Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery has an angle section joined to a conical section, with the conical section having a central axis not parallel to a central axis of the angle section. A body section is joined to the angle section, with the body section having a length at least twice the length of the angle section. The conical section, the angle section and the body section may be a flexible or compliant material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.

Abstract: An interspinous implant includes an implant body having an upper face, a lower face, and four sides. The implant body includes a first recess and a second recess in opposite sides, wherein each recess is suitable for receiving a spinous process of a vertebrae. Attachment means are provided and suitable for attaching a band to the implant body. The implant further includes a lock hinged to a side of the implant body on a side not having the recesses, with the lock rotatable about the hinge between a closed position and an open position in which the lock projects away from the side of the implant body. The lock has an aperture, and a band can pass through the aperture when the lock is open and can be secured against movement relative to the lock and the implant body by the lock when the lock is closed.

Abstract: A surgical device is used for temporarily stiffening an at least partially flexible intermediate section of a connecting element for a spinal column stabilization system. The connecting element includes a first attachment section for fixing to a first bone fixation device and a second attachment section for fixing to a second bone fixation device. The at least partially flexible intermediate section is arranged between the first and second attachment sections. The intermediate section defines at least one recess configured to enable deformation of the intermediate section. The surgical device includes at least one blocking element which is adapted to be brought into engagement with the intermediate section at least partially with a positively locking connection for temporarily preventing deformation of the flexible intermediate section. An improved spinal column stabilization system includes at least one first bone fixation device, at least one second bone fixation device and a connecting element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes proximal and distal shaft components, an articulation assembly, and an outer sleeve. The shaft components are pivotably coupled to one another. The distal shaft component is articulatable relative to the proximal shaft component between a substantially aligned configuration and an articulated configuration. The articulation assembly includes a rack and a pinion gear engaged with one another. The rack and the pinion gear cooperate to permit incremental articulation of the distal shaft component relative to the proximal shaft component between the substantially aligned and articulated configurations. The outer sleeve is disposed about the proximal shaft component and is manipulatable relative to the proximal shaft component between a first position and a second position for articulating the distal shaft component between the substantially aligned configuration and the articulated configuration.

Abstract: Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be unidirectionally ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply compressive or distractive forces. Tools for manipulation of the screw-rod constructs are also provided, which tools include distal tips configured to engage the bone screws.

Abstract: A spinal connection assembly for use with a posterior spinal connector having a head and a groove adjacent the head for providing a neck and a connector element to treat a spine of a mammalian body is provided. The assembly includes a housing having first and second side portions and a top and a bottom. The first side portion is provided with a bottom-facing first opening adapted for receiving the posterior spinal connector. A capture mechanism is carried by the first side portion for engaging the head of the posterior spinal connector and extends at least partially into the groove so as to capture the head within the first opening. The second side portion is provided with a second opening. A securement mechanism is carried by the second side portion for capturing the connector element within the second opening.

Abstract: A seal (10) is used for closing-off a proximal-side access port of an access instrument into a body. It has a cap (12) having a wall (14) covering the access port and a circumferential collar (16), which can be put over an edge of the access port. At least two approximately circular-segment-shaped openings are present in the wall (14), wherein a flexible dome sits on each opening and, on the proximal side, has, compared to the circular-segment-shaped openings, a smaller entry port (26, 28).

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral cage adapted to be implanted into an intervertebral disc space in a patient's body, the expandable intervertebral cage including first and second base plates having outer surfaces configured to interface with vertebra in the intervertebral disc space, a first, second and third arm assembly hingedly connected to first and second base plates, and first and second actuation members, wherein rotation of the first actuation member pulls the second arm assembly towards the first arm assembly and rotation of the second actuation member pulls the third arm assembly towards the second arm assembly, the first actuation member and the second actuation member capable of being actuated independently of each other.

Abstract: Described here are deformable monolithic, stabilization devices, or implants, suitable for use within bone and between bones, for instance, to fuse vertebral bodies, to repair herniated discs, or to repair spinal compression fractures. The implants are introduced into a chose site at a first, smaller height and then plastically deformed to achieve a second, but unique, pre-selected, larger height. Variations of the device provide one or more specific larger heights. The devices are particularly suitable as intervertebral spinal fusion implants for the immobilization of adjacent vertebral bodies. Methods of deploying the implants are also described as are instruments for such deployment.

