Abstract: A positional guide for use on a cannula shaft includes a shaft portion configured to form a first opening to receive a cannula shaft therein. One or more offset portions are connected to the shaft portion and configured to form second openings spaced apart from the first opening. The second openings are configured to each receive a stabilization device therein such that when the cannula shaft and the stabilization device are present in the first opening and the second openings, respectively, the cannula shaft and the stabilization device are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical system can include a cannula having a side port and an open distal end, and an expandable bone tamp. The bone tamp includes an elongate shaft coupled to an expandable element. The elongate shaft has a length adapted to align the expandable element with the side port or extend the expandable element completely beyond the distal opening of the cannula. In this manner, the cannula and bone tamp enable either directional (i.e., through the side port) or non-directional (i.e., completely outside the cannula) bone tamping.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical system can include a cannula having a side port and an open distal end, and an expandable bone tamp. The bone tamp includes an elongate shaft coupled to an expandable element. The elongate shaft has a length adapted to align the expandable element with the side port or extend the expandable element completely beyond the distal opening of the cannula. In this manner, the cannula and bone tamp enable either directional (i.e., through the side port) or non-directional (i.e., completely outside the cannula) bone tamping.