Abstract: A method of treating a spinal condition includes attaching an anterior spinal motion device in an anterior region of a motion segment associated with the pair of vertebrae and attaching a posterior motion preservation device in a second region of the motion segment. The anterior spinal motion device may include an elastic material or a motion preserving disc prosthesis having at least one articulating surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and method, according to which a member of a relatively flexible, soft material is connected with a member of a relatively stiff material and the connected members are implanted in a spinal column using a non-rigid and a rigid connection.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and method of inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which a first member of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the vertebrae; and at least one second member of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic device and method for spinal stabilization, according to which a prosthetic device is implanted relative to two vertebrae and is positioned so that it makes a rigid connection with one of the vertebra and a non-rigid connection with the other vertebra.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and a method of implanting same between two vertebrae of a vertebral column to stabilize the column, according to which each vertebrae is engaged by a spacer, and the spacers are connected to permit relative movement between the spacers so that the distance between the spacers can vary to conform with the distance between the vertebrae and accommodate bending movements of the vertebral column.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes: performing a medical procedure on a segment of a patient's spine. This segment includes two vertebrae each in contact with a spinal disk positioned in an intervertebral disk space. A passage is formed that follows a pathway through the vertebrae and the intervertebral disk space. This passage extends from an extradiscal opening through one of the vertebrae along a path that turns to change direction. The tubular device is inserted in the passage and extends through the intervertebral disk space. A fluid material is introduced into the tubular device to at least partially fill it to provide a spinal prosthetic structure. Other embodiments and inventive aspects include other prosthetic device arrangements, implantation methods, systems, and techniques.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-directional stabilization of a spinal column segment are provided. The systems include one or more motion preserving constructs that are engaged to adjacent vertebrae and extend trans-axially between the vertebrae obliquely to the central axis of the spinal column. The systems permit motion of at least a portion of a vertebral level while providing stabilization at least when tensioned. Systems that provide stabilization in compression are also contemplated.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and a method for inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which two connected members are provided, one of which is formed by a relatively flexible material and the other of which is formed by a relatively stiff material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-level, multi-functional stabilization of a spinal column segment are provided. The systems include one or more constructs having a motion preserving portion that permits motion of at least a portion of a vertebral level and a motion preventing portion that substantially prevents motion of at least a portion of a second, adjacent vertebral level.

Abstract: A posterior spinal fixation device or dynamic spinal stabilization device or other orthopedic device includes an active agent-delivery component. The active agent-delivery component has an active agent impregnated therein or adsorbed thereon or otherwise contained therein and is configured to release the active agent locally after the device is implanted in a patient. One preferred type of implant in accordance with the invention is an implant for stabilizing a spinal motion segment that includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes or transverse processes or other posterior spinal element, including an implanted anchor element.

Abstract: One technique of the present application includes: evaluating a patient having a previously implanted spinal construct and corresponding spinal fusion from an earlier procedure and determining a spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion is degenerating after completion of the earlier procedure. After this determination, the previously implanted spinal construct is augmented by attaching a flexible polymer elongated member to the spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion with a bone fastener and by coupling the flexible polymer elongated member to one or more elements of the previously implanted spinal construct. In one form, the elongated member is at least partially comprised of polyetheretherketone.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a spinal disk prosthesis with one end portion to form a load transmitting relationship with one vertebra of a patient's spine and another end portion to form a load transmitting relationship with another vertebra of the patient's spine. A tube connects the end portions together and a damping material is positioned inside the tube. The end portions each include a magnet to generate a corresponding magnetic field. These magnetic fields are oriented to provide a repulsive force between the end portions to provide a magnetic bearing.

Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes and upper and lower engaging members extending from the spacer member. The upper and lower engaging members engage at least one lamina to resist flexion of the spinal motion segment.

Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a flexible spacer member positionable between adjacent transverse processes.

Abstract: A series of instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are provided for direct-anterior and oblique-anterior disc space and end plate preparation. The instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) provide precise guidance for channel formation in the vertebral endplates by guiding rotating and bladed cutting instruments (122, 250, 580). Instrumentation (550) for oblique-anterior disc space preparation includes compound angulation to account for the angle of approach to the spine and the angulation between adjacent vertebrae. Methods and techniques for use of the instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are also described.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism engages a bone fastener to a bone plate as the bone fastener is positioned through a retaining mechanism in a plate hole while preserving multi-axial capabilities of the fastener relative to the plate during insertion of the fastener. When the head of the fastener is positioned adjacent the plate, the head can optionally be received in the retaining mechanism and expand the retaining mechanism to fixedly engage the retaining mechanism into locking engagement with the plate and lock the bone fastener in position relative to the plate. In another form, the multi-axial capabilities of the bone screw is preserved or at least partially preserved when the bone fastener is finally positioned in the retaining mechanism.

Abstract: Instrument and implants are disclosed which provide for insertion of an implant into an intervertebral disc space from multiple approaches to the spine. Specifically, as a preferred aspect of the invention the implant includes a tapered portion and the implant may be inserted from multiple approaches to the spine with the orientation and taper properly oriented in the disc space regardless of the approach.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant comprising a cage body including at least two movable branches having first end portions that are interconnected to one another and second end portions that are movable relative to one another. The movable branches include a first shell portion having a first pair of longitudinal edges and defining a first hollow region therebetween, and a second shell portion having a second pair of longitudinal edges and defining a second hollow region therebetween, with the first and second hollow regions cooperating to define at least a portion of a hollow interior of the cage body. An expansion member co-acts with the first and second shell portions to transition the cage body to an expanded configuration as the expansion member is axially displaced along said first and second pairs of longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: A series of instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are provided for direct-anterior and oblique-anterior disc space and end plate preparation. The instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) provide precise guidance for channel formation in the vertebral endplates by guiding rotating and bladed cutting instruments (122, 250, 580). Instrumentation (550) for oblique-anterior disc space preparation includes compound angulation to account for the angle of approach to the spine and the angulation between adjacent vertebrae. Methods and techniques for use of the instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are also described.