Abstract: A vertebral replacement body device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a connecting member having an upper member and a lower member engaged thereto at opposite ends thereof. The members can be restrained relative to one another to resist axial, rotation and/or lateral displacement. The vertebral replacement body device can have a chamber extending therethrough for fusion of the supported vertebrae.

Abstract: A locking device and method are provided for a bone stabilization system which includes a bone anchor, a coupling mechanism and a stabilization member, wherein the coupling mechanism couples the stabilization member to the bone anchor. The locking device includes a seating member and a posted member. The seating member is operatively associated with the coupling mechanism for securing the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism, and is configured with an opening therein. The posted member, which includes an interface member and a post extending therefrom, is configured for disposition between the seating member and the stabilization member with the post extending therefrom being received into the opening in the seating member when the seating member is employed to secure the stabilization member within the coupling mechanism. The post is sized to engage and facilitate control of the stabilization member as the seating member operatively engages the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant adapter for the L5-S1 juncture comprises a wedge shaped body of biocompatible material having upper and lower surfaces with the upper surface having a slot which provides slidable interlocking engagement with a motion or fusion implant. The lower surface is provided with any convenient bone anchoring mechanism. The adapter mates with an upper implant which is implanted after the adapter so as to provide an implant which matches the lordotic angle but which, in its multiple piece form, is no bigger than the posterior disk height.

Abstract: A surgical procedure according to which a member containing a material is inserted between two anatomical structures; and the member is caused to change state and expand into engagement with at least one of the structures.

Abstract: A spinal implant, implant control device and method of treating a spine are provided. An exemplary spinal implant can include an adjustable component and a connector in communication with the adjustable component, wherein the connector is configured for transcutaneous delivery of an agent to the adjustable component in a manner that affects a condition of the adjustable component.

Abstract: An interspinous spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes includes a flexible, fillable container (e.g., a bag or balloon) for containing a material that is compressible during end use, for example, silicone after curing. The container is impermeable to the material it will be filled with. A structural mesh, for example, made of PET fabric and interwoven shape-memory alloy wire, provides structure for and containment of the container, as well as shape control. The material can be injected into the container through an optional conduit, for example, a one-way valve.

Abstract: A vertebral replacement implant assembly for inserting in a space left by one or more removed vertebrae between adjacent intact vertebrae, according to which at least two elongated members are disposed in the space and a connector member is connected between adjacent elongated members in a manner so that a dimension of the assembly thus formed can be varied. Further, a graft containment device for use with a vertebral implant.

Abstract: A modular prosthetic device is described. The modular prosthetic device is provided with an anchoring device having first and second end members, the first and second end members cooperating to receive a prosthetic insertion device. The first and second end members each include a first surface, at least one vertebral-engaging member extending from the first surface, a second surface in an opposed relation to the first surface, and at least one flange extending from the second surface. The anchoring device is adapted to receive a variety of prosthetic insertion devices such that the modular prosthetic device can be revised into a variety of modular prosthetic devices. A stacking member is also provided for use with the anchoring device to provide a variety of modular, stackable prosthetic devices.

Abstract: A screw placement guide includes a first member having a first guide adapted to contact a first vertebral bone portion and a second member having a second guide adapted to contact a second vertebral bone portion. A clamping mechanism provided on one of the members clamps the first guide and the second guide to the vertebral bone portions. The first guide and the second guide are aligned in order to indicate how a fastener will be aligned when fastened between adjacent vertebrae. A driver engages clamping mechanism to clamp the two members together.

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.

Abstract: A vertebral replacement device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one of an upper or lower disc replacement member engaged thereto at one end thereof. The disc replacement device can be positioned in a spinal disc space when disengaged from the vertebral body member.

Abstract: A plating system for stabilization of a bony segment includes a plate engageable to at least first and second bony elements. For spinal stabilization, the plate is attached at least to first and second vertebrae with at least one bone fastener in each vertebra. Retaining members are attachable to the plate to prevent the bone fasteners from backing out of the plate. One retaining member is a variable retaining member that allows the bone fasteners to toggle in the plate without interference. A second retaining member is a fixed retaining member that fixes the bone fasteners relative to the plate.

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: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate (7) that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node (8a) and a pair of lower nodes (9a, 10a). The upper node (8a) has a hole (8) through the plate (7) to receive a screw (11) for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes (9a, 10a) each include a hole (9,10) through the plate (7) to receive screws (12, 13) for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate (7) having a retaining element (32) for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate (9). Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.

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 vertebral replacement body device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a connecting member having an upper member and a lower member engaged thereto at opposite ends thereof. The vertebral replacement body device can have a chamber extending therethrough for fusion of the supported vertebrae.

Abstract: A screw placement guide includes a first member having a first guide adapted to contact a first vertebral bone portion and a second member having a second guide adapted to contact a second vertebral bone portion. A clamping mechanism provided on one of the members clamps the first guide and the second guide to the vertebral bone portions. The first guide and the second guide are aligned in order to indicate how a fastener will be aligned when fastened between adjacent vertebrae. A driver engages clamping mechanism to clamp the two members together.

Abstract: Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another.

Abstract: A vertebral replacement body device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a connecting member having an upper member and a lower member engaged thereto at opposite ends thereof. The vertebral replacement body device can have a chamber extending therethrough for fusion of the supported vertebrae.