Abstract: An intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant has a body with curved, substantially parallel posterior and anterior faces separated by, two narrow implant ends, superior and inferior faces having a plurality of undulating surfaces for contacting vertebral endplates, and at least one depression in the anterior or posterior face for engagement by an insertion tool, at least two vertical through-channels extending through the implant, a chamfer on the superior and inferior surfaces at one of the narrow implant ends, and a beveled edge along a perimeter of the superior and inferior faces. The implant configuration facilitates transforaminal insertion of the implant into a symmetric position about the midline of the spine so that a single implant provides balanced support to the spinal column. The implant may be formed of a plurality of interconnecting bodies forming a single unit. An implantation kit and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant device includes an upper part, a lower part and a core element. The upper part includes an upper surface for engaging a vertebrae and a lower surface which includes a convex portion. The lower part includes a lower surface for engaging a vertebrae and an upper surface having a convex portion. The core element has an upper concave portion to operatively engage with the convex portion on the upper part and a lower concave portion to operatively engage with the convex portion of the lower part. Limited universal movement and translational movement is provided between the upper part and lower part.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant has a body with curved, substantially parallel posterior and anterior faces separated by two narrow implant ends, superior and inferior faces having a plurality of undulating surfaces for contacting upper and lower vertebral endplates, and at least one depression in the anterior or posterior face for engagement by an insertion tool, at least two vertical through-channels extending through the implant from the superior face to the inferior face, a chamfer on the superior and inferior surfaces at one of the narrow implant ends, and a beveled edge along a perimeter of the superior and inferior faces. The arcuate implant configuration and the chamfers on the superior and inferior faces at the narrow end facilitate insertion of the implant from a transforaminal approach into a symmetric position about the midline of the spine so that a single implant provides balanced support to the spinal column.

Abstract: A system for performing a less invasive surgical procedure and, in particular, devices and methods for spinal fixation. The system comprises dilation tool(s), at least one working/insertion cannula, a plurality of screws, at least one fixation rod for connecting the screws, and a rod inserter. The dilation tool(s) may be used to dilate an incision made in a patient to form an opening. Thereafter, a drill may be used to form holes in the vertebrae. An insertion cannula may be attached to a screw and inserted into the opening. The screws may be polyaxial screws and may be inserted into the vertebrae using a screwdriver. An operator may then move the insertion cannula to manipulate a head portions of the screws such that the head portions may be aligned to receive a fixation rod. A rod inserter may be used to insert a fixation rod into the head portions. After the fixation rod is in place, it may be locked to the screws, thereby fixing the system in place on the spine.

Abstract: An instrument, instrument system and method for cutting a cutout in a vertebral bone adjacent an intervertebral space are provided which make use of a cutting blade. The cutting blade is mounted on a support structure for movement toward and cutting into the vertebral bone. A stop arrangement is also mounted on the support structure and is movable relative to the cutting blade to a position to limit movement of the cutting blade into the vertebral bone. Typically, the limited movement cutting is made after two cutouts are provided in adjacent vertebral bones using a trial implant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sequential dilator for use in surgery and a method for using the sequential dilator. The sequential dilator may have a bullet-shaped dilator and a plurality of dilator tubes with a removable handle. The method may include inserting a guide wire through an incision into a patient's vertebra and subsequently inserting the bullet-shaped dilator and dilator tubes with tapered ends and of increasing size into the incision to increase the size of the incision. A kit including the components necessary for the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant has a body with curved, substantially parallel posterior and anterior faces separated by two narrow implant ends, superior and inferior faces having a plurality of undulating surfaces for contacting upper and lower vertebral endplates, and at least one depression in the anterior or posterior face for engagement by an insertion tool, at least two vertical through-channels extending through the implant from the superior face to the inferior face, a chamfer on the superior and inferior surfaces at one of the narrow implant ends, and a beveled edge along a perimeter of the superior and inferior faces. The arcuate implant configuration and the chamfers on the superior and inferior faces at the narrow end facilitate insertion of the implant from a transforaminal approach into a symmetric position about the midline of the spine so that a single implant provides balanced support to the spinal column.

Abstract: A system for providing integrated system solutions includes a set of process descriptions; a set of work product descriptions; and engagement models collecting the process descriptions and work product descriptions into a models for implementing typical projects addressing marketplace requirements. A systems integration method includes the steps of defining an engagement model which will be used to address a market place requirement; utilizing the engagement model to create an engagement template which specifically addresses client requirements within the market place; and measuring, monitoring and controlling client engagements based upon the engagement model.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc is preferably designed to restore disc height and natural disc curvature, allow for a natural range of motion, absorb shock and provide resistance to motion and axial compression. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc may be used in the cervical, the thoracic, or the lumbar regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior including at least one spring member preferably incorporating a arcuate surface member, a flexible core, the flexible core preferably being a slotted core, a ring spring, a winged leaf spring, or a leaf spring, or The articulating member preferably being attached to one of the endplate by an intermediate shock absorbing element.

