Abstract: Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a first arm movably coupled to a second arm. The first and second arms are laterally expandable from a first width for insertion into the disc space to a second width after insertion into the disc space. The first and second arms also define a cavity therebetween for placement of bone growth material.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant including a body having a plurality of movable portions cooperating to define an outer cross section having first and second transverse dimensions and first and second substantially planar surfaces disposed generally opposite one another and adapted to engage adjacent vertebral bodies. An expansion member co-acts with the movable portions to expand the body along each of the first and second transverse dimensions.

Abstract: Working with the grid mapping utility of the present invention is an easy way to log GPS positions and GIS data at waypoints arranged in an evenly spaced grid. This allows a field user to gather measurements made by field sensors such as depth sounders, chemical detectors and magnetometers. The field user can then create contour maps with the necessary density of data while avoiding any gaps that might force the field user to return to the field.

Abstract: Methods and instruments are provided for performing spinal disc space preparation and implant insertion in minimally invasive procedures. The instruments include cutting instruments and implant insertion instruments adapted for insertion through a minimally invasive access portal to a spinal disc space. The proximal portions of the instruments are adapted to facilitate viewing through a proximal end opening of the access portal with the instruments positioned through the access portal while also enhancing the surgeon's control of the distal working end of the instruments while in the disc space.

Abstract: Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a first arm movably coupled to a second arm. The first and second arms are laterally expandable from a first width for insertion into the disc space to a second width after insertion into the disc space. The first and second arms also define a cavity therebetween for placement of bone growth material.

Abstract: Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a first arm movably coupled to a second arm. The first and second arms are laterally expandable from a first width for insertion into the disc space to a second width after insertion into the disc space. The first and second arms also define a cavity therebetween for placement of bone growth material.

Abstract: Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a first arm movably coupled to a second arm. The first and second arms are laterally expandable from a first width for insertion into the disc space to a second width after insertion into the disc space. The first and second arms also define a cavity therebetween for placement of bone growth material.

Abstract: Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a first arm movably coupled to a second arm. The first and second arms are laterally expandable from a first width for insertion into the disc space to a second width after insertion into the disc space. The first and second arms also define a cavity therebetween for placement of bone growth material.