Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments that related to a surgical retractor. In certain embodiments, the systems may include a laterally expandable sleeve, sleeve activators, and insertion tools. In other embodiments, there is disclosed various methods of retraction during surgery. In some embodiments, the methods include expanding a sleeve using a sleeve activator. In some embodiments described herein, a kit may be provided for a surgical procedure. The kit may include a flexible retractor and a retractor inserter.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a spine is disclosed which includes a first link member pivotably coupled to a second link member. The first or second link members may have one or more stops to limit the motion of the implant. The first and second link members may include a first and second respective height adjustment mechanisms. A force control mechanism may also be provided which is coupled to the implant and includes a main body coupled to an extension control member and a flexion control member. The extension control member may extend from the main body towards the first stop and the flexion control member extends from the main body towards the second stop.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dynamic stabilization which provides for distraction of the inter-vertebral space while still allowing a patient a substantial range of motion. In one embodiment, an inter-vertebral dynamic brace is used to maintain proper distraction. The dynamic brace is designed to allow the vertebrae to which it is attached to move through their natural arc, maintaining the correct instantaneous center of rotation. An adjustable tensioning device is used to maintain the proper distraction and compression forces to restore and maintain proper kinematics, while allowing the dynamic brace to move through an arc centered with respect to the center of rotation of the portion of the spine between the vertebrae. In one embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting the dynamic brace both with respect to the center of rotation of the vertebrae in both the flexion/extension axis and in the superior/inferior axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are certain embodiments of a bone a surgical bone plate system which may include a first plate member having a first and second laterally offset coupling members and a receiving segment with a longitudinal portal. The surgical bone plate system may incorporate a second plate member having a third and fourth laterally offset coupling members, and a slider segment dimensioned to fit within the longitudinal portal of the first plate member. A first elastomeric member may couple to the first and third laterally offset coupling members and a second elastomeric member may extend between and couple to the second and fourth laterally offset coupling members. The first and second elastomeric members may be laterally spaced apart from the receiving segment and the slider segment to define a first and second windows.

Abstract: Disclosed are certain embodiments of a bone plate system which use a first plate member with a plurality of bone screw holes and a receiving segment with a longitudinal portal. A second plate member may have a plurality of bone screw holes and a slider segment dimensioned to fit within the longitudinal portal of the first plate member. A first and second compression biasing members may extend generally parallel to the first and second plate members and may be laterally spaced apart from the receiving segment and the slider segment. The first and second compression biasing members may be integral with the first and second plate members so as to form a unitary member.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a displacement device having at least a first arm, a second arm, and a connector. Various embodiments of the connector includes a lateral adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the first arm and the second arm and an angular adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: Provided is an offset dynamic motion system. In one example, the system includes an offset member having a rod connecting a shaped portion to a threaded portion, where a longitudinal axis of the threaded portion is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the rod and the shaped portion is configured to couple to a polyaxial head. A first dynamic member is configured to rotationally couple to another polyaxial head. A second dynamic member is configured to rotationally couple to the threaded end of the offset member and to slideably receive part of the first dynamic member.

Abstract: A bone anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within bone. The anchor body includes a restrictor defining an opening having a first portion for permitting passage of a member therethrough, and a second portion restricting passage of the member therethrough. The member is movable between the first and second portions in a direction non-parallel to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The restrictor includes an edge lining the opening oriented obliquely to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The anchor body includes one or more resilient members with sharp, proximal edges for penetrating bone tissue.

Abstract: Provided are a system and device for dynamically stabilizing a spine. In one example, the device includes one member having one end configured to rotatably couple to a bone anchor and another end having a curved channel. Another member of the device has one end configured to rotatably couple to another bone anchor and another end having a curved shaft positioned at least partially within the curved channel. A curvature of the curved channel and curved shaft restrains relative movement of the two members to a three dimensional curved surface.

Abstract: Provided is a system for dynamically stabilizing a spine. In one example, the system includes a first bone anchor coupled to a first polyaxial head and a second bone anchor coupled to a second polyaxial head. An axis passing through a center of each polyaxial head is aligned with a center of rotation. A first member has a first end movably coupled to the first polyaxial head and a second end. A second member has a third end coupled to the second polyaxial head and a fourth end moveably coupled to the second end. The first and second members are configured to maintain the alignment of the axes with the center of rotation during three dimensional movement of the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided to place an insert in a space between boney structures. The insert may be rotatably coupled to the delivery instrument. The delivery instrument may comprise a body and an articulating member. The articulating member may slidably interact with the insert to rotate the insert about a pivot point. A first actuator is operatively coupled to the articulating member such that actuating the first actuator translates the articulating member relative to the body. An engagement member may be coupled to the body and adapted to releasably and rotatably secure the insert to the delivery instrument. The articulating member and the engagement member may be offset from each other in such a manner that when the articulating member engages the insert, the insert rotates relative to the delivery instrument. Alternatively, the insert may be coupled to the delivery instrument via rotatable attachment members.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical retractor device and a method for using such a device. In one example, the device includes extension sleeves coupled by wall portions that are at least partially flexible. A void that is open on two ends is defined by the extension sleeves and wall portions. The void may be resized by moving the extensions and/or the wall portions relative to one another.

