Abstract: A spinal correction system comprises a flexible longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end. At least one fixation element includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes an inner surface that defines a cavity such that the longitudinal element is disposable therein. The second portion is configured for penetrating tissue. A coupling member is engageable with the first portion of the at least one fixation element and the longitudinal element to connect the longitudinal element with the at least one fixation element. The coupling member includes a penetrating element configured to extend through the longitudinal element. A flexible member is disposed between the longitudinal element and the inner surface of the first portion of the at least one fixation element. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-stage minimally invasive surgical procedure and associated instruments are disclosed. First, the surgical site is prepared. After preparation, the bone screws or anchors are attached to the bone. Subsequent to insertion of the screws, a rod or connecting member is positioned within the yoke portion of the bone screw. Caps are then placed in a pre-lock position within the yokes. The bone screws may be compressed together or distracted along the rod or connecting member, thereby setting the final spacing of the bones or bone segments. Finally the caps are moved to a final lock position to fix the screws to the rod or connecting member to maintain the bones in position relative to each other.

Abstract: A spinal fusion apparatus includes a cage body configured to be inserted between two vertebral bodies and which has internal sidewalls that define a cavity which extends vertically through the cage body, and an internal compression member which includes a movable sidewall which defines at least one side of the cavity, and which is movable in a lateral direction from a first position located in the cavity to a second position located in the cavity such that a space within the cavity is reduced when the movable sidewall is at the second position. The internal compression member includes a compression mechanism coupled to the moveable sidewall, and moves the movable sidewall from the first position to the second position. Fusion material is disposed in the cavity is compressed and compacted by the movable sidewall as the moveable sidewall moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An implant system for implantation between adjacent spinous processes for the relief of pain associated with the spine. The implant has a series of spacers which may be inserted over a shaft located between adjacent spinous processes thus allowing the implant to be assembled in situ. The spacers may rotate on the shaft relative to the wings. To minimize trauma to the patient, each spacer has a tapered tissue expander to distract the opening between the spinous processes during assembly. The shaft is connected to a wing, and a second wing or deployable wing may be inserted over the shaft and locked into place.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.

Abstract: Instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including creating an operative corridor to the spine with a tissue retraction system and registering the tissue retraction system to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a spinal implant connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, the present invention provides a connection assembly with structure to increase the locking strength of the connection assembly.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.

Abstract: A surgical system and method for fusionless correction of a spine disorder are provided. The method comprising the steps of: providing access to a spine; providing a longitudinal element extending between a first end including a first fixation element and a second end including a second fixation element; engaging the first fixation element with a first costovertebral surface and engaging the second fixation element with a second costovertebral surface such that the longitudinal element is disposed in a costotransverse orientation along a selected section of the spine; and preventing growth of the selected section of the spine with the longitudinal element.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for manipulating a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element. The instruments and methods disclosed herein are particularly suited to facilitate rotation of a bone anchor relative to another bone to correct the angular rotation of the vertebrae attached to the bone anchor. The instrument does not require the spinal fixation element to be inserted into the bone anchor prior to manipulation. The instrument further may be used in the insertion of the spinal fixation element into the bone anchor.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a non-enclosed housing configured to fit between two adjacent vertebrae; one or more housing fasteners extending at least partially through the housing, one or more driving mechanisms operationally positioned in relationship to at least one housing fastener, such that activation of at least one driving mechanism engages and drives at least one housing fastener to compress into at least one adjacent vertebrae and one or more plates removably coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A method for repairing a fractured bone includes providing a bone fracture fixation assembly including a plate, an elongated shaft, and a rod. At least a portion of the shaft is threaded, and the shaft has a hole extending therethrough. The hole has an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The method further includes positioning the plate adjacent the surface of the fractured bone, extending the shaft into the bone, cooperatively engaging the threaded portion of the shaft with a screw receiving aperture of the plate, extending the rod into the bone, and inserting the rod into the hole of the shaft.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device is provided that includes an anchoring element with a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, a connection element for connecting at least two anchoring elements, the connection element being made of an elastic material, a receiving part being connected to the shank for receiving the connection element and connecting the connection element to the shank, a seat for the connection element the seat being provided in the receiving part, and a locking element being engageable with the receiving part for fixation of the connection element in the seat. At least the portion of the connection element which is received in the recess has a substantially smooth-surface. The locking element has an engagement structure which contacts the surface of the connection element in such a way that a form-fit connection is provided.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for reducing and stabilizing bone fractures are presented, which include providing a cavity in bone, such as a vertebra, wherein the cavity is proximate to an endplate of the bone, such as a vertebra endplate, and wherein the cavity extends radially from a passage into the cavity. The methods further include providing a device, such as an inflatable device, into the cavity and manipulating the device for expansion. The cavity may be expanded thereby reducing and/or stabilizing the fracture. The fracture may be further reduced and/or stabilized by adding a material into the cavity.

Abstract: A dilator retractor and the dilators that are used for minimally invasive spinal surgery or other surgery are configured to accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient as by configuring the cross sectional area in an elliptical shape, or by forming a funnel configuration with the wider end at the proximate end. In some embodiments the distal end is contoured to also accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient so that a cylindrically shaped, funnel shaped, ovoid shaped dilator retractor can be sloped or tunneled to accommodate the bone structure of the patient or provide access for implants. The dilator retractor is made with different lengths to accommodate the depth of the cavity formed by the dilators.

Abstract: Removable drill guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a bone plate. The tips may be used with an extension to together function as a conventional drill guide. After drilling, the extension or another tool is used to remove the tips from the plate. According to another use, the tip is used as a guide for a drill bit without any additional extension and then removed with a tool.

Abstract: A method is for implanting Bone Screw: screwing into a threaded bore in a distal portion of Implantation Instrument a rear threaded portion of Screw having a front threaded portion separated from the rear portion by an unthreaded middle portion, Screw including a central bore hole therethrough dimensioned to accommodate a guide wire; inserting the wire into a first target portion of bone; inserting Instrument over the wire such that the front threaded portion is adjacent to the first target portion; rotating Instrument to insert the front threaded portion into the first target portion while a locking component is engaged to prevent rotation of Screw relative to Instrument; and rotating Screw with the tool to drive Screw further into the first target portion to a desired depth and out of engagement with Instrument while the component is disengaged to permit rotation of Screw relative to Instrument.

Abstract: Instruments, implants and methods are provided for positioning spinal implants in a spinal disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The instruments provide a low profile engagement with the implants and facilitate insertion while minimizing tissue retraction and exposure of the tissue and neural elements to the instrumentation in the approach to the disc space.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. In general, the apparatus includes an expandable body that is configured to expand into bone, and an expander pin that is adapted to be driven into the expandable body. The device can also include a tissue attachment apparatus that can be used to secure tissue to the device, thereby providing a method for attaching tissue to bone.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, limit rod roll, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column.