Abstract: In one embodiment, an intervertebral implant includes a body and a locking element. The body includes a leading surface and a trailing surface opposite the leading surface. The body also includes first and second bone fastener passageways through the implant body and a cavity in between the first and second passageways. The cavity includes a trailing wall that separates the cavity from the trailing surface. The locking element is disposed in the cavity such that part of the locking element is visible through an access opening in the trailing wall so that the locking element may be rotated from outside of the implant. In a first rotational position, a first part of the locking element is located within one of the first and second passageways and in a second rotational position, the first part of the locking element is inside the body covered by the trailing wall.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intervertebral implant includes a body and a locking element. The body includes a leading surface and a trailing surface opposite the leading surface. The body also includes first and second bone fastener passageways through the implant body and a cavity in between the first and second passageways. The cavity includes a trailing wall that separates the cavity from the trailing surface. The locking element is disposed in the cavity such that part of the locking element is visible through an access opening in the trailing wall so that the locking element may be rotated from outside of the implant. In a first rotational position, a first part of the locking element is located within one of the first and second passageways and in a second rotational position, the first part of the locking element is inside the body covered by the trailing wall.

Abstract: A method of distracting adjacent vertebral bodies includes inserting a first pin into a first vertebral body, inserting a second pin into a second vertebral body adjacent the first vertebral body, positioning a first retractor blade over the first pin, positioning a second retractor blade over the second pin, attaching a first arm of a frame to the first retractor blade and a second arm of the frame to the second retractor blade, displacing the second arm of the frame away from the first arm to distract the first and second vertebral bodies, inserting prongs of a lateral protector into respective channels defined in the first and second retractor blades, and retracting tissue by a transverse blade of the lateral protector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intervertebral implant includes a body and a locking element. The body includes a leading surface and a trailing surface opposite the leading surface. The body also includes first and second bone fastener passageways through the implant body and a cavity in between the first and second passageways. The cavity includes a trailing wall that separates the cavity from the trailing surface. The locking element is disposed in the cavity such that part of the locking element is visible through an access opening in the trailing wall so that the locking element may be rotated from outside of the implant. In a first rotational position, a first part of the locking element is located within one of the first and second passageways and in a second rotational position, the first part of the locking element is inside the body covered by the trailing wall.

Abstract: A method of distracting adjacent vertebral bodies includes inserting a first pin into a first vertebral body, inserting a second pin into a second vertebral body adjacent the first vertebral body, positioning a first retractor blade over the first pin, positioning a second retractor blade over the second pin, attaching a first arm of a frame to the first retractor blade and a second arm of the frame to the second retractor blade, displacing the second arm of the frame away from the first arm to distract the first and second vertebral bodies, inserting prongs of a lateral protector into respective channels defined in the first and second retractor blades, and retracting tissue by a transverse blade of the lateral protector.

Abstract: A method of distracting adjacent vertebral bodies includes inserting a first pin into a first vertebral body, inserting a second pin into a second vertebral body adjacent the first vertebral body, positioning a first retractor blade over the first pin, positioning a second retractor blade over the second pin, attaching a first arm of a frame to the first retractor blade and a second arm of the frame to the second retractor blade, displacing the second arm of the frame away from the first arm to distract the first and second vertebral bodies, inserting prongs of a lateral protector into respective channels defined in the first and second retractor blades, and retracting tissue by a transverse blade of the lateral protector.

Abstract: A method of distracting adjacent vertebral bodies includes inserting a first pin into a first vertebral body, inserting a second pin into a second vertebral body adjacent the first vertebral body, positioning a first retractor blade over the first pin, positioning a second retractor blade over the second pin, attaching a first arm of a frame to the first retractor blade and a second arm of the frame to the second retractor blade, displacing the second arm of the frame away from the first arm to distract the first and second vertebral bodies, inserting prongs of a lateral protector into respective channels defined in the first and second retractor blades, and retracting tissue by a transverse blade of the lateral protector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tethering an electrode lead to an anatomical structure within a patient using a coupling member are provided. An anchor configured to be secured to the anatomical structure and an electrode lead suitable for neuromuscular stimulation of spinal muscles and/or nerves innervating one or more muscles that contribute to spine stability may be used. The electrode lead is configured to be coupled to the anchor via the coupling member by securing a first end of the coupling member to the electrode lead and securing a second end of the coupling member to an eyelet of the anchor to place the electrode lead at a desired anatomical site within the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tethering an electrode lead to an anatomical structure within a patient using a coupling member are provided. An anchor configured to be secured to the anatomical structure and an electrode lead suitable for neuromuscular stimulation of spinal muscles and/or nerves innervating one or more muscles that contribute to spine stability may be used. The electrode lead is configured to be coupled to the anchor via the coupling member by securing a first end of the coupling member to the electrode lead and securing a second end of the coupling member to an eyelet of the anchor to place the electrode lead at a desired anatomical site within the patient.