Abstract: An intervertebral implant for separating an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra. The implant includes an upper mount having a first surface sized and shaped for mounting on the upper vertebra and a second surface opposite the first surface. The implant includes a lower mount having a first surface sized and shaped for mounting on the lower vertebra and a second surface opposite the first surface. The implant includes an element positioned between the upper mount and the lower mount spacing the first surface of the upper mount from the first surface of the lower mount by a predetermined distance. The element is configured to permit the upper mount to pivot relative to the lower mount. The element allows the upper vertebra to pivot relative to the lower vertebra while maintaining spacing between the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a vertebral body for correcting spinal deformities. The apparatus has a plate member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface having at least one receiving member defining a channel for receiving a flexible connection member. The at least one receiving member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions interfacing along a frangible connection such that the at least one receiving member extends axially from the upper surface a first distance when the frangible connection is unbroken and the at least one receiving member extends axially from the upper surface a second distance when the frangible connection is broken. The second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: An anchor for attaching an elongate member to bone. The anchor includes a base adapted for attaching to bone and a connector mounted on the base. The connector includes a mount for mounting the elongate member and an opening sized and positioned on the connector for receiving a tie for tying the anchor to the bone when the base is attached to the bone.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a method and system for dynamic spinal fixation for the correction of spinal deformities, and more specifically pertains to a method and system permitting a correction of spinal deformity without rigid fixation of the vertebral bodies. The embodiments are useful in correcting spinal deformities, including all types of scoliosis or other misalignments affecting the vertebral column. The positioning of devices and elements permits a gradual correction of a three dimensional spinal deformity through operative intervention and/or the natural growth of the vertebrae and spinal column.

Abstract: An adjustable connector including first and second connector members rotationally coupled together and configured to receive first and second spinal rods, respectively. In one embodiment, the first connector member includes an elongated slot that receives the first rod and has a length extending along an axis arranged transverse to the rotational axis, and the second connector member includes a second passage that receives the second rod. A lock member is positioned between the connector members and includes an angled rod bearing surface extending along a plane oriented at an oblique angle relative to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A device for supporting adjacent bony portions includes a body having a first end and an opposite second end. The body is positionable in a space between the adjacent bony portions with the first and second ends oriented toward respective ones of the adjacent bony portions. At least one of the first and second ends includes bone engaging surfaces. An end member substantially covers the bone engaging surfaces with a bio-absorbable material on at least one end of the body. The end member providing a smooth surface profile to facilitate insertion of the body in the space between the adjacent bony portions.

Abstract: An implant configured for placement through a transforaminal surgical approach made of at least two different materials. The implant may include materials with varying radiolucency and mechanical properties. Such a hybrid implant may offer controlled radiographic visibility and optimized structural properties for implant placement, including placement for use in spinal arthrodesis.

Abstract: Methods and devices for spacing vertebral members using modular intervertebral devices and insertion tools. The devices may include opposing first and second endplates, and an intermediate member configured to fit between and support the endplates. The insertion tool may include an elongated handle and a distracter. A method of inserting the device using the tool may include inserting the endplates positioned on opposing sides of the handle into the intervertebral space and positioning the endplates in the intervertebral space relative to first and second vertebral members. The method may include deploying the distracter and increasing a distance between the endplates. Another step may include inserting the intermediate member into the intervertebral space and between the endplates and supporting the endplates with the intermediate member. The insertion tool may then be removed from the intervertebral space.

Abstract: Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include a pair of parallel guide members extending distally from a proximal frame portion. Tamps and impaction instruments facilitate advancement of the implant between the guide members to the space between the adjacent bony portions.

Abstract: An implant made of at least two different materials. The implant may include materials with varying radiolucency and mechanical properties. Such a hybrid implant may offer controlled radiographic visibility and optimized structural properties for implant placement, including placement for use in spinal arthrodesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pedicle screw spinal rod connectors and more specifically, a pedicle screw head extender for use with a pedicle screw to ease connection to a spinal rod. The pedicle screw head extenders provided herein can be used with either fixed head pedicle screws or multi-axial head pedicle screws. The pedicle screw head extenders can either be threaded to or snapped into place within the various pedicle screws. It may also be possible to use the present invention with other types of spinal screws that may be connected to spinal rods without the screw actually being implanted through the pedicle of the spine.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a vertebral body for correcting spinal deformities. The apparatus has a plate member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface having at least one receiving member defining a channel for receiving a flexible connection member. The at least one receiving member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions interfacing along a frangible connection such that the at least one receiving member extends axially from the upper surface a first distance when the frangible connection is unbroken and the at least one receiving member extends axially from the upper surface a second distance when the frangible connection is broken. The second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system connector for maintaining a predetermined positions of a spinal linkage members fastened to vertebrae of a patient. The connector includes a body having first and second openings extending along first and second axes, respectively. The connector includes a first fastener for fastening the first member in the first opening and a second fastener for fastening the second member in the second opening. Prior to the first fastener fastening the first spinal linkage member in the first opening and the second fastener fastening the second spinal linkage member in the second opening, the body is manipulatable to adjust an angle between the first axis and the second axis. When the first fastener fastens the first member in the first opening and the second fastener fastens the second member in the second opening, the angle between the first axis and the second axis is fixed.

Abstract: A surgical gouge for clearing bone and soft tissue from around a previously implanted rod during a surgical operation. The gouge includes an elongate handle with a distally positioned cutting member at one end. The cutting member has a rod capture arm with an arcuate surface generally conforming to the cylindrical shape of the rod. The cutting member further having a curved leading cutting blade extending over and about the rod capture arm. The curved leading cutting blade configured so as to create a trough between the inside surface of the curved leading cutting blade and the rod capture arm to capture any cut bone and/or soft tissue from around the rod as the gouge is rotated about the rod. The curved cutting blade having a distal end sharpened at its distal edge to enable the user to cut away bone and soft tissue from around the rod. It may also be desirable for the distal end to have sharpened side edges to assist in cutting away the bone and soft tissue that have built up about the rod.

Abstract: An implant made of at least two different materials. The implant may include materials with varying radiolucency and mechanical properties. Such a hybrid implant may offer controlled radiographic visibility and optimized structural properties for implant placement, including placement for use in spinal arthrodesis.

Abstract: Screw mechanisms that securely connect with and contain an elongated support structure are disclosed. Some of these have locking mechanisms as alternatives to conventional set screws. Some of these use ratcheting systems for securing the elongated support structure. Some of these are multi-axial systems. Some of these are alternatives to conventional systems.

Abstract: A linkage for connecting together an elongated member of a fusion system and an elongated member of a non-fusion system. The linkage may include a bridge that extends between a first connector and a second connector. The first connector may be configured to connect to a fusion system, and the second connector may be configured to connect to a non-fusion system. The length of the bridge provides for the connectors to be spaced apart by a predetermined length. The linkage may be configured to position the elongated members in various orientations.

Abstract: Distensible ligaments and distensible ligament systems are provided, including apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for distensible systems.

Abstract: Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include a pair of parallel guide members extending distally from a proximal frame portion. Tamps and impaction instruments facilitate advancement of the implant between the guide members to the space between the adjacent bony portions.

Abstract: Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include a pair of parallel guide members extending distally from a proximal frame portion. Tamps and impaction instruments facilitate advancement of the implant between the guide members to the space between the adjacent bony portions.