Abstract: An implant system that includes a concave spherical-segment-shaped socket part and a corresponding convex spherical-segment-shaped joint part is provided. The joint part rests in the socket part, wherein at least three support elements that describe a spherical triangle or a spherical polygon are arranged on the surface of the joint part or on the surface of the socket part.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved spinal implants that are configured to help prevent post-operative migration of the implant. In some embodiments, the implant system includes multi-axial tooth geometry and other geometrical configurations such as but not limited to peripheral curvatures that aid in the prevention of such post-operative migration. Also disclosed are asymmetrical implants having superior and inferior surfaces with different angulations relative to the sagittal midline.

Abstract: An intervertebral or spinal implant having a spacer, a cage, and a locking mechanism, where the locking mechanism may be configured to facilitate a connection between the spacer and the cage. In some cases, the spacer may include a distal end wall, a proximal end wall, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall, where the locking mechanism may be situated at the proximal end wall adjacent a receiving opening in the proximal end wall. The implant may have one or more spikes extending from a top and/or a bottom of the spacer to facilitate stabilizing the implant between vertebrae after insertion of the implant in the spinal column.

Abstract: A device and method for inserting a vertebral stabilization member is disclosed. The stabilization member is releasably clampable to an insertion device between first and second clamping members at a clamping location spaced from a midline of the stabilization member. The insertion device and stabilization member are deliverable through an access sleeve and the stabilization member is rotatably actuatable to position the stabilization member in relation to a bone anchor.

Abstract: A surgical lamp that includes a lamp body having a central axis, and a suspension system for connecting the lamp body with a carrying system. The suspension system can include a first pivot joint around a first pivot axis that is perpendicular to the central axis, and the first pivot joint can be located in the central region of the lamp body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally invasive surgery pedicle screw system, including: a plurality of slotted guides that are selectively inserted through one or more surgical incisions; a plurality of pedicle screws selectively coupled to the plurality of slotted guides that are selectively secured to one or more bony anatomical structures; a pendulum mechanism selectively translatably and pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of slotted guides; and a connecting rod selectively translatably and pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of slotted guides; wherein the pendulum mechanism is selectively coupled to the connecting rod. The connecting rod is selectively secured to one or more of the plurality of pedicle screws.

Abstract: An expandable cage supports adjacent vertebra in spine surgery. The expandable cage includes a first supporting member configured to engage tissue and a second supporting member operatively associated with the first supporting member. The first and second supporting members are movable relative to each other. The expandable cage further includes a cam lock mechanism configured to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position. In another embodiment, the expandable cage includes a ring plate lock mechanism in lieu of the cam lock mechanism. The ring plate lock mechanism is adapted to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position.

Abstract: A spinal implant for connecting to an elongated rod is disclosed. The spinal implant includes a yoke having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first and second rod engaging portion and a channel between the first and second rod engaging portions for encompassing a first bone anchor, and the second end being spaced apart from the first end. An extension rod is also provided which extends from the second end of the yoke parallel to the elongated rod. The first and second rod engaging portions are configured and dimensioned to receive first and second securing member for securing the elongated rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant comprising providing an expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise providing an angling inserter tool. The angling inserter tool comprises a handle portion, a base portion, and a tip assembly, the base portion being disposed between the handle portion and the tip assembly. The method further may comprise distally advancing a central shaft of the tip assembly with rotation into an opening in the expandable vertebral implant to secure the angling inserter tool to the expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise positioning the expandable vertebral implant in a patient's spine. The method further may comprise for causing the tip assembly to angulate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the angling inserter tool, wherein the internal shaft is coaxial with an outer cylinder of the base portion.

Abstract: Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply distractive or compressive forces.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes opposing upper and lower endplates that are configured to engage respective vertebral surfaces in an intervertebral space. The implant carries a plurality of bone fixation spikes that extend out from each endplate. The spikes define a plurality of outer surfaces that extend from a base to a tip. The spikes are laterally staggered, and have a height that increases along a longitudinal direction from the front toward the rear of the implant, and a define recess formed in at least one outer surfaces.