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

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

Abstract: An articulating assembly includes a first elongated element for attachment to a first anatomical region, and a second elongated element for attachment to a second anatomical region. In at least one embodiment, a coupling connects the first and second elongated elements. The coupling includes a moveable joint configured to allow polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable in an unlocked condition to permit polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element, and a locked condition to immobilize the movable joint and fix the position of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis is disclosed comprising at least two plates, namely first and second plates, articulated about each other by means of a curved surface, namely articulation, of at least one of the plates, each of the plates comprising a surface known as a contact surface, intended to be in contact with a vertebral plate of one of the vertebrae between which the prosthesis is intended to be inserted, this contact surface for each of the plates comprising a geometrical centre at equal distance from at least two diametrically opposite points located on the periphery of the plate, in which the geometric centres of the plates are not vertically aligned, this off-setting of the geometrical centres of the plates engendering an off-setting of the edges of the plates in at least one direction perpendicular to the vertical axis of the spinal column.

Abstract: A favored angle screw assembly and a rod receiver body for a favored angle pedicle screw assembly. The favored angle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw and the rod receiver body. The rod receiver body includes a tubular wall having a first end with a first opening, a second end with a second opening, and a bore extending from the first opening to the second opening. The bore features a first bore section adjacent to the first opening, a second bore section adjacent the second opening, and a third bore section having a first end adjacent to the first bore section and a second end adjacent to the seat surface. The third bore section defines a transition surface that conforms to a side wall of an oblique three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A rod reducer assembly is provided. The rod reducer includes a pedicle screw housing defining a rod-receiving passage therethrough. A tab is removably coupled to the pedicle screw housing by a frangible member. An extension is secured to the tab. The extension and the tab are separable from the pedicle screw housing upon application of a threshold force to the frangible member.

Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a body member with upright arms defining a channel for receiving a fixation rod, an axial bore having a bottom opening, a lower interior surface disposed about the bottom opening, and a downwardly facing recessed surface above the lower interior surface. The assembly also includes a shank comprising a partial spherical head positionable into the axial bore and an anchor portion for attachment to the bone. The assembly further includes a bushing insertable into the axial bore having an outer surface configured to resiliently snap under the downwardly facing surface so as to inhibit the bushing from moving upward in the axial bore, and a lower surface configured for biased engagement with the partial spherical head of the bone anchor, with the biased engagement providing a pre-lock press fitment about the partial spherical head so that the bone anchor and body member do not move freely with respect to each other prior to insert and securement of the fixation rod.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a polyaxial pedicle screw comprising a detachable polyaxial head and bone screw. The detachable polyaxial head may comprise a tulip head, a collet with one or more connectors (e.g., pins) to secure it, and a spherical locking member which may lock onto the bone screw.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.

Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank having an anchor portion and a head with a partially spherical outer surface, a drive socket, an annular planar top surface surrounding the drive socket, and a frusto-conical surface between the planar top surface and the partially spherical outer surface. The assembly further includes a receiver having a base defining an axial bore and an upper portion defining a channel configured to receive a rod, and an insert positionable within the axial bore having an upper surface engageable with the rod, a lower surface for transferring a downwardly-directed force toward the head, and a central aperture for accessing the drive socket, with the rod extending across the central aperture when the fixation rod is engaged by the upper surface. After the head, the insert, and the rod are positioned in the receiver, the frusto-conical surface remains spaced apart from the rod to in all pivotal orientations of the shank relative to the receiver.