Abstract: A implant is provided for placement in a space between boney structures. The implant may comprise a flexible section. The flexible section may be either the anterior side or the posterior side of the implant or both, among other sides. The flexible section or sections may comprise one or more orifices, cavities, or low modulus of elasticity materials among others. The flexible section or sections may facilitate a wider range of motion than otherwise possible for a spinal column comprising a Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LIF) device. Additionally, the anterior side comprising a flexible section may have a different modulus of elasticity than the posterior side comprising a flexible section. The difference may facilitate a wider range of responses from the implant to movement generated forces in at least two directions.

Abstract: A closure member, such as a set screw, and complementary receiving member are included in a medical implant device. The receiving member has a plurality of noncontiguous, threaded walls substantially defining a bore for receiving the threaded closure member. When the closure member is inserted into the receiving member, their respective threads interlock to join the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member. The closure member has an outer thread configured to interlock with the inner walls of the receiving member in a manner that aids in preventing the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member from moving away from the closure member. In certain embodiments, the closure member's outer thread includes a trailing edge having a point that is rearward of the trailing edge's root, and the outer thread includes a leading edge having a point that is forward of the leading edge's root.

Abstract: Several aspects of alignment systems and methods used in spinal surgery are disclosed. For instance, in one aspect, there is disclosed an alignment instrument comprising a first alignment member for coupling to a spinal stabilization system at one location, a second alignment member for coupling to the spinal stabilization system at a second location, and a linkage assembly for coupling the first alignment member to the second alignment member.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of spine stabilization systems, devices, and methods. In one example, a device includes a brace adapted to span between first and second bone anchors. The brace may include a first member and a second member. In this example, the brace may allow for movement between the first and second members that is restricted to a three dimensional curved path having a substantially constant radius about a center of rotation positioned outside of the brace.

Abstract: A method and system are described for immobilizing three or more vertebrae. The system includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly including a connector having a predefined arc, and at least a third bone anchor assembly. The first and second bone anchor assembly are inserted into the pedicles of vertebrae spanning at least a third vertebra. The third bone anchor assembly is positioned into the third vertebra between the first and second bone anchor assemblies using an arc defining instrument which is used to locate the proper position for the third bone anchor assembly based on the predefined arc of the connector. Once the third bone anchor assembly is in place the connector is rotated into position and captured by the first and third bone anchor assemblies.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses for maintaining spacing between neighboring vertebrae, while minimizing the size of the surgical opening required. In one embodiment, an expandable spinal implant is made having movable parts that can arranged so as to have a small maximum cross-sectional width so that the cage can be inserted through a smaller surgical opening and then expanded to a full size assembly between the vertebrae.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guided bone anchoring device comprising a head, a shank and a passage for receiving a guide wire, the passage having a longitudinal center axis which is not concentric to the longitudinal center axis of the shank. Also disclosed is a system for guiding bone anchors, the system comprising: a guide wire, an anchor comprised of a shank wherein the shank has an offset bore at the distal end which is adapted to allow the guide wire to slide through the bore, a dilator having a longitudinal slot wherein the longitudinal slot allows the guide wire to extend through the longitudinal slot when the anchor is positioned within the dilator, and a driving device which is adapted to engage the proximal end of the anchor.

Abstract: An extension for use in a procedure to implant a stabilization system for bony structures such as vertebrae is described. The extension is formed by a tubular body with an engagement mechanism at one end to removably engage with a poly-axial head of a bone anchor assembly. A locking ring working with a slide are used to temporarily lock the poly-axial head and extension in the desired relationship for performing the procedure. The locking ring includes a slot in which resides a pin on the slider. Twisting the locking ring causes the pin to move in the slot and thereby move the slider either up or down. In one position a locking body on the slider engages with the poly-axial assembly locking the extension in place. In the other position, the locking body is disengaged from the poly-axial head allowing the extension to be decoupled from the bone anchor assembly.