Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device may include an elongated tensioning member having a portion configured to connect to the implant and at least one anchoring device disposed on the tensioning member, the anchoring device configured to at least partially penetrate spinal tissue such as the annulus, vertebral body, or other secure tissue.

Abstract: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device comprises an expulsion prevention member associated with the nuclear implant and is configured to transition between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. In another form, a method for restraining a nuclear implant includes cutting an opening in the annulus, shifting an implant retention device into an unexpanded position, inserting the implant retention device through the opening, and shifting the retention device to an expanded position.

Abstract: In one form, a tool apparatus is provided that permits a spinal rod and cap assembly to be secured into a yoke coupling member anchored into a spinal bone. The tool apparatus includes a single actuator handle that is operable to both advance a drive member or persuader rod linearly along a longitudinal axis of the tool and also to rotate the drive member about the longitudinal axis. The rotary motion of the single actuator handle, therefore, is effective to linearly advance a cap assembly and spinal rod into a yoke coupling member secured to the tool and also to rotate at least a portion of the cap assembly to lock the cap relative to the yoke using the same rotary motion of the handle.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system is provided that, in one form, includes a coupling member having a cam lock member that is fixed against translation as it is turned with turning of the cam lock member causing an elongate member such as a spinal rod to be pushed downward in the coupling member for fixing the rod therein. In another aspect, the rod is fixed against a low profile insert that seats in a recess formed in the head of an anchor member projecting from the coupling member. The insert has an upper surface against which the rod is fixed. In one form, the insert upper surface is flat to provide for line contact against the rod so as to minimize damage thereto. In another form, the cam lock member cams against a clamping member driving it downward in the coupling member for fixing the rod therein.

Abstract: Artificial disc devices are disclosed that restore correct anatomical intervertebral spacing for damaged discs while maintaining a substantially normal range of biomechanical movement for the vertebrae between which they are implanted. The disc devices include center bearing and outer or annular bearing portions with the center bearing portion including generally axially extending locating surfaces which cooperate with the facing vertebral surfaces to resist migration. The outer bearing portion is for load bearing or load sharing with the center bearing portion and includes surfaces that extend radially toward the periphery of the vertebrae so that subsidence about the center bearing portion is minimized. Alternate forms of the disc devices include one with an axially enlarged center ball bearing having an annular ring bearing extending thereabout and another having upper and lower plate members with a central bumper member and a surrounding resilient annular member therebetween.

Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus and method are provided that allow a user to push bone pins into engagement with bones with more precision and accurate feel as to proper engagement and the clamping forces between the pins and bone over prior devices utilizing applicator guns and the like. Fine tuning of the clamping forces is also contemplated. Compact and highly ergonomic bone fixators are provided which allow the user to remain close to the pin application site during clamping of the pins onto the bone. Significant flexiblity is preferably incorporated by having two adjustably connected positioner bodies which can each mount a pin holder module releasably attached thereto. A fixation system with improved rigidity is also provided by way of independent clamping members for each of a pair of rod mounts on each pin positioner.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system is provided that, in one form, includes a coupling member having a cam lock member that is fixed against translation therealong as it is turned with turning of the cam lock member causing an elongate member such as a spinal rod to be pushed downward in the coupling member for fixing the rod therein. In another aspect, the rod is fixed against a low profile insert that seats in a recess formed in the head of an anchor member projecting from the coupling member. The insert has an upper surface against which the rod is fixed and that in one form is flat to provide for line contact against the rod so as to minimize damage thereto.

Abstract: Artificial disc devices are disclosed that restore correct anatomical intervertebral spacing for damaged discs while maintaining a substantially normal range of biomechanical movement for the vertebrae between which they are implanted. The disc devices include center bearing and outer or annular bearing portions with the center bearing portion including generally axially extending locating surfaces which cooperate with the facing vertebral surfaces to resist migration. The outer bearing portion is for load bearing or load sharing with the center bearing portion and includes surfaces that extend radially toward the periphery of the vertebrae so that subsidence about the center bearing portion is minimized. Alternate forms of the disc devices include one with an axially enlarged center ball bearing having an annular ring bearing extending thereabout and another having upper and lower plate members with a central bumper member and a surrounding resilient annular member therebetween.

Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus and method are provided that allow a user to push bone pins into engagement with bones with more precision and accurate feel as to proper engagement and the clamping forces between the pins and bone over prior devices utilizing applicator guns and the like. Fine tuning of the clamping forces is also contemplated. Compact and highly ergonomic bone fixators are provided which allow the user to remain close to the pin application site during clamping of the pins onto the bone. Significant flexiblity is preferably incorporated by having two adjustably connected positioner bodies which can each mount a pin holder module releasably attached thereto. A fixation system with improved rigidity is also provided by way of independent clamping members for each of a pair of rod mounts on each pin positioner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp for securing cables or other elongate members used in surgical fastening procedures. The clamp advantageously applies a clamping force to the cable without direct contact with the cable, thereby reducing abrasion and shear forces applied to the cable. The claims have a saddle member, platen or both that are movably mounted with respect to the housing and a lever, in cooperation with a cam surface, that allows the saddle member, platen or both to selectively clamp the cable. The lever may have several locking positions to provide optimum clamping force to different sized cables.