Abstract: The invention provides a guide system for use in a spinal implant procedure. The system includes a hollow tube for accurately guiding instruments to prepare a site and/or insert a spinal fusion implant between opposing vertebrae. The guide tube can be surrounded by a sheath to reduce the chance of injury during placement of the guide tube.

Abstract: A lordotic implant has a frusto-conical shape with external threads. Prior to placement of the implant, vertebrae are distracted in a manner to provide a desired lordosis between the vertebrae. The pre-distracted vertebrae are then tapped to provide a tapped bore having a geometry matching the conical geometry of the implant. The threaded implant is then placed within the pre-tapped conical bore.

Abstract: A lordotic implant has a frusto-conical shape with external threads. Prior to placement of the implant, vertebrae are distracted in a manner to provide a desired lordosis between the vertebrae. The pre-distracted vertebrae are then tapped to provide a tapped bore having a geometry matching the conical geometry of the implant. The threaded implant is then placed within the pre-tapped conical bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing spinal stabilization includes a distraction spacer sized to be inserted into a disc space and act against end plates of vertebra to urge the vertebra apart. A tube guide is placed at a second location on the disc space with the tube guide including a spacer on its distal end sized approximate to a sizing of the distraction spacer. A guide tube is mutually sized with the tube guide for the tube guide and the spacer to be withdrawn through the guide tube. The guide tube is sized to direct surgical tools to the disc space. A boring tool includes a guide tip which is sized to be received within the disc space and act against end plates of the vertebra to maintain the boring tool in accurate alignment with the disc space.

Abstract: Spinal fusion implants are laparoscopically placed in a disk space separating two vertebrae. Implant tools, including distraction spacers, boring tools and implants, are passed through a cannula toward the disk space.

Abstract: A method and device for stabilizing cervical vertebrae includes a plate with at least two slots. The device also includes at least two screws including a lower threaded bone-engaging shaft, a shoulder which will not pass through said plate slots and an upper threaded shaft. The screws are positioned and the plate rests on top of the screw shoulders. Locking, low profile caps secure the plate to the screws.

Abstract: A intervertebral fusion implant includes first and second bearing surfaces which oppose cortical bone upon insertion of the implant into a bore formed between two vertebrae. The implant includes first and second ridges which extend from the bearing surface. The ridges extend through the cortical bone into cancellous bone. The ridges are provided with openings formed through the ridges. The openings are in communication with the interior of the implant.

Abstract: An implant for use in spinal stabilization includes four generally linear thread segments. The thread segments are maintained and spaced apart alignment by rigid supports. The thread segments include a plurality of individual threads with the individual threads of the segments defining a thread pattern. The supports and the thread segments define a hollow implant interior exposed to an exterior of the implant.

Abstract: Spinal fusion implants are inserted into a disc space of disc material separating first and second vertebrae by forming bores between the vertebrae. A distraction spacer is temporarily put in place on one side of the vertebrae while a bore is being formed on an opposite side of the vertebrae.

Abstract: A medical bone screw including a lock to lessen the possibility of pull-out or screw-out. The screw may be any bone screw including a cannula. A wire spring is inserted partially into the cannula prior to use. Once in position, the wire spring is pushed further down the cannula until its ends may project out side openings in the screw. These projections lock the screw in place. Further depression of the wire spring disengages them so the screw may be removed.