Abstract: A spinal implant that allows for fluid injection of material is disclosed. The implant includes a fitting with a passage and holes that are in fluid communication with the passage. The holes extend through upper and lower surfaces and/or into a central cavity of the implant. The implant allows for material to be introduced into the implant after initial implantation thereof. Methods of implanting the implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element.

Abstract: Implants including non-resorbable frameworks and resorbable components, as well as methods of use thereof are disclosed. The embodiments include different combinations of a non-resorbable framework (in some case structural and in other cases non-structural), and a resorbable component embedded within and/or around the framework (again, in some cases structural and in other cases non-structural). The disclosed implants provide an efficient means of providing structural support for the vertebral bodies post-implantation, as well as encouraging resorption of the implant and fusion of the associated vertebral bodies without negative side effects and/or failure, such as subsidence of the implant or cracking/fracturing of a portion of the implant when implanted.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include an input for expanding at least two extendable support elements connected to a body at respective locations, such that the extendable support elements each apply a respective expansion force directed away from a surface of the body. Application of a single input force to the input may induce the extendable support elements to apply different amounts of expansion force. Alternatively or additionally, an intervertebral implant may include at least two portions connected together by a hinge for articulation about the hinge. In one aspect, the hinge may include at least two rigid links each pivotably connected to the two portions. In another aspect, a rigid link of the hinge may include a passageway for communicating a hydraulic fluid between the two portions. A locking system may be positionable into successive locked configurations by operation of a cam to prevent contraction of an extendable support element.

Abstract: Expandable spinal interbody implants include a body and at least one extendable support element connected thereto. Such an implant may include a second extendable support element and a tool selectively positionable with respect to the implant so as to independently or simultaneously expand both extendable support elements. In another example, such an implant may include, at each of a first and second location, a respective movable member and a respective locking element. The at least one extendable support element may be actuatable to expand so as to induce movement of at least one of the movable members away from the body. The locking elements at each of the first and second locations may be selectively lockable such that, when locked, the locking element restrains movement of the associated movable member at that location away from the body without restraining movement of the other movable member away from the body.

Abstract: A spinal implant that allows for fluid injection of material is disclosed. The implant includes a fitting with a passage and holes that are in fluid communication with the passage. The holes extend through upper and lower surfaces and/or into a central cavity of the implant. The implant allows for material to be introduced into the implant after initial implantation thereof. Methods of implanting the implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for percutaneous spinal fusion may include two spaced apart blades connected together by a coupling such that the blades define a percutaneous pathway from a skin incision to an implanted pedicle fastener. The coupling may be c-shaped and may have at least one flexible tab for engaging one or more holes along the length of the blades. If one of the blades becomes disconnected from the pedicle fastener, a supplemental access device may be provided comprising a tubular body having a channel therein for receiving the other of the blades. If both of the blades become disconnected, a supplemental access device may be provided comprising a gripping member received within a locking member. The gripping member may have two legs engageable with the pedicle fastener, and the locking member may move along the gripping member to prevent the legs from disengaging the pedicle fastener.

Abstract: A spinal interbody device (IBD) includes a solid wall that at least partially defines a boundary of the IBD and a porous body connected to the solid wall. The porous body includes a plurality of sections that form at least a portion of both a superior and inferior bone interface side of the IBD. Each section of the porous body has a different porosity than an adjacent section such that the porosities increase toward a center of the IBD.

Abstract: Implants including non-resorbable frameworks and resorbable components, as well as methods of use thereof are disclosed. The embodiments include different combinations of a non-resorbable framework (in some case structural and in other cases non-structural), and a resorbable component embedded within and/or around the framework (again, in some cases structural and in other cases non-structural). The disclosed implants provide an efficient means of providing structural support for the vertebral bodies post-implantation, as well as encouraging resorption of the implant and fusion of the associated vertebral bodies without negative side effects and/or failure, such as subsidence of the implant or cracking/fracturing of a portion of the implant when implanted.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include an input for expanding at least two extendable support elements connected to a body at respective locations, such that the extendable support elements each apply a respective expansion force directed away from a surface of the body. Application of a single input force to the input may induce the extendable support elements to apply different amounts of expansion force. Alternatively or additionally, an intervertebral implant may include at least two portions connected together by a hinge for articulation about the hinge. In one aspect, the hinge may include at least two rigid links each pivotably connected to the two portions. In another aspect, a rigid link of the hinge may include a passageway for communicating a hydraulic fluid between the two portions. A locking system may be positionable into successive locked configurations by operation of a cam to prevent contraction of an extendable support element.

