Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for minimally invasive vertebral augmentation and restoration of spinal lordosis using a steerable cannula assembly. When deployed, the articulating cannula, including an outer cannula and an inner cannula extending into a central lumen of the outer cannula and coupled to each other at their distal ends, can be manipulated to curve/bend the body of the articulating cannula. This manipulation is used to create a void within the interior body and may also be used to control delivery of a treatment element to the interior body.

Abstract: A method of performing a procedure on an intervertebral disc includes inserting a cannulated delivery tube through an opening in an annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, positioning an expandable portion of the tube within the opening in the annulus fibrosus, expanding the expandable portion into contact with the annulus fibrosus about the opening to create a seal between the expandable portion and the annulus fibrosus, performing a procedure through the cannulated delivery tube within the annulus fibrosis, removing the tube, and closing the opening in the annulus fibrosus.

Abstract: A device intended for the treatment of spinal stenosis. This device is an inter-spinous spacer that is introduced through a single posterior incision. It uses a single piece insertion technique with a unilateral approach. The surgeon does not need to access the opposite side of the spinous process. It allows the user infinite adjustability in distraction height with a single locking mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for minimally invasive vertebral augmentation and restoration of spinal lordosis using a steerable cannula assembly. When deployed, the articulating cannula, including an outer cannula and an inner cannula extending into a central lumen of the outer cannula and coupled to each other at their distal ends, can be manipulated to curve/bend the body of the articulating cannula. This manipulation is used to create a void within the interior body and may also be used to control delivery of a treatment element to the interior body.

Abstract: An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration.

Abstract: A method of performing a procedure on an intervertebral disc includes inserting a cannulated delivery tube through an opening in an annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, positioning an expandable portion of the tube within the opening in the annulus fibrosus, expanding the expandable portion into contact with the annulus fibrosus about the opening to create a seal between the expandable portion and the annulus fibrosus, performing a procedure through the cannulated delivery tube within the annulus fibrosis, removing the tube, and closing the opening in the annulus fibrosus.

Abstract: A device intended for the treatment of spinal stenosis. This device is an inter-spinous spacer that is introduced through a single posterior incision. It uses a single piece insertion technique with a unilateral approach. The surgeon does not need to access the opposite side of the spinous process. It allows the user infinite adjustability in distraction height with a single locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method of performing a procedure on an intervertebral disc includes inserting a cannulated delivery tube through an opening in an annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, positioning an expandable portion of the tube within the opening in the annulus fibrosus, expanding the expandable portion into contact with the annulus fibrosus about the opening to create a seal between the expandable portion and the annulus fibrosus, performing a procedure through the cannulated delivery tube within the annulus fibrosis, removing the tube, and closing the opening in the annulus fibrosus.

Abstract: A banana-shaped cage adapted for use as an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the leading direction of the nose of the banana cage is substantially in-line with the angle of the inserter shaft that inserts the cage into the disc space. It has been found that insertion of this cage requires lower insertion forces than the conventional cage whose leading direction substantially follows the arc of the banana curve.

Abstract: A device intended for the treatment of spinal stenosis. This device is an inter-spinous spacer that is introduced through a single posterior incision. It uses a single piece insertion technique with a unilateral approach. The surgeon does not need to access the opposite side of the spinous process. It allows the user infinite adjustability in distraction height with a single locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method of performing a procedure on an intervertebral disc includes inserting a cannulated delivery tube through an opening in an annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, positioning an expandable portion of the tube within the opening in the annulus fibrosus, expanding the expandable portion into contact with the annulus fibrosus about the opening to create a seal between the expandable portion and the annulus fibrosus, performing a procedure through the cannulated delivery tube within the annulus fibrosis, removing the tube, and closing the opening in the annulus fibrosus.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and technique to seal an annular defect of an intervertebral disc, determine the in-situ volume of nucleus pulposus material removed, for example from a discectomy of a herniated disc, and facilitate injection of nuclear replacement material.

Abstract: An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration.

Abstract: An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration, and includes: a) a conformable synthetic ligament having a first end portion and an intermediate portion, b) an anchor having a central axis which is axially implantable into a bone in a patient's body, the anchor comprising: i) a distal head portion having a body portion that extends transverse to the central axis of the anchor, a proximal surface, a distal surface, and an axially extending throughhole; ii) a first helix extending axially from the body portion of the distal head portion and transversely engagable with the bone, the first helix having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion having an opening, wherein the first end portion of the ligament extends through the throughhole of the distal head portion of the anchor, and wherein the intermediate portion of the ligament extends through the opening within the intermediate portion of the helix.

Abstract: A device intended for the treatment of spinal stenosis. This device is an inter-spinous spacer that is introduced through a single posterior incision. It uses a single piece insertion technique with a unilateral approach. The surgeon does not need to access the opposite side of the spinous process. It allows the user infinite adjustability in distraction height with a single locking mechanism.

Abstract: The invention includes a device and method for positioning the device within a disc space of a patient. In one embodiment, a method of positioning an implant within a disc space of a patient includes making a first incision in an annulus of an intervertebral disc, making a second incision in the annulus of the intervertebral disc, clearing a space within the intervertebral disc, moving a first filler portion into the space through the first incision, moving a second filler portion into the space through the first incision and moving the second filler portion out of the space through the second incision.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for fixing an implant to native tissue, such as bone. The devices can include a body with a tissue implant receiving opening and an aperture for receiving a fixation device. The body provides a large contact area for fixing the tissue implant to bone, such that the implant can be securely held in position without requiring penetration of the implant. Also provided is a tissue implant that includes pre-formed buckets for receiving fixation devices. The fixation devices can be positioned in the buckets of the tissue implant and implanted in bone holes without contacting native tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and technique to seal an annular defect of an intervertebral disc, determine the in-situ volume of nucleus pulposus material removed, for example from a discectomy of a herniated disc, and facilitate injection of nuclear replacement material.

Abstract: A tool (100) for aiding in the selection an appropriately sized implant (400) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The tool (100) cooperates with an anatomical joint (101) or with an image (102) of an anatomical joint (101). The tool (100) includes a body (110) for alignment with a first portion (112) of the anatomical joint (101) and a segment (114). The segment (114) is moveable with respect to the body (110). The segment (114) is aligned with a second portion (116) of the anatomical joint (101). The body (110) and segment (114) are adapted for measuring the relative positions of the first (112) and second (116) portions of the anatomical joint (101) for use in the selection an appropriately sized implant (400).