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: 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 to the antero-lateral portions of at least first and second vertebrae and is structured to facilitate engagement of the plate to the vertebrae from an approach extending in the anterior-posterior directions.

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. An optional intermediate retractor assembly is positionable between the first and second retractor portions to provide further tissue retraction capabilities.

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: The invention represents a new form of stereoscopically-rendered three-dimensional model and various methods for constructing, manipulating, and displaying these models. The model consists of one or more stereograms applied to a substrate, where the shape of the substrate has been derived from the imagery or from the object itself, and the stereograms are applied to the substrate in a specific way that eliminates parallax for some points and reduces it in others. The methods offered can be (conservatively) 400 times more efficient at representing complex surfaces than conventional modelling techniques, and also provide for independent control of micro and macro parallaxes in a stereoscopically-viewed scene, whether presented in a VR environment or in stereo film or television.

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 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 surgical cable crimp device including a cable with a fixed and a free end and a crimp member for securing the cable. The crimp member has a first leg having a blind hole for receiving the fixed end of the cable, and a second leg with a through bore extending through the second leg for receiving the free end of the cable, the first and second legs connected in the front by a front bridging portion and in the back by a rear bridging portion. The rear bridging portion is longer than the front bridging portion so that the crimp member has a wedge-shape and the second leg is crimpable so that the cable is crimped to the crimp member after the free end is inserted in the through bore.

Abstract: A variable angle spinal fixation system is disclosed. The system includes a longitudinal member positionable along a spinal column, a fastener having a threaded end for engaging a vertebra, and a connector member for connecting the fastener and the longitudinal member. The connector member has a channel extending through side surfaces of the connector member for receiving the longitudinal member, an opening laterally displaced from the channel and extending through top and bottom surfaces of the connector member for receiving the fastener, and a fastener clamping element for securing the fastener in the opening at a surgeon selected angle relative to the connector member and longitudinal member. The system according to the present invention allows angulation of the fastener to accommodate complex pathologies.

Abstract: A surgical, orthopaedic cable attachment apparatus and method for the surgical repair or fusion of orthopaedic anatomical structures is constructed from a length of flexible cable formed of a braided polymeric material having a first and second end portion. A first loop is formed in the first end portion of the cable with a second loop is formed, being placed around or through the bone parts to be tied. After the second loop is place around the selected bone parts, the free cable end is passed through the first loop and pulled tight to define a tightened position. The free cable end can have a needle. The free end is then secured to the cable by splicing for example, to hold the cable in the tightened position.

Abstract: A surgical, orthopaedic cable attachment apparatus and method for the surgical repair or fusion of orthopaedic anatomical structures is constructed from a length of flexible cable formed of a braided polymeric material having a first and second end portion. A first loop is formed in the first end portion of the cable with a second loop is formed, being placed around or through the bone parts to be tied. After the second loop is place around the selected bone parts, the free cable end is passed through the first loop and pulled tight to define a tightened position. The free cable end can have a needle. The free end is then secured to the cable by splicing for example, to hold the cable in the tightened position.