Abstract: A tissue retraction system includes a dilator and a first retractor member and a retraction assembly. The dilator is configured to be inserted into a tissue body and also includes at least one engagement member. The first retractor member includes a body and at least one engagement member that is configured to attach to the at least one engagement member of the dilator so as to removably attach the retractor member to the dilator body. The retraction assembly includes a retractor body and at least a second retractor member that is movably supported by the retractor body. The retractor body is configured to be attached to the first retractor member. The tissue protection system may also include a neuromonitoring member configured to determine a characteristics of the tissue.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device that includes: a longitudinal member having first and second ends and a flexible member interposed between the first and second ends, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engaged by a first bone securing member; and at least one spacer located between the first and second ends, the spacer comprising a resilient element and a ring element encircling at least a portion of the resilient element, wherein the ring element is configured to be engaged by a second bone securing member.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device that includes: a longitudinal member having first and second ends and a flexible member interposed between the first and second ends, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engaged by a first bone securing member; and at least one spacer located between the first and second ends, the spacer comprising a resilient element and a ring element encircling at least a portion of the resilient element, wherein the ring element is configured to be engaged by a second bone securing member.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device that includes: a longitudinal member having first and second ends and a flexible member interposed between the first and second ends, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engaged by a first bone securing member; and at least one spacer located between the first and second ends, the spacer comprising a resilient element and a ring element encircling at least a portion of the resilient element, wherein the ring element is configured to be engaged by a second bone securing member.

Abstract: A dilator assembly includes a dilator and a retractor member that is configured to be removably attached to the dilator.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device, including: a longitudinal member having first end portion, a second end portion and a flexible member interposed between the first end portion and the second end portion, at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion configured to be coupled to a first bone securing member; and a spacer located between the first and second end portions, wherein at least a portion of the flexible member passes through an axial channel of the spacer and wherein the spacer comprises a resilient element configured to be coupled to a second bone securing member.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device, including: a first end portion and a second end portion, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engagable by a section of a first bone securing member; a flexible member located between the first and second ends, the flexible member permitting motion of the first end relative to the second end; and a transition area located between the first end and the flexible member, the transition area tapering in diameter from a first section of the transition area proximate to the first end toward a second section of the transition area proximate to the flexible member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a poly-axial bone securing system including a bone securing member and a coupling element. The coupling element includes an opening to permit the bone securing member to pass therethrough and a seat for contacting a head portion of the bone securing member. The opening including a discrete number of contact surfaces or points for engaging the head portion of the bone securing member so that discrete frictional or gripping forces may be generated at interface points of each contact surface or point.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal stabilization system having a flexible connection unit for non-rigid stabilization of the spinal column. In one embodiment, the spinal stabilization system includes a flexible connection unit having a tether running through a hollow portion of the flexible connection unit, wherein the tether limits bending of the flexible connection unit. In a further embodiment the tether is pre-tensioned. In a further embodiment, the tension upon or compression of the tether is adjustable.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device, including: a first end portion and a second end portion, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engagable by a section of a first bone securing member; a flexible member located between the first and second ends, the flexible member permitting motion of the first end relative to the second end; and a transition area located between the first end and the flexible member, the transition area tapering in diameter from a first section of the transition area proximate to the first end toward a second section of the transition area proximate to the flexible member.

Abstract: Embodiments of bone securing system including a coupling element having a seat are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A tissue retraction system includes a dilator and a first retractor member and a retraction assembly. The dilator is configured to be inserted into a tissue body and also includes at least one engagement member. The first retractor member includes a body and at least one engagement member that is configured to attach to the at least one engagement member of the dilator so as to removably attach the retractor member to the dilator body. The retraction assembly includes a retractor body and at least a second retractor member that is movably supported by the retractor body. The retractor body is configured to be attached to the first retractor member. The tissue protection system may also include a neuromonitoring member configured to determine a characteristics of the tissue.