Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to a surgical procedure resulting in the fusion of transverse processes. The disclosure herein presents novel approaches for accessing transverse processes of the spine, novel methods for the delivery of fusion material for the fusion of said transverse processes, and novel tools to facilitate the procedure. Certain embodiments of the invention include a graft delivery assembly, which has a delivery shaft, delivery sheath, and at least one curved rod. Bony material is position with a graft delivery assembly, in which retraction of the delivery shaft or sheath places the bone fusion material to the fusion site. The graft delivery assembly further includes features to decorticate and prepare the bone surface for fusion.

Abstract: An expandable corpectomy implant and methods of making and using same. The expandable spinal implant includes an inner member and an outer member. The inner member and outer member each have a first end, a second end and a sidewall. The inner member is positioned in the outer member and the inner member and the outer member have a selected cross sectional shape. The inner member is configured such that it slidably protrudes from the outer member. The inner member has at least one tab incorporated into the sidewall of the inner member and the outer member has at least one aperture formed in the sidewall of the outer member such that the at least one tab of the inner member engages the corresponding at least one aperture of the outer member so that the inner member is locked with the outer member.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to a surgical procedure resulting in the fusion of transverse processes. The disclosure herein presents novel approaches for accessing transverse processes of the spine, novel methods for the delivery of fusion material for the fusion of said transverse processes, and novel tools to facilitate the procedure. Certain embodiments of the invention include a graft delivery assembly, which has a delivery shaft, delivery sheath, and at least one curved rod. Bony material is position with a graft delivery assembly, in which retraction of the delivery shaft or sheath places the bone fusion material to the fusion site. The graft delivery assembly further includes features to decorticate and prepare the bone surface for fusion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to a surgical procedure resulting in the fusion of transverse processes. The disclosure herein presents novel approaches for accessing transverse processes of the spine, novel methods for the delivery of fusion material for the fusion of said transverse processes, and novel tools to facilitate the procedure. Certain embodiments of the invention include a graft delivery assembly, which has a delivery shaft, delivery sheath, and at least one curved rod. Bony material is position with a graft delivery assembly, in which retraction of the delivery shaft or sheath places the bone fusion material to the fusion site. The graft delivery assembly further includes features to decorticate and prepare the bone surface for fusion.

Abstract: A pedicle screw system includes a multi-threaded bone fastener configured with a constant pitch and a placement tower assembly for delivery of the bone fastener.

Abstract: Minimally invasive surgical techniques including techniques and implants for provision of therapy to a spine from a lateral approach. Implants that may be used with other approaches to the spine are disclosed. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using one or more extended retractors to create an extended access route such as the non-limiting example of lateral access to the spine. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using internal retractors that may be reversibly expanded with a removable retractor inserter to create an extended access route. A linkage jack to expand a set of two or more extended retractors to create an extended access route.

Abstract: Minimally invasive surgical techniques including techniques and implants for provision of therapy to a spine from a lateral approach. Implants that may be used with other approaches to the spine are disclosed. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using one or more extended retractors to create an extended access route such as the non-limiting example of lateral access to the spine. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using internal retractors that may be reversibly expanded with a removable retractor inserter to create an extended access route. A linkage jack to expand a set of two or more extended retractors to create an extended access route.

Abstract: Multi-membrane prosthetic nucleus and implants using same are disclosed having an outermost membrane that is semi-compliant and limits the innermost membrane and any intermediate membranes that are highly compliant from bulging out of any opening in the annulus fibrosus. The outermost membrane may help protect the innermost membrane from trauma including any trauma before the innermost membrane is expanded through the injection of prosthetic nucleus material and trauma during the expansion of the innermost membrane in response to the injection of prosthetic nucleus material. Also disclosed is a coated membrane which combines the mechanical properties of the foundation layer with the low permeability to the passage of the flowable prosthetic material of the coating. This coated membrane is semi-compliant and prevents the prosthetic nucleus from bulging out of any openings in the annulus fibrosus. Use is made of injected prosthetic nucleus material that changes to a non-flowable state.

Abstract: A driver for delivering an insert to a bone anchor, the bone anchor having an internal cavity with a set of internal threads, the driver adapted to rotate with respect to a bone anchor that is anchored in a vertebral body in order to engage external threads on the insert with the set of internal threads in the bone anchor and axially advance the threadedly engaged insert within the bone anchor while simultaneously preventing the bone anchor from rotating with respect to the vertebral body the driver having: 1) a threaded retention rod for engaging a bore in the insert; 2) a driver head to engage with the insert to apply torque to the insert and rotate the insert; and 3) an anchor stabilizer to engage with a proximal face of the bone anchor to prevent the bone anchor from rotating with respect to the vertebral body.

Abstract: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. Many of the spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual pivot. A number of different embodiments of spinal motion preservation assemblies are disclosed which include at least one component adapted for elastic deformation under compressive loads. The disclosed mobility preservation assemblies provide for dynamic stabilization of the spinal motion segment. Other variations and implementations of the teachings are disclosed, including the sheathed delivery of membranes in order to protect the membranes before and during deployment.

Abstract: Multi-membrane prosthetic nucleus and implants using same are disclosed having an outermost membrane that is semi-compliant and limits the innermost membrane and any intermediate membranes that are highly compliant from bulging out of any opening in the annulus fibrosus. The outermost membrane may help protect the innermost membrane from trauma including any trauma before the innermost membrane is expanded through the injection of prosthetic nucleus material and trauma during the expansion of the innermost membrane in response to the injection of prosthetic nucleus material. Also disclosed is a coated membrane which combines the mechanical properties of the foundation layer with the low permeability to the passage of the flowable prosthetic material of the coating. This coated membrane is semi-compliant and prevents the prosthetic nucleus from bulging out of any openings in the annulus fibrosus. Use is made of injected prosthetic nucleus material that changes to a non-flowable state.