Abstract: Expandable spinal interbody implants include a body and at least one extendable support element connected thereto. Such an implant may include a second extendable support element and a tool selectively positionable with respect to the implant so as to independently or simultaneously expand both extendable support elements. In another example, such an implant may include, at each of a first and second location, a respective movable member and a respective locking element. The at least one extendable support element may be actuatable to expand so as to induce movement of at least one of the movable members away from the body. The locking elements at each of the first and second locations may be selectively lockable such that, when locked, the locking element restrains movement of the associated movable member at that location away from the body without restraining movement of the other movable member away from the body.

Abstract: An expandable rod system includes a first rod portion having an internal cavity, a second rod portion sealingly positioned within the internal cavity of the first rod portion and moveable in a first axial direction relative to the first rod portion, and an osmotic chamber for receiving an osmotic agent to facilitate movement of the second rod portion to expand the rod system. The rod system includes a lock assembly engageable with the second rod portion to prevent the second rod portion from moving in a second axial direction. The lock assembly includes a tapered ramped portion and a bearing member that is moveable within the tapered ramped portion such that when compression forces are imparted on the second rod portion, the bearing member becomes wedged in the tapered ramped portion.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a head, and a screw portion extends from the head. The screw portion includes a shaft and a thread extending along and about the shaft. The thread has a height extending from a root to a tip thereof. The thread also has first and second portions disposed between the root and the tip. The second portion has a porous structure configured to promote bone ingrowth and has a porosity greater than that of the first portion.

Abstract: A device for loading bone graft material into a delivery tube is provided herein. The device includes a housing defining a reservoir for receiving bone graft, a magazine at least partially disposed within the housing, and an actuation member coupled to the housing for discharging the bone graft material into the delivery tube. The magazine defines a first chamber and a second chamber and is moveable between a first position in which the first chamber is in communication with the reservoir and a second position in which the second chamber is in communication with the reservoir. The actuation member includes a plunger configured to slide into the first chamber and the second chamber to discharge bone graft material, when bone graft material is contained therein, into the delivery tube. Methods of loading bone graft material are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical cutting guide, a surgical cutting guide assembly and a method for using same. The surgical cutting may have first and second slots defining first and second axes respectively. The surgical cutting guide may be positioned away from a vertebral body such that the first and second axes intersect at a distal point located in an interior of the vertebral body. The surgical cutting assembly may include the surgical cutting guide with first and second cutting instruments. A method of performing a pedicle subtraction osteotomy may include the steps of placing the surgical cutting guide over the first and second cutting instruments.

Abstract: A system for implanting an expandable interbody implant into an intervertebral space includes an elongated tool, the distal end of which is removably securable to the implant. The proximal end of the tool has an attachment interface for detachable securement to a plurality of different modules, each of which is adapted to effectuate a different function of the delivery system. The different functions include: grasping the implant delivery tool, providing an impaction surface for driving the advancement of the implant, supplying a graft material into the implant, and actuating the expansion of the implant. One of the modules may include a fluid delivery system for supplying hydraulic fluid to expand the implant. A fluid reservoir of the fluid delivery system may be oriented transverse to the cannula that delivers the fluid to the implant. A grafting block can be used to help pre-pack the implant with graft material.

Abstract: Hydraulically expandable spinal rods and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The spinal rod may include a piston rod, a static rod, and a hydraulic pressure chamber for accepting hydraulic fluid and causing the piston rod to move in an expansion direction relative to the static rod. Upon connection of the piston and static rods to a patient's spinal column, the hydraulic spinal rod may be expanded to aid in correction of an underlying spinal deformity.

Abstract: A surgical implant system includes an implant and a fixation member for securing the implant to tissue. The implant and the fixation member together comprise a single monolithic structure. The implant includes an insertion instrument. The implant, the fixation member, and the insertion instrument together comprise a single monolithic structure and are constructed from a single material. The implant is monolithically connected to the fixation member at a first frangible connection and is monolithically connected to the insertion instrument at a second frangible connection. Each of the frangible connections can be broken when force is applied.

Abstract: Hydraulically expandable spinal rods and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The spinal rod may include a piston rod, a static rod, and a hydraulic pressure chamber for accepting hydraulic fluid and causing the piston rod to move in an expansion direction relative to the static rod. Upon connection of the piston and static rods to a patient's spinal column, the hydraulic spinal rod may be expanded to aid in correction of an underlying spinal deformity.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include an input for expanding at least two extendable support elements connected to a body at respective locations, such that the extendable support elements each apply a respective expansion force directed away from a surface of the body. Application of a single input force to the input may induce the extendable support elements to apply different amounts of expansion force. Alternatively or additionally, an intervertebral implant may include at least two portions connected together by a hinge for articulation about the hinge. In one aspect, the hinge may include at least two rigid links each pivotably connected to the two portions. In another aspect, a rigid link of the hinge may include a passageway for communicating a hydraulic fluid between the two portions. A locking system may be positionable into successive locked configurations by operation of a cam to prevent contraction of an extendable support element.