Abstract: A bone fastener system including a bone fastener having cavities for receiving locking screws traverse to a longitudinal axis. The bone fastener includes a proximal end connected to a head, a distal end and an elongated shank defining a longitudinal axis. The elongated shank has an inner surface defining an inner cavity extending from the proximal end to the distal end along the longitudinal axis. The inner cavity is configured to receive a guide wire. The system includes a first locking screw and the bone fastener further comprises a second cavity defined by an inner surface disposed at an angle transverse to the longitudinal axis configured to receive a first locking screw.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting an elongated hydrogel prosthesis into an intervertebral disc includes an insertion cannula that is inserted through the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc to provide access to the nucleus region of the disc, an elongated hydrogel prosthesis packaged within a tubular container adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the insertion cannula, and a source of fluid pressure adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the tubular container. Auxiliary instruments for use in convenient insertion of the insertion cannula through the nucleus pulposus and providing for a complete and controlled passage of the hydrogel prosthesis through the insertion cannula are provided in a kit with the insertion cannula.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting an elongated hydrogel prosthesis into an intervertebral disc includes an insertion cannula that is inserted through the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc to provide access to the nucleus region of the disc, an elongated hydrogel prosthesis packaged within a tubular container adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the insertion cannula, and a source of fluid pressure adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the tubular container. Auxiliary instruments for use in convenient insertion of the insertion cannula through the nucleus pulposus and providing for a complete and controlled passage of the hydrogel prosthesis through the insertion cannula are provided in a kit with the insertion cannula.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting an elongated hydrogel prosthesis into an intervertebral disc includes an insertion cannula that is inserted through the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc to provide access to the nucleus region of the disc, an elongated hydrogel prosthesis packaged within a tubular container adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the insertion cannula, and a source of fluid pressure adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the tubular container. Auxiliary instruments for use in convenient insertion of the insertion cannula through the nucleus pulposus and providing for a complete and controlled passage of the hydrogel prosthesis through the insertion cannula are provided in a kit with the insertion cannula.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting an elongated hydrogel prosthesis into an intervertebral disc includes an insertion cannula that is inserted through the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc to provide access to the nucleus region of the disc, an elongated hydrogel prosthesis packaged within a tubular container adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the insertion cannula, and a source of fluid pressure adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the tubular container. Auxiliary instruments for use in convenient insertion of the insertion cannula through the nucleus pulposus and providing for a complete and controlled passage of the hydrogel prosthesis through the insertion cannula are provided in a kit with the insertion cannula.