Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a spinal implant includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member operatively connected to each other. The first elongate member includes a first jaw member disposed at a distal portion thereof. The first jaw member defines a first longitudinal axis. The second elongate member includes a second jaw member disposed at a distal portion thereof. The second jaw member defines a second longitudinal axis. The first and second elongate members are adapted to move the first and second jaw members between a first position where the first and second longitudinal axes are oriented substantially parallel to each other and a second position where the first and second longitudinal axes are oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other. The apparatus further includes a locking mechanism adapted to fix a relative position of the first and second elongate members.

Abstract: A bone screw for attaching a bone plate to bone includes a shank defining a lumen extending at least partially therethrough from a proximal end thereof, a head defining a lumen therethrough, and a rod member. The rod member is configured for insertion through the lumen of the head and into the lumen of the shank. The rod member is fixedly engageable with the shank and moveably coupled to the head such that both the rod member and the shank are moveable with respect to the head.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a spinal implant includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member operatively connected to each other. The first elongate member includes a first jaw member disposed at a distal portion thereof. The first jaw member defines a first longitudinal axis. The second elongate member includes a second jaw member disposed at a distal portion thereof. The second jaw member defines a second longitudinal axis. The first and second elongate members are adapted to move the first and second jaw members between a first position where the first and second longitudinal axes are oriented substantially parallel to each other and a second position where the first and second longitudinal axes are oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other. The apparatus further includes a locking mechanism adapted to fix a relative position of the first and second elongate members.

Abstract: An apparatus supports the spine between vertebrae and promotes spinal fusion. The apparatus generally includes a first supporting member, a second support member, and an expansion member. The first support member has a first longitudinal passage extending therethrough, a first supporting end configured to engage tissue, and a rack configured to engage a tool. The second supporting member contains a second longitudinal passage extending therethrough and a second supporting end configured to engage tissue. The second longitudinal passage is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the first supporting member. The first and second supporting members are configured to move with respect to each other. The expansion member is removably positioned between the first and second supporting members and is adapted to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position.

Abstract: An insertion tool for placing a spinal implant in an intervertebral space includes a handle assembly, a jaw assembly having first and second jaw members movable with respect to each other, and a holding member adapted to hold and release an implant in response to a manipulation of the handle assembly. The holding member is configured to move longitudinally with respect to the jaw assembly upon manipulation of the handle assembly.