Abstract: Handle covers for gym equipment are provided. These covers increase the security of the grip, provide a cushion for the hands, and prevent exposure of body fluids between various users of the equipment. The device provided allows the user to reversibly encircle the handle of the gym equipment and the device is adjustable for varying handles of varying diameters. There is also a pad which can be reversibly placed within a pouch on the device to provide additional cushioning.

Abstract: A device and method for use in spinal surgery are provided.

Abstract: A device and method for use in spinal surgery are provided.

Abstract: A device and method for use in spinal surgery are provided.

Abstract: In previous applications, the authors have provided Methods and Devices for minimally invasive, percutaneous methods for accomplishing disc dilation, with increase of disc height, as well as accomplishment of an intervertebral fusion, and percutaneous insertion of an artificial disc prosthesis. As an extension of these applications and inventions, the authors now provide for a method of placing an expandable cannula percutaneously into the intervertebral disc space and increasing the disc height with the use of a mechanically driven device either a pneumatically-driven device, or, as an alternative embodiment, a hydraulically-driven device. Its use for general utilization in any percutaneously achieved intervertebral procedure is also contemplated. The device provided utilizes a cannula compose of two or four leaflets that may be constructed from metal, hard plastic, or any other acceptable substance.

Abstract: A technique for providing vascularized autograft to a fusion site in the posteriolateral aspect of a lumbar fusion mass by using a split-thickness laminoplasty technique, is disclosed in co-pending U.S. Provisional Application 60/379,371 filed on May 10, 2002 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed concurrently with the present application. Devices used to accomplish osteotomies of the laminae, facet joints, and transverse processes are disclosed. The devices include a shaft that can guide the devices, a method of deploying a wire bone saw for dividing these structures through a coronal plane, leaving the periosteum, musculature, and hence blood supply intact. This novel and non-obvious technique will allow for the application of vascularized autograft to the fusion bed in posterior or posteriolateral fusion of the spine.

Abstract: A surgical kit for percutaneously repairing post-operative leaks in internal fluid carrying vessels and organs. The kit includes at least one syringe and at least one marker for placement on the body of the patient to mark the location of the leak. The syringe and marker are enclosed in a sterile package which includes a top cover and a bottom cover. A method for repairing a leak in a fluid carrying vessel or organ, such as the dura mater of the spinal cord, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing a spinal fusion procedure between the transverse processes of two adjacent vertebra is disclosed. The method includes creating a vascularized bone flap at each of the transverse processes and introducing a bone graft delivery device to the site between the transverse processes and the vascularized bone grafts. A novel bone graft delivery system and device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for replacing a facet joint in the spine of a patient is provided. The prosthetic device includes an anchoring member and a plate member rotatably and pivotably connected to each other by a ball and socket mechanism. The anchoring member is preferably in the form of a bone screw for placement into the pedicle/facet intersection of a vertebrae, and the plate member is provided with securing holes for securing the plate member to an adjacent vertebrae. A minimally invasive, percutaneous surgical method is also provided for replacing the facet joint in the spine, and a kit for performing the surgical method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing vertebrae and implanting bone growth material is disclosed. Trocars are set onto the specific pedicles of the vertebrae to be stabilized. A series of dilators are passed over each trocar until a final working channel is placed. The interior dilators are removed, leaving the working channel to guide placement of the pedicle screws. The ends of a connecting rod are set in each screw to stabilize the pedicles. A steerable osteotomy device is used via the working channel to obtain the bone graft. Growth material from the graft is then implanted into the stabilized area.

Abstract: A method for performing percutaneous interbody fusion is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting a guide needle posteriorly to the disc space, inserting a dilator having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide needle over the guide needle to the disc space to enlarge the disc space, and successively passing a series of dilators, each having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the previous dilator, over the previous dilator to the disc space the gradually and incrementally increase the height of the disc space. Once the desired disc height is achieved, the guide needle and all the dilators, with the exception of the outermost dilator, are removed. An expandible intervertebral disc spacer is then passed through the remaining dilator and positioned in the disc space. The disc spacer is expanded to the required disc height, and then a bone matrix is passed through the dilator to fill the disc space. The dilator is then removed.