Abstract: In a die board for cutting and/or creasing sheet-type work material, a base is provided that includes a first upper surface and a second lower surface. At least one slot extends along the first upper surface and includes a first slot section extending from said first upper surface at least part-way through the die board base. The at least one slot also includes a second slot section extending from said second lower surface at least part-way through the die board base. The first and second slot sections each have a width with at least one of the slot section widths being adapted to grip and retain at least one die-board rule.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc is preferably designed to restore disc height and lordosis, allow for a natural range of motion, absorb shock and provide resistance to motion and axial compression. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc may be used in the cervical, the thoracic, or the lumber regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior at least partially filled with a fluid; a valve for injecting fluid into the interior of the disk; a central region having a stiffness that is preferably greater than the stiffness of the outer regions thus enabling the disc to pivot about the central region. The central pivot may be formed by a center opening, a central chamber, an inner core or a central cable.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for producing dental restorations that can include the use of a computer integrated manufacturing system. Using this system, physical properties of a tooth are collected, for the automated manufacturing of a dental restoration. The invention, in one embodiment, includes creating a color map comprising at least one color value, a computer program product for producing a dental restoration layer, as well as a method for producing a dental restoration using a computerized system.

Abstract: The present invention provides targets, methods, and reagents for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia and related conditions. The invention provides methods for the diagnosis of schizophrenia and susceptibility to schizophrenia by detection of polymorphisms, mutations, variations, alterations in expression, etc., in genes encoding an EGR molecule or an EGR interacting molecule, or polymorphisms linked to such genes. The invention provides oligonucleotides, arrays, and antibodies for detection of polymorphisms and variants. The invention provides transgenic mice having alterations in such genes. The invention also provides methods of treating schizophrenia by administering compounds that target these genes. The invention further provides screening methods for identifying such compounds and compounds obtained by perfoming the screens.

Abstract: An occipitocervical fixation system includes a plate for securing to the occiput and at least one pre-bent rod. The plate includes holes for receiving bone fasteners, and at least one clamping assembly for retaining a portion of a rod. The clamping assembly is selectively pivotable and lockable in place to fix the position of the rod.

Abstract: An occipitocervical fixation system includes a plate for securing to the occiput and at least one pre-bent rod. The plate includes holes for receiving bone fasteners, and at least one clamping assembly for retaining a portion of a rod. The clamping assembly is selectively pivotable and lockable in place to fix the position of the rod.

Abstract: A retractor with multiple blades for use in surgery. The retractor may comprise first and second elongated portions which are pivotally connected to each other. A first blade may be connected to the first elongated portion and a second blade may be connected to the second elongated portion. The retractor may also comprise a sliding bar having a third blade. The sliding bar may be associated with the first and second elongated portions such that movement of the elongated portions relative to each other may result in movement of the sliding bar and, consequently, movement of the third blade relative to the first and second blades. In one embodiment, the retractor may comprise a tension limiting device so that the third blade may remain relatively stationary as the first and second blades are moved. The retractor may also comprise a fourth blade operatively connected to the first and second elongated portions. The fourth blade may be moved independently of the other blades or may move with the other blades.

Abstract: A device for releasably clamping and connecting a longitudinal member within a surgical implant includes at least one yoke-like connecting body with a through-bore, coupling means arranged on the connecting body for fastening the connecting body to a further part of the implant, a yoke-like clamping body which can slide in the through-bore and has resilient side walls and a through-opening for receiving the longitudinal member, and fixation means. A wedging effect produced by elevations on side walls of the clamping body retains the longitudinal member in the through-opening.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant has a body with curved, substantially parallel posterior and anterior faces separated by two narrow implant ends, superior and inferior faces having a plurality of undulating surfaces for contacting upper and lower vertebral endplates, and at least one depression at a first end for engagement by an insertion tool. The arcuate implant configuration facilitates insertion of the implant from a transforaminal approach into a symmetric position about the midline of the spine so that a single implant provides balanced support to the spinal column. The implant may be formed of a plurality of interconnecting bodies assembled to form a single unit. An implantation kit and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant has a body with curved, substantially parallel posterior and anterior faces separated by two narrow implant ends, superior and inferior faces having a plurality of undulating surfaces for contacting upper and lower vertebral endplates, and at least one depression at a first end for engagement by an insertion tool. The arcuate implant configuration facilitates insertion of the implant from a transforaminal approach into a symmetric position about the midline of the spine so that a single implant provides balanced support to the spinal column. The implant may be formed of a plurality of interconnecting bodies assembled to form a single unit. An implantation kit and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant has a body with curved, substantially parallel posterior and anterior faces separated by two narrow implant ends, superior and inferior faces having a plurality of undulating surfaces for contacting upper and lower vertebral endplates, and at least one depression at a first end for engagement by an insertion tool. The arcuate implant configuration facilitates insertion of the implant from a transforaminal approach into a symmetric position about the midline of the spine so that a single implant provides balanced support to the spinal column. The implant may be formed of a plurality of interconnecting bodies assembled to form a single unit. An implantation kit and method are also disclosed.