Abstract: A sterile holder for sterile surgical implants. The implant holder is an ergonomically shaped body of deformable material having an implant-receiving cavity similar in size and shape to the implant. To remove the implant from the holder, the surgeon mates a sterile tool to the implant and gently pries the implant out of the holder by deforming the body. Preferably the tool used to pry the implant out of the body is an insertion tool mated to the implant which is also used to insert the implant in a patient. In this way the surgeon retrieves the implant from its container without touching the container and directly inserts the implant in the patient without risking contamination: sterility is maintained for both the surgeon and the implant. In a preferred embodiment, the implant holder is configured to hold two pedicle screws and their set-screws.

Abstract: A method for performing a surgical procedure includes: positioning a patient in a surgical patient interface device that includes: a base, a platform coupled to the base, and a first abutment and a second abutment each coupled to the platform; rotating the platform between a first position and a second position, where, in the first position, the platform extends in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the base, and the first and second abutments are separated by a first distance, and in the second position, the platform extends in a substantially vertical direction relative to the base; adjusting one or both of the first and second abutments relative to the platform such that, in the second position, the first and second abutments are separated by a second distance different from the first distance; and accessing a target portion of skin of the patient for the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Expandable intervertebral spacer system having a top plate and a bottom plate which are separated and held apart a changeable distance forming a cage. The plates are held apart by four locking mechanisms in the cage at or near the corners or the periphery of the plates, leaving the cavity of the cage substantially unobstructed. Each locking mechanism is made of two saw-toothed posts that cooperate to lock the top plate a desired distance from the bottom plate. The saw-tooth posts are biased against each other with a spring. Once the spacer is implanted in a patient with a removable insertion tool, the top and bottom plates are forced apart incrementally, one saw tooth at a time, in a ratchet-like motion, using a removable expansion mechanism. Optionally, each stanchion is surrounded by a sheath to prevent bone particles and other debris from interfering with the mating of the saw teeth.

Abstract: A surgical patient interface including a base; a platform coupled to the base and including a first end and a second end, the platform configured to transition between a first position and a second position about a pivotable axis stationary relative to the base; a first abutment and a second abutment each adjustably coupled to the platform. In the first position, the platform extends between the first end and the second end in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the base, and the first abutment and the second abutment are separated by a first distance along the substantially horizontal direction. In the second position, the platform extends between the first end and the second end in a substantially vertical direction such that a torso of a patient extends in the substantially vertical direction, and the first abutment and the second abutment are separated by a second, different distance along the substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral spacer system having a top plate and a bottom plate forming a cage. The top, bottom, and sides of the cage have openings to receive bone graft material. At least one ramp extends into the cage from the top plate or bottom plate. The top plate and bottom plate are connected together at the proximal end of the cage at a hinge. The cage is expanded by inserting a pushrod into the proximal end of the cage against the ramp and forcing the top and bottom plates apart at a desired angle. A locking mechanism at the distal end of the cage locks the plates apart using a ratchet-like mechanism in which a torsion spring biases a movable post against a stationary post, such that the saw teeth of the movable post and stationary post cooperate to lock the top and bottom plates apart.

Abstract: A surgical patient interface including a base; a platform coupled to the base and including a first end and a second end, the platform configured to transition between a first position and a second position about a pivotable axis stationary relative to the base; a first abutment and a second abutment each adjustably coupled to the platform. In the first position, the platform extends between the first end and the second end in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the base, and the first abutment and the second abutment are separated by a first distance along the substantially horizontal direction. In the second position, the platform extends between the first end and the second end in a substantially vertical direction such that a torso of a patient extends in the substantially vertical direction, and the first abutment and the second abutment are separated by a second, different distance along the substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A surgical patient interface including a patient support platform having a first end and a second end and configured for secure placement with respect to at least one surface of a building structure, wherein the patient support platform is configured to interface with a patient such that at least the torso of the patient extends in a generally vertical direction between the first end and the second end of the patient support platform, and one or more patient supports coupled to the patient support platform and configured to secure the patient to the patient support platform, such that the at least the torso of the patient is held in a substantially static condition, and such that a target portion of the patient's skin is accessible for surgical puncture or incision.

Abstract: An anterior lumbar interbody fusion device having a plurality of anchor apertures shaped and arranged in ways that provide options as to the number and locations of fixation points that anchor the device securely to the vertebrae. The anchor apertures may be angled towards or away from the cage vertical midline and cage horizontal midline, as well as angled differently relative to each other. In addition, the proximal opening of the anchor aperture is slightly wider than the distal opening, which permits the anchor to be positioned at a desired pitch within the opening, as opposed to being limited to a single entry angle. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal and distal opening of the anchor aperture are obround and each anchor aperture is sized to receive two anchors. In a given placement, anchors may be placed in some or all of the anchor apertures in each cage.

