Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.

Abstract: A spinal implant may be made of two or more implant members. In an embodiment, implant members may be joined together by a rotational connection that inhibits separation of the members as well as axial movement of the members relative to each other. Implant members may be coupled together by a pin or pins, adhesive, or other fasteners to inhibit separation and/or rotation of the members relative to each other.

Abstract: A bone plate system is provided which maintains intervertebral spacing and stability of a spine. In an embodiment, a bone plate system may include a base plate with an opening through which the fastener may be positioned to allow the fastener to be inserted into a human bone at a desired angle relative to the plate. Some embodiments of a bone plate system may include a base plate and an extender plate. An extender plate may be coupled to a base plate while the base plate is coupled to the bone.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A spinal plate system and method for fixation of the human spine is provided. In an embodiment, the spinal fixation system includes a plate, a coupling member, a locking system for substantially locking the coupling member in a desired position, and an anchoring system to secure the coupling member in the locking system. The plate may have a hole that allows the coupling member to couple the plate with a bone. At least a portion of the coupling member may swivel in the hole so that a bottom end of the member may extend at a plurality of angles substantially oblique to the plate. The locking system may lock the coupling member in desired positions relative to the plate. The anchoring system may secure the coupling member in the locking system to inhibit the coupling system from detaching from the locking system when stressed. An assembly tool may be used to engage and disengage the anchoring system during the installation or removal of the spinal fixation system.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A disc implant is provided which maintains intervertebral spacing and stability within the spine. In an embodiment, a disc implant may include three or more components. Components of the implant may imitate certain physiological movements associated with a healthy spine. In certain embodiments, the components of the implant may limit physiological movements to within certain ranges, imitating normal spinal movements.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A disc implant is provided which maintains intervertebral spacing and stability of the spine. In an embodiment, a disc implant may include four or more components. Components of the disc implant may include engaging plates and two or more members positioned between the engaging plates. In certain embodiments, a disc implant may include a retainer positioned between one of the engaging plates and one of the members. Complementary portions of the implant components may allow for lateral movement, anteroposterior movement, and/or axial rotation of the engaging members relative to each other during use. In some embodiments, at least one of the members may include a stop to inhibit movement of adjacent vertebrae outside of normal physiological ranges.

Abstract: A spinal plate system and method for fixation of the human spine is provided. In an embodiment, the spinal fixation system includes a plate, a coupling member, a locking system for substantially locking the coupling member in a desired position, and an anchoring system to secure the coupling member in the locking system. The plate may have a hole that allows the coupling member to couple the plate with a bone. At least a portion of the coupling member may swivel in the hole so that a bottom end of the member may extend at a plurality of angles substantially oblique to the plate. The locking system may lock the coupling member in desired positions relative to the plate. The anchoring system may secure the coupling member in the locking system to inhibit the coupling system from detaching from the locking system when stressed. An assembly tool may be used to engage and disengage the anchoring system during the installation or removal of the spinal fixation system.

Abstract: A spinal plate system that maintains intervertebral spacing and spinal stability is provided. In an embodiment, a spinal compression plate may include two or more plates coupled together form an adjustable-length plate. Compression of a spinal compression plate movement may mimic natural settling of bones in a spine and/or distribute at least a portion of a vertebral load to an implant positioned between two vertebrae. Maintaining at least a portion of the vertebral load on an insert may increase bone growth and increase fusion between an implant and surrounding vertebrae.

Abstract: Alignment devices for promoting spinal fusion between neighboring vertebrae are disclosed. The alignment device may be use to alter the vertical height between the engaging plates to customize the apparatus to fit a given patient. In one embodiment, the alignment device includes two turnbuckles and two pairs of cam blocks for adjusting the height between a pair of engaging plates. The alignment device may be adapted to vary the height between the engaging plates such that the height of the apparatus proximate a first side edge is substantially different from a height of the apparatus proximate a second side edge.

Abstract: An implant may be formed in a disc space between vertebrae using instruments in an instrumentation set. In some embodiments, the implant may be formed from individual pieces including implant members and connectors. After formation of the implant, the implant may be set using a seater. The seater may fix the position of pieces of the implant relative to each other to inhibit separation of the pieces. The seater may apply force to pieces of the implant. The force applied to the pieces may deform the pieces sufficiently to inhibit subsequent separation of the pieces from each other.

Abstract: A spinal plate system that maintains intervertebral spacing and spinal stability is provided. In an embodiment, a spinal compression plate may include two or more plates coupled together form an adjustable-length plate. Movement of plates in a spinal compression plate may be uni-directional. Compression of a spinal compression plate movement may mimic natural settling of bones in a spine and/or distribute at least a portion of a vertebral load to an implant positioned between two vertebrae. Maintaining at least a portion of the vertebral load on an insert may increase bone growth and increase fusion between an implant and surrounding vertebrae.

Abstract: A surgical cable system and method for securing surgical cable around a portion of a human element (e.g., bone) are described. The surgical cable system may include a connector and a tensioner. The connector may be adapted to hold a pin, positionable within the connector, such that the pin may secure the cable within the connector. The pin may be repositioned, after securing the cable, to allow the cable, to move freely through the connector. The cable may be oriented within the connector such that the ends of the cable are either perpendicular or parallel with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the tensioner is adapted to vary the tension of the cable. The cable may be passed through the connector, around a portion of a human bone, and back through the connector. The cable may be tensioned by use of the tensioner and secured into position within the connector. The connector may include a locking portion for engaging a protrusion formed on the pin.

Abstract: An implant may be formed in a disc space during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant may include implant members and connectors. The connectors may include sections with removed material that allow for some flexibility of the connectors. The connectors may include limiters that limit the amount of flexibility of the connectors. The ability of the connectors to flex may allow stress to be applied to bone growth material positioned in the implant. Stress may promote desirable bone growth.

Abstract: An instrumentation set may include insertion instruments for forming an implant between bone structures. The insertion instruments may include a spreader and a separator. The bone structures may be vertebrae. Implant members may be attached to the spreader and positioned between the bone structures. The separator may be inserted into the spreader to establish a desired separation distance between the implant members. Connectors may be inserted into the implant members to join the implant members together and form the implant. The insertion instruments may be removed. A seater may be used to set the position of the connectors relative to the implant members to inhibit disassembly of the implant.

Abstract: A bone plate system is provided which maintains intervertebral spacing and stability of a spine. In an embodiment, a bone plate system may include a base plate with an opening through which the fastener may be positioned to allow the fastener to be inserted into a human bone at a desired angle relative to the plate. Some embodiments of a bone plate system may include a base plate and an extender plate. An extender plate may be coupled to a base plate while the base plate is coupled to the bone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for promoting a spinal fusion between neighboring vertebrae are disclosed. Apparatus may be located within the intervertebral disc space and preferably includes a pair of engaging plates for contacting the vertebrae. An alignment device may be used to alter the vertical height between the engaging plates to customize the apparatus to fit a given patient. In one embodiment, the alignment device includes two turnbuckles and two pairs of cam blocks for adjusting the height between the engaging plates.