Abstract: An interspinous spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes includes a flexible, fillable container (e.g., a bag or balloon) for containing a material that is compressible during end use, for example, silicone after curing. The container is impermeable to the material it will be filled with. A structural mesh, for example, made of PET fabric and interwoven shape-memory alloy wire, provides structure for and containment of the container, as well as shape control. The material can be injected into the container through an optional conduit, for example, a one-way valve.

Abstract: A surgical procedure according to which a member containing a material is inserted between two anatomical structures; and the member is caused to change state and expand into engagement with at least one of the structures.

Abstract: A spinal implant, implant control device and method of treating a spine are provided. An exemplary spinal implant can include an adjustable component and a connector in communication with the adjustable component, wherein the connector is configured for transcutaneous delivery of an agent to the adjustable component in a manner that affects a condition of the adjustable component.

Abstract: An implant is disclosed and can include a body and a plurality of pellets disposed within the body. The implant can be moved between an unmolded, relaxed configuration wherein the body is not conformed to a bone and a molded, relaxed configuration wherein the body is at least partially conformed to the bone.

Abstract: An intervertebral process brace is disclosed and can include a frame that can support a first vertebral process and a second vertebral process. The intervertebral process brace can also include a first vertebral process support strap that can span a first portion of the frame. The first vertebral process support strap can engage the first vertebral process and bind the first vertebral process between the first vertebral process support strap and the first portion of the frame.

Abstract: An interspinous process brace is disclosed and can include a superior component and an inferior component. The superior component can include a superior spinous process bracket that can engage a superior spinous process. The inferior component can include an inferior spinous process bracket that can engage an inferior spinous process. Further, the interspinous process brace can be moved between a bent configuration and a straight configuration. In the bent configuration, an overall height of the interspinous process brace can be minimized to facilitate installation between the superior spinous process and the inferior spinous process.

Abstract: A surgical implantation procedure and a device for performing same according to which an expandable member is inserted between anatomical structures and expanded in one plane to cause relative movement between the structures. The expansion is terminated when the structures are in a predetermined spatial relationship.

Abstract: Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connecting element engageable to the first and second anchor assemblies. The connecting element includes opposite first and second members and a dampener between the end members that provides a flexible bumper between the end members to provide dynamic stabilization of the spinal column when engaged to the anchor assemblies.

Abstract: An expandable interspinous process implant is disclosed and can include a body and an injection tube extending from the body. The expandable interspinous process implant can be moved from a relaxed configuration to an expanded configuration in which the body is at least partially inflated around a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process.

Abstract: Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connecting element engageable to the first and second anchor assemblies. The connecting element includes opposite first and second anchor engaging end portions and a length along a longitudinal axis between the first and second anchor engaging end portions sized for positioning between and engaging each of the first and second anchor assemblies when the first and second anchor assemblies are engaged to the respective vertebrae. The connecting element further includes a support portion between the first and second anchor engaging end portions. The support portion includes first and second support members spaced from one another on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, and a stabilizing member extending between the support members in a transverse orientation to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An adjustable interspinous process brace is disclosed and can include a superior component. The superior component can include a superior spinous process bracket that can engage a superior spinous process. Further, the adjustable interspinous process brace can include an inferior component. The inferior component can include an inferior spinous process bracket that can engage an inferior spinous process. Further, the inferior component can be movably engaged with the superior component from a retracted position to an extended position. In the extended position, a distance between the superior spinous process bracket and the inferior spinous process bracket can be increased.

Abstract: A molding device is disclosed and can include a first mold component and a second mold component substantially opposite the first mold component. The first mold component and the second mold component can fit around a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly and method of implanting same, according to which a least one rod is secured to the spinal column. A spacer engages the spinous process of a vertebrae of the spinal column. The rod is connected to the spacer via an adapter.

Abstract: A spinal rod having first and second end members. The end members may be flexible or rigid. An expandable intermediate section is positioned between the first and second end members. The intermediate section may be axially expandable upon the introduction of a substance into a port that may be located in either of the first and second end members or the intermediate section. The intermediate section may be expandable between a first size, where the first and second end members are spaced a first distance apart, and a second enlarged size, where the first and second end members are spaced a second greater distance apart.

Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching a support to the sacrum. One device may include first and second anchors that mount to the sacrum, and first and second lateral extensions coupled to the anchors to secure the device to the sacrum. A bearing face having a width is positioned between the lateral extensions. The face may have a height in an anterior-posterior direction greater than the spinous process of the sacrum. Further, the bearing face may be oriented in a superior direction when the device is mounted to the sacrum. An implant may be supported by the device to space the sacrum and L5 vertebrae. The implant may be an interspinous device and positioned between the L5 spinous process and the bearing face. The implant is supported at least in part by the bearing face.

Abstract: A method spacing spinal elements includes installing a first spinal implant having a sensor associated therewith; selecting a second spinal implant based on measurement data provided by the sensor; and replacing the first spinal implant with the second spinal implant. The first and second implants may be installed in separate surgical procedures, or during the same surgical procedure, and the implants may be positioned between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process and advantageously directly engage the same. The selection of the second implant may be based on the data provided by the sensor and a material property of the second spinal implant, such as its stiffness. The measurement data may correspond to strain or force data. The sensor may be, but is not required to be, embedded in the first spinal implant. A corresponding apparatus is described.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for spacing apart spinous processes. In one embodiment, the device includes a body having a central portion that separates first and second sections. The body is constructed of a combination of an elastic material and a bio-absorbable material. When initially implanted within a patient, the bio-absorbable material affects the stiffness of the device. The device stiffness changes to that of the elastic material as the bio-absorbable material is absorbed by the body.

Abstract: A method of treating a spinal condition includes attaching an anterior spinal motion device in an anterior region of a motion segment associated with the pair of vertebrae and attaching a posterior motion preservation device in a second region of the motion segment. The anterior spinal motion device may include an elastic material or a motion preserving disc prosthesis having at least one articulating surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and method, according to which a member of a relatively flexible, soft material is connected with a member of a relatively stiff material and the connected members are implanted in a spinal column using a non-rigid and a rigid connection.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and method of inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which a first member of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the vertebrae; and at least one second member of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member.