Abstract: An anterior lumbar interbody fusion device having a plurality of anchor apertures shaped and arranged in ways that provide options as to the number and locations of fixation points that anchor the device securely to the vertebrae. The anchor apertures may be angled towards or away from the cage vertical midline and cage horizontal midline, as well as angled differently relative to each other. In addition, the proximal opening of the anchor aperture is slightly wider than the distal opening, which permits the anchor to be positioned at a desired pitch within the opening, as opposed to being limited to a single entry angle. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal and distal opening of the anchor aperture are obround and each anchor aperture is sized to receive two anchors. In a given placement, anchors may be placed in some or all of the anchor apertures in each cage.

Abstract: A surgical patient interface including a patient support platform having a first end and a second end and configured for secure placement with respect to at least one surface of a building structure, wherein the patient support platform is configured to interface with a patient such that at least the torso of the patient extends in a generally vertical direction between the first end and the second end of the patient support platform, and one or more patient supports coupled to the patient support platform and configured to secure the patient to the patient support platform, such that the at least the torso of the patient is held in a substantially static condition, and such that a target portion of the patient's skin is accessible for surgical puncture or incision.

Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.

Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.

Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.

Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.

Abstract: Embodiments of a spinal implant system include a fixation element, a connector body, and a compression member. The fixation element has a bone engaging portion, a pivoting portion, and a hinge portion. The hinge portion permits pivotal motion of the pivoting portion relative to the bone engaging portion. Additionally, the connector body defines a channel configured for receipt of an elongate member and defines an elongate slot configured for receipt of the pivoting portion of the fixation element. The pivoting portion is positionable in any one of a plurality of positions along the elongate slot. The compression member is adapted to engage the pivoting portion of the fixation element and press against the connector body to lock the pivoting portion at a desired angular position relative to the bone engaging portion and lock the connector body to the fixation element at the desired position along the elongate slot.

Abstract: A double-jointed bone bolt for use in an apparatus for maintaining vertebra in a desired relationship. The apparatus has a rod that extends substantially along the spine and one or more bone bolts. At least one of the bone bolts is double jointed. The double-jointed bolt has a mounting portion with a hook or coarse threads to engage a vertebra, and the mounting portion is attached to a pivot post in a manner that allows the pivot post to be rotatable about a common axis in respect to the mounting portion. The pivot post of the bone bolt is then pivotally attached to a connector portion of the bone bolt that has machine threads upon which a surgeon may attach a clamp. The clamp has a second bolt and an arm. The second bolt holds the rod and the arm to the clamp. The second bolt has a first channel to attach to the rod, while the arm has a second channel to attach the double-jointed bone bolt.

Abstract: A double-jointed bone bolt for use in an apparatus for maintaining vertebra in a desired relationship. The apparatus has a rod that extends substantially along the spine and one or more bone bolts. At least one of the bone bolts is double jointed. The double-jointed bolt has a mounting portion with a hook or coarse threads to engage a vertebra, and the mounting portion is attached to a pivot post in a manner that allows the pivot post to be rotatable about a common axis in respect to the mounting portion. The pivot post of the bone bolt is then pivotally attached to a connector portion of the bone bolt that has machine threads upon which a surgeon may attach a clamp. The clamp has a second bolt and an arm. The second bolt holds the rod and the arm to the clamp. The second bolt has a first channel to attach to the rod, while the arm has a second channel to attach the double-jointed bone bolt.

Abstract: A double-jointed bone bolt for use in an apparatus for maintaining vertebra in a desired relationship. The apparatus has a rod that extends substantially along the spine and one or more bone bolts. At least one of the bone bolts is double jointed. The double-jointed bolt has a mounting portion with a hook or coarse threads to engage a vertebra, and the mounting portion is attached to a pivot post in a manner that allows the pivot post to be rotatable about a common axis in respect to the mounting portion. The pivot post of the bone bolt is then pivotally attached to a connector portion of the bone bolt that has machine threads upon which a surgeon may attach a clamp. The clamp has a second bolt and an arm. The second bolt holds the rod and the arm to the clamp. The second bolt has a first channel to attach to the rod, while the arm has a second channel to attach the double-jointed bone bolt.

Abstract: A double-jointed bone bolt for use in an apparatus for maintaining vertebra in a desired relationship. The apparatus has a rod that extends substantially along the spine and one or more bone bolts. At least one of the bone bolts is double jointed. The double-jointed bolt has a mounting portion with a hook or coarse threads to engage a vertebra, and the mounting portion is attached to a pivot post in a manner that allows the pivot post to be rotatable about a common axis in respect to the mounting portion. The pivot post of the bone bolt is then pivotally attached to a connector portion of the bone bolt that has machine threads upon which a surgeon may attach a clamp. The clamp has a second bolt and an arm. The second bolt holds the rod and the arm to the clamp. The second bolt has a first channel to attach to the rod, while the arm has a second channel to attach the double-jointed bone bolt.