Abstract: A prosthetic device and method of inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which a first member of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the vertebrae; and at least one second member of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member.

Abstract: A spinal prosthesis system includes: an anterior portion having an upper component and a lower component, the upper and lower components capable of relative movement about a first point; a posterior portion separate from the anterior portion, the posterior portion having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper and lower portions capable of relative movement concentric to the upper and lower components about the first point. In another form, a method includes: determining a motion profile of a vertebral motion segment; determining a point of rotation based upon the motion profile; and manufacturing a spinal stabilization system having an anterior portion and a posterior portion, the anterior and posterior portions each having a center of rotation located at the point of rotation.

Abstract: A surgical staple assembly is disclosed and can include a surgical staple. The surgical staple assembly can be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the surgical staple can be in an original shape. Moreover, in the second configuration, the surgical staple can be in a deformed configuration.

Abstract: The present application is directed to multi-axial screw assemblies to connect a longitudinal member to a vertebral member. In one embodiment, the multi-axial screw assembly includes a screw comprising a threaded shank and an enlarged head. The assembly may also include a body with an upper channel sized to receive the longitudinal member, a lower chamber to receive the head. The body is constructed to maintain the head in the lower chamber.

Abstract: Techniques for spinal surgery include accessing at least one vertebral element of the spinal column. At least one loading member is engaged to the at least one vertebral element. The loading member is allowed to integrate with the bony structure of the vertebral element over time. The integrated loading member is accessed in a second surgical procedure, and can be loaded and/or attached to a construct.

Abstract: A vertebral rod for stabilizing a patient's spine. The rod may include an elongated body with first and second ends and have an elongated cross-sectional shape with a major axis and a minor axis and a centroid positioned at an intersection of the axes. First and second longitudinal channels may extend through the body. The channels may be spaced apart and contained within the body. The body may have a first flexural rigidity along the major axis and a different second flexural rigidity along the minor axis.

Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes and upper and lower engaging members extending from the spacer member. The upper and lower engaging members engage at least one lamina to resist flexion of the spinal motion segment.

Abstract: A method of implanting a spinal prosthesis comprises inserting a first member between superior and inferior spinous processes associated with respective superior and inferior vertebrae. The superior and inferior vertebrae are separated by an intermediate vertebra. The method further includes inserting a second member through a channel in the first member. After the second member is inserted, the method requires removing the second member from the channel and inserting a third member through the channel. The third member has a different stiffness than the second member. Finally, the method requires anchoring the third member to the intermediate vertebra, while the third member is inserted through the channel. The third member is anchored at first and second locations disposed on respective first and second lateral sides of the intermediate vertebra.

Abstract: A surgical staple assembly is disclosed and can include a surgical staple. The surgical staple assembly can be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the surgical staple can be in an original shape. Moreover, in the second configuration, the surgical staple can be in a deformed configuration.

Abstract: Techniques for spinal surgery include accessing at least one vertebral element of the spinal column. At least one loading member is engaged to the at least one vertebral element. The loading member is allowed to integrate with the bony structure of the vertebral element over time. The integrated loading member is accessed in a second surgical procedure, and can be loaded and/or attached to a construct.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for treating a spinal deformity. In one embodiment, an elongated member is attached to vertebral members with fasteners. A separate fastener may attach the elongated member to each of the vertebral members. The elongated member may apply a force to limit growth on one side of the vertebral members, such as a convex side of a scoliotic spine. Each fastener may be constructed to limit a direction of growth of the vertebral member thereby applying a specific, corrective force to the vertebral member. The fasteners may allow relative motion between adjacent vertebral members without losing the attachment between the vertebral members and the fasteners. The net result may be controlled modulation of growth to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity through redirection of growth potential.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a curved spinal rod is disclosed. The method includes heating PEEK; injecting the PEEK into an arcuate spinal rod mold; holding the injected PEEK in the mold until the PEEK substantially sets; and removing the injected PEEK from the mold. In another aspect, a spinal rod is disclosed. The spinal rod includes an arcuate main body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. The central portion has a non-circular cross-section with a height greater than its width. The first and second end portions and the central portion of the arcuate main body are integrally formed of a polymer such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The spinal rod also includes a rounded end cap adapted to mate with at least one of the end portions. The end cap is radiopaque.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for treating a spinal deformity. In one embodiment, an elongated member is attached to vertebral members with fasteners. A separate fastener may attach the elongated member to each of the vertebral members. The elongated member may apply a force to limit growth on one side of the vertebral members, such as a convex side of a scoliotic spine. Each fastener may be constructed to limit a direction of growth of the vertebral member thereby applying a specific, corrective force to the vertebral member. The fasteners may allow relative motion between adjacent vertebral members without losing the attachment between the vertebral members and the fasteners. The net result may be controlled modulation of growth to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity through redirection of growth potential.

Abstract: A posterior spinal fixation device or dynamic spinal stabilization device or other orthopedic device includes an active agent-delivery component. The active agent-delivery component has an active agent impregnated therein or adsorbed thereon or otherwise contained therein and is configured to release the active agent locally after the device is implanted in a patient. One preferred type of implant in accordance with the invention is an implant for stabilizing a spinal motion segment that includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes or transverse processes or other posterior spinal element, including an implanted anchor element.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a spinal disk prosthesis with one end portion to form a load transmitting relationship with one vertebra of a patient's spine and another end portion to form a load transmitting relationship with another vertebra of the patient's spine. A tube connects the end portions together and a damping material is positioned inside the tube. The end portions each include a magnet to generate a corresponding magnetic field. These magnetic fields are oriented to provide a repulsive force between the end portions to provide a magnetic bearing.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic device and method for spinal stabilization, according to which a prosthetic device is implanted relative to two vertebrae and is positioned so that it makes a rigid connection with one of the vertebra and a non-rigid connection with the other vertebra.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Devices include anchors and coupling members for engaging an elongate member. Systems include an elongate member sized to span a distance between at least two vertebral bodies and being at least partially formed of a flexible material. A number of anchors and coupling members are used to secure the elongate member to each of the vertebral bodies. The anchors can be compressed towards one another and the elongate member secured thereto and/or the elongate member can be tensioned to provide corrective forces to the spine.

Abstract: A pivoting connector couples a vertebral member to a longitudinal member. An anchor is pivotally attached to a body by positioning a head of the anchor within a cavity in the body. A longitudinal rod is inserted into a channel also positioned within the body and axially aligned with the cavity. A retainer applies a force to maintain the longitudinal rod within the channel, however the force may be isolated from the anchor. One embodiment may include a compression member that is separate from or integral with the body. The compression member may transmit a rod securing force to the anchor to secure or limit the pivoting movement of the anchor member relative to the body. The compression member may deflect or detach under the influence of the securing force.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Devices include anchors and coupling members for engaging an elongate member. Systems include an elongate member sized to span a distance between at least two vertebral bodies and being at least partially formed of a flexible material. A number of anchors and coupling members are used to secure the elongate member to each of the vertebral bodies. The anchors can be compressed towards one another and the elongate member secured thereto and/or the elongate member can be tensioned to provide corrective forces to the spine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-level, multi-functional stabilization of a spinal column segment are provided. The systems include one or more constructs having a motion preserving portion that permits motion of at least a portion of a vertebral level and a motion preventing portion that substantially prevents motion of at least a portion of a second, adjacent vertebral level.