Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can be installed within an intervertebral space between adjacent first and second vertebrae. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a first component that is configured to engage the first vertebra, a second component that is configured to engage the second vertebra, and at least one expandable motion limiter. Further, the expandable motion limiter can be configured to move from a deflated position to at least one inflated position.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a first component that can have a first compliant structure that can be configure to engage the first vertebra. Further, the first compliant structure can at least partially conform to a shape of the first vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can also include a second component that can be configured to engage the second vertebra.

Abstract: Prosthetic joints, intervertebral prosthetic implants and methods of replacing intervertebral discs are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a intervertebral prosthetic implant can include a pair of substantially rigid members and an articulation member having an articulation surface and configured to facilitate motion between the first and second members. The first member can be provided with at least one capillary channel configured to transport lubricious fluid proximate the articulation surface of the articulation member.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a first component that can have a first compliant layer that can be configured to engage the first vertebra and at least partially conform to a shape of the first vertebra. Further, the intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a second component that is configured to engage the second vertebra.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral space between an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc includes a superior component that can be configured to engage the superior vertebra and an inferior component that can be configured to engage the inferior vertebra. A nucleus can be disposed between the superior component and the inferior component. The nucleus can be configured to allow relative motion between the superior component and the inferior component. Further, the intervertebral prosthetic disc can include at least one nucleus containment feature that can be configured to prevent the nucleus from migrating with respect to the superior component and the inferior component without interfering with the relative motion between the superior component and the inferior component in any direction.

Abstract: A vertebral implant and insertion tool for placing implants in the spine are disclosed. The implant has a tool engaging surface configured for intimate engagement with the insertion tool. The insertion tool configuration is particularly suited for being gripped at a plurality of angles. The insertion tool having a gripping end adapted for intimate engagement with an implant at a plurality of angles.

Abstract: A surgical installation tool to insert a vertebral implant into a patient includes an elongated handle and a head attached to one end. The vertebral implant may be attached to the head. The head may include an engagement member that is movable between engaged and released positions. The engagement member may be outwardly biased so that it naturally rests in the released position. The engagement member may be inwardly movable from the released position to the engaged position. A reactive force caused by the inward deflection may supply the attachment force between the installation tool and the vertebral implant. The attachment between the vertebral implant to the installation tool may be maintained while the engagement member is in the engaged position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for determining information regarding the distance and/or tensile force between bodies based on the travel of a device rotated between the bodies and the torque applied to rotate the device. In some embodiments, the device and method are useful to determine parameters related to spinal vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A delivery tool and method for placing bone growth material at an operative location a patient is provided. The delivery tool includes a housing having a chamber for receiving the bone growth material and a delivery mechanism operably coupled to the housing to displace the bone growth material through the chamber to a distal opening of the chamber for delivery to the operative site.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for performing surgery in a patient are provided that minimize tissue dissection and retraction to access locations within the patient. One specific application concerns devices, instruments and techniques that provide for selective retraction of tissue, neural elements, organs or other anatomical structures at locations distally of the retractor sleeve providing percutaneous access to the locations.

Abstract: An instrument for distracting vertebrae includes a shaft assembly and a distraction assembly at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The distraction assembly includes first and second distraction members movable from an unexpanded configuration for insertion toward an expanded configuration to separate the vertebrae. The shaft assembly is movable relative to the distraction assembly to facilitate placement of the distraction assembly in the disc space.

Abstract: A cam spreader having a substantially rigid body with a proximal end defining a handle and a distal end defining a cam. The cam has at least a first lobe, the first lobe having an outer surface in a first quadrant of the cam as viewed in cross section along a longitudinal central axis of the body. At least a portion of the outer surface, or profile, of the curve is mathematically driven and produces a constant incremental lift.

Abstract: A magnetic head element linear actuator assembly including a base, a platform, a core, a coil, a plurality of slats and a plurality of magnetic bars. The platform is positioned opposite the base and is configured to maintain a magnetic recording head. The core is disposed between the base and the platform such that a space is defined between the core and the platform. The coil is wound about a central axis of the core. The plurality of slats rigidly maintain the platform relative to the base. Further, the plurality of slats are deflectable from a straightened state and are biased to return to the straightened state following deflection. Finally, the magnetic bars are secured to respective ones of the plurality of slats adjacent the coil. With this configuration, a magnetic field generated by the coil induces deflection of the plurality of slats via the magnetic bars. In response, the platform moves linearly toward the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a programmable filter for use as a standard in correlation spectrometers. Also provided is the use of the programmable standard in a process for determining the concentration of an optically absorbing compound. Also provided is a method and apparatus for noninvasively determining the concentration of an optically absorbing biological sample which incorporates the programmable standard of the invention.