Abstract: An expandable implant includes an upper main support of bone, a lower main support coupled to the upper main support, the lower main support comprising a first coupling feature and a second coupling feature being substantially parallel to the first coupling feature, and a control assembly configured to control relative movement between the upper main support and the lower main support, the control assembly including a first control member configured to engage the upper main support and the lower main support and interface with the first coupling feature a second control member configured to engage the upper main support and the lower main support and interface with the second coupling feature, and a control shaft configured to be received by the first control member and the second control member, wherein manipulation of the control shaft causes relative movement between the upper main support and the lower main support.

Abstract: Deployable Euler Spiral Connectors (DESCs) are introduced as compliant deployable flexures that can span gaps between segments in a mechanism and then lay flat when under strain in a stowed position. This paper presents models of Euler spiral beams combined in series and parallel that can be used to design compact compliant mechanisms. Constraints on the flexure parameters of DESCs are also presented. Analytic models developed for the force-deflection behavior and stress were compared to finite element analysis and experimental data. A spinal implant and a linear ratcheting system are presented as illustrative applications of DESCs.

Abstract: An implant is provided for performing spinal fusion. The implant includes an implant body having a leading side and a trailing side at opposing ends along a longitudinal axis. Between the leading side and trailing side are an upper surface, a lower surface, an anterior side, and a posterior side. At least one keel structure is provided extending from the implant body for penetration into an adjacent vertebral body. A trial sizer and keel cutter may be utilized to form keel channels within the vertebral body to receive the keel structure.

Abstract: A spinal jack adapted for installation between first and second vertebral processes, including a central body supporting first and second inter-expandable jack halves between retracted and expanded positions. Each of the jack halves further includes gripping portions adapted for engaging the vertebral processes. A geared mechanism provides for expanding or retracting the jack halves in order to establish a corrected adjusted orientation between the processes.

Abstract: Provided is a structurally stable interbody cage.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable implant configured to be implanted into a patient that includes an adjustable portion moveable relative to a housing. The adjustable implant may include various smart components for enhancing operation of the implant. Smart components may include a controller for managing operations and a transducer for communicating ultrasound data with an external interface device. Additional smart components may include a load cell within the housing for measuring an imparted load; a sensor for measuring angular position of the adjustable portion; a dual sensor arrangement for measuring imparted forces; a reed switch; a half piezo transducer; and an energy harvester.

Abstract: A system includes an implant and a packaging device assembled with the implant to hold an outer sleeve and a head element of the implant in a desired position relative to one another. The packaging device includes clip arms sized and shaped so that, when the arms are held toward a closed configuration, the implant is housed therebetween in the desired position and proximal ends of the arms form a space via which an insertion device is insertable to be coupled to the implant, and a housing defining a space within which the clip is housed. The housing includes a retaining feature for retaining the clip therein and a camming element which, when a proximal force is exerted on the implant via the insertion device coupled thereto, causes the arms to move away from one toward an open configuration to release the implant therefrom.

Abstract: A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.

Abstract: Retractor assemblies and methods of using them to retract tissue. A retractor assembly as described herein may include first and second arms pivotally coupled and each arm formed of a plurality of stacked and separated plates, spaced to define a gap therebetween, providing strength while affording a reduction in weight of the retractor assembly. The retractor assembly may also include a ratcheting locking mechanism.

Abstract: A spinal jack adapted for installation between first and second vertebral processes and includes a three dimensional and arcuate ergonomic main body constructed from a first and second portions, from which is displaceable an upper body between each of retracted and expanded positions. Each of the jack halves includes gripping portions adapted for engaging the vertebral processes. A worm gear mechanism includes a central horizontally arrayed and rotatable worm gear supported within the main body and accessible through an inlet aperture. A tool bit is engageable with a bit receiving location of the worm gear which is accessible through the inlet aperture.

Abstract: A receiver assembly for capturing an elongate rod in a receiver of a bone anchor includes the receiver, a first threaded closure, and a second threaded closure. The receiver includes an upper portion that defines a first channel, interior surfaces that have helically wound thread, and a lower pressure insert that can be positioned within the first channel and has upright arms. Each of the first threaded closure and the second threaded closure have a cylindrical body with an external surface having continuous helically wound thread that can rotatably mate with the helically wound receiver thread. The first threaded closure and the second threaded closure are interchangeable for different locking configurations in the receiver assembly. The first threaded closure has a downward protrusion that can compressively engage the elongate rod. The second threaded closure has a bottom surface that can compressively engage the upright arms of the lower pressure insert.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device for reinforcement of a facet joint is provided. The device comprises a lumen configured to receive a fastener member. In some embodiments, a second segment comprises a second lumen configured to receive a fastener member or fastener. In some embodiments, kits are provided with a fastener member and a facet reinforcement device. Methods are also provided for treating a spine. In some embodiments, the fastener member is placed through both articular processes of a facet joint and a facet reinforcement device.

Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae having an upper joint component and a lower joint component. The joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from the lower joint component and from the disc space, with the bridge component having a lower contact surface configured for engaging a resected bone surface of a pedicle of the lower vertebrae. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes an outer body extending along an axis between opposite first and second ends. The outer body defines a bore and a first thread. An inner shaft includes opposite first and second ends. The second end of the inner shaft is positioned in the bore. The inner shaft includes a second thread that mates with the first thread. The second thread includes a series of gear teeth. An end plate is coupled to the first end of the inner shaft. A driver includes a gear configured to engage the gear teeth such that rotation of the driver relative to the outer body rotates the inner shaft relative to the outer body to translate the inner shaft relative to the outer body along the longitudinal axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: A self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatus is disclosed which includes at least first and second sliding boxes. A first screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body is disposed within the first sliding box, and a second screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the second sliding box. An adjuster adjusts the height of the sliding boxes. The screw members are screwed into vertebral bodies in order to fuse the vertebral bodies together. A plurality of the self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatuses may be attached together and/or integrated via a plate or cage. Also disclosed is a cervical facet staple that includes a curved staple base and at least two prongs attached to the bottom surface of the curved staple base.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and configured to minimize tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The surgical retractor has a handle, a blade, and a plurality of retraction elements. The retraction elements may be fixed to the blade but arranged in a specific configuration that a minimizes tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The retraction elements may also be made deployable by having a deployed configuration in which the retraction elements are exposed, and a stowed configuration in which the retraction elements are hidden.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral total disc replacement implant, including an inferior component, including a first core including a first outer surface and a first inner surface, and a first arm telescopingly engaged with the first core, a superior component, including a second core including a second outer surface and a second inner surface, and a second arm telescopingly engaged with the second core, and an expansion mechanism connected to the first core, the second core, and at least one of the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, methods and surgical procedures for altering and/or correcting the alignment of adjacent bones, including bones of the spine.