Abstract: A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.

Abstract: A graft material injector device and method are disclosed. The injector device includes an elongated injector tube and a side loading aperture for receiving graft material. A graft material loader and a cover for the side loading aperture may optionally be included.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A graft material injector device and method are disclosed. The injector device includes an elongated injector tube and a side loading aperture for receiving graft material. A graft material loader and a cover for the side loading aperture may optionally be included.

Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A graft material injector device and method are disclosed. The injector device includes an elongated injector tube and a side loading aperture for receiving graft material. A graft material loader and a cover for the side loading aperture may optionally be included.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

Abstract: A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.

Abstract: A graft material injector device and method are disclosed. The injector device includes an elongated injector tube and a side loading aperture for receiving graft material. A graft material loader and a cover for the side loading aperture may optionally be included.

Abstract: A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.

Abstract: External fixation systems, and methods for immobilizing joints or fractured bones. An external fixation system may include one or more clamp assemblies connected to one or more rod assemblies at polyaxial joints. Each rod assembly may be length adjustable, and may include a one-way locking mechanism to provisionally lock the length of the rod assembly, and additional locking mechanisms to permanently lock the length of the rod assembly. The system may be deployed pre-assembled as a unit to immobilize a joint or fracture. Another external fixation system further includes a spanning member extending transverse to the rod assemblies. Two or more external fixation systems may be deployed in a stacked configuration on one set of bone pins to immobilize two joints and/or fractures. The systems may be provided in kits including guiding instrumentation, bone pins and pin clamping assemblies for connecting the bone pins to the external fixation systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.