation of the spinal fixation element may be set using knobs or switches provided at a proximal end of one or both of the lever arms.

Abstract: An implant is insertable in the joint space to separate bones of the joint. The implant has two endplates each configured to engage a separate articulating bone of the joint, and a threaded member positioned between the two endplates and configured to increase the space between the two endplates when the threaded member is rotated. A rotatable gear is engaged with the threaded member, and is engageable with a rotating gear of a connected implantation tool, so that rotation of the gear on the tool causes rotation of the threaded member and expansion of the implant to separate the bones. Connector portions on the tool and the implant may be rotated together to securely engage the implant and the tool so that the gears of the tool and the implant can be rotated using an actuator outside of the body, when the implant is inside the body.

Abstract: An interspinous process implant is disclosed that includes a body defining a longitudinal axis, an interior cavity and opposed proximal and distal end portions, a pair of anchor wings operatively associated with the distal end portion of the body and mounted for pivotal movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the body between a first position housed within the interior cavity of the body and a second position extending radially outwardly from the body, an anchor collar operatively associated with the proximal portion of the body and mounted for axial movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the body between a first position spaced apart from the anchor wings and a second position approximated with the anchor wings, a pair of anchor blades operatively associated with the anchor collar and mounted for movement between a first position housed at least partially within the interior cavity of the body and a second position extending radially outwardly from the anchor collar.

Abstract: A retractor having a housing having a handle portion at a first end and a blade portion at a second, opposite end. The retractor includes a light system having an organic light source for illuminating the blade portion. The light system is positioned within the housing such that it is fully encased by said housing. A pair of polarized light panels are attached to the blade portion for varying direction of light from the blade portion.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for a pedicle screw system including a bone anchor, linkage rod, tulip, set screw, and detent plate. When the set screw is fully tightened against the detent plate, pluralities of ridges on opposing faces of the detent plate and set screw cooperate by providing catches to prevent unwanted loosening of the set screw, which could lead to unwanted rod slippage and instability in the orthopedic fixation unit.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to an apparatus for reducing a rod into an orthopedic fixation device. An embodiment provides a rod-reducing apparatus. The rod-reducing apparatus may comprise a housing comprising a threaded through bore. The rod-reducing apparatus further may comprise a reduction shaft comprising a shaft portion and a through bore in the shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion may be configured to be received within the threaded through bore of the housing. The locking cap driver may comprise a locking cap driver comprising a shaft portion that may be configured to be received within the through bore of the reduction shaft, wherein a distal end of the shaft portion may be configured for attachment to a locking cap assembly.

Abstract: Described is a locking intramedullary nail for insertion in the medullary cavity of hollow bones for treating bone fractures or for joint stiffening. The nail comprises an oblong shaft having at least one holder for a locking screw. In the region of an opening a roller or ball-shaped sleeve having a bore for receiving the locking screw is arranged. The sleeve which is supported in the shaft in a freely pivotable manner can be locked in a positionally stable manner in the shaft. This affords the ability to introduce the locking screws during the implantation of the intramedullary nail at an optimum angle for the respective anatomical or pathological situation of the patient and to subsequently lock it permanently at a constant angle.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fixing defects in the anulus fibrosus (vertebral disc) of a patient are described. The devices include a mesh patch, and first and second suture assemblies, each of which include an anchor and a suture. The anchor has a first portion adapted to be inserted into a bone and a second portion having an opening therethrough. The suture is adapted to be disposed through the opening and has a first end is adapted to couple to the mesh patch. The method of treatment includes inserting the first portion of the first anchor into a cranial vertebra and inserting the second portion of the second anchor into a caudal vertebra. The first ends of the sutures are attached to the mesh patch. The mesh patch is positioned adjacent the defect by pulling on, or applying tension to, the second ends of the sutures.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant has at least one arm (14) pivotally connected to a base (10). At least one worm gear configuration includes a worm in (18) mounted within the base (10) so as to be rotatable, and a set of gear teeth (20) associated with the arm (14). When the worm (18) is rotated about its central axis, the arm (14) is driven through a range of pivotal motion relative to the base so as to change an angle of inclination between a direction of elongation (16) of the arm and the direction of elongation (12) of the base. Embodiments of the invention include devices with a hollow proximal worm allowing access into the implant via the worm, distally deployed worms, and devices with a pair of worm gear assemblies that operate synchronously or independently.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a first member and a second member. A rotatable element defines an axis and is engageable to rotate the members about the axis. An actuator is rotatable for translating a part thereof to move the members between a first, contracted configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for enlarging a spinal canal of a vertebra. Using the methods and systems disclosed the spinal canal of the vertebra is enlarged by cutting the posterior arch portion of the vertebra to create one or two implant receiving spaces in the posterior arch portion. The cutting of the posterior arch portion is completed through a minimally invasive approach. Once cut, the detached portion of the posterior arch portion is repositioned and an implant is positioned in the implant receiving space of the posterior arch portion to thereby enlarge the spinal canal such that the spinal cord is no longer compressed. The insertion of the implant is also completed through a minimally invasive approach.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of the cervical spine. The devices and methods allow for treatment to be delivered from a lateral or posterior-lateral location of a subject, proximate to the cervical region of the spine. One exemplary embodiment of a spinal implant includes an elongate cage member and a plate member appended to a proximal end of the cage member. The plate member can be oriented in a manner such that it is asymmetric with respect to a long axis of the cage member. In another exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a cage member having a distal end that has an asymmetrical, bulleted shape such that the distal end is biased towards a superior or cranial direction. In a third exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a spinal fixation element and at least two mounting eyelets formed thereon. Exemplary methods related to implanting spinal implants from a lateral or posterior-lateral location are also provided.