Abstract: The retractor comprises an elongate support member, first and second arms, and a driver. The elongate support member has a screw thread along at least part of its length. The first arm has a first anatomy engaging member depending therefrom. The second arm has a second anatomy engaging member depending therefrom and a threaded portion which cooperates with the screw thread to move the second arm along the support member. The driver is operable to move the second arm along the support member by cooperation of the threaded portion and the screw thread whereby separation between the first and second arms changes. Each of the elongate support member, the first and second arms, and the first and second anatomy engaging members is formed substantially completely of a plastics material. Each of the first and second anatomy engaging members comprises a blade having an attached end attached to a corresponding arm, and a free end extending from the attached end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractor. The retractor comprises an elongate support member having a screw thread along at least part of its length and a first arm having a first anatomy engaging member depending therefrom. The retractor also comprises a second arm having a second anatomy engaging member depending therefrom and a threaded portion which cooperates with the screw thread to move the second arm along the support member. The retractor also comprises a driver operable to move the second arm along the support member by cooperation of the threaded portion and the screw thread whereby separation between the first and second arms changes. The retractor further comprises a bridging part attached towards a first end thereof to the first arm and attached towards a second, opposite end thereof to the second arm, the bridging part having a third anatomy engaging member depending therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractor 10. The retractor 10 comprises an elongate support member 14 having a screw thread 34 along at least part of its length and a first arm 16 having a first anatomy engaging member 42 depending therefrom. The retractor also comprises a second arm 18 having a second anatomy engaging member 42 depending there from and a threaded portion which cooperates with the screw thread to move the second arm along the support member. The retractor also comprises a driver 24 operable to move the second arm 18 along the support member 14 by cooperation of the threaded portion and the screw thread 34 whereby separation between the first and second arms 16,18 changes. The retractor 10 further comprises a bridging part 20 attached towards a first end thereof to the first arm 16 and attached towards a second, opposite end thereof to the second arm18, the bridging part having a third anatomy engaging member 42 depending therefrom.

Abstract: An interspinous implant includes an implant body having an upper face, a lower face, and four sides. The implant body includes a first recess and a second recess in opposite sides, wherein each recess is suitable for receiving a spinous process of a vertebrae. Attachment means are provided and suitable for attaching a band to the implant body. The implant further includes a lock hinged to a side of the implant body on a side not having the recesses, with the lock rotatable about the hinge between a closed position and an open position in which the lock projects away from the side of the implant body. The lock has an aperture, and a band can pass through the aperture when the lock is open and can be secured against movement relative to the lock and the implant body by the lock when the lock is closed.

Abstract: An interspinous implant includes an implant body having an upper face, a lower face, and four sides. The implant body includes a first recess and a second recess in opposite sides, wherein each recess is suitable for receiving a spinous process of a vertebrae. Attachment means are provided and suitable for attaching a band to the implant body. The implant further includes a lock hinged to a side of the implant body on a side not having the recesses, with the lock rotatable about the hinge between a closed position and an open position in which the lock projects away from the side of the implant body. The lock has an aperture, and a band can pass through the aperture when the lock is open and can be secured against movement relative to the lock and the implant body by the lock when the lock is closed.