Abstract: A bone anchor based retractor/distractor assembly for simultaneous tissue retraction and disc space distraction utilizing an adjustable, flexible wire to secure the bone anchors during the distraction process. The assembly includes first and second modular retractor/distractor blades that can be detached for securing to the bone anchor. Each blade has a pivot pin and blade connector with a rotatable knob for adjusting of a wire releasably securable to a bone anchor. The blade connectors are attached to the first and second arm elements, each having a stabilizing arm that is movable in relation to each other by a threaded draw rod having an adjustment knob for activating movement. A main body is secured to a medial retraction blade by an arm having a gear member operatively associated with a gear knob for incremental movement of the medial retraction blade.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an expander set includes a first and second expander. The first expander includes an outer surface having a first engagement feature and a groove and the second expander includes an inside surface having a second engagement feature adapted to engage with the first engagement feature. The inside surface of the second expander is shaped to correspond to a portion of the outer surface of the first expander. Additionally, the groove on the outer surface of the first expander is sized and shaped to accommodate a rod of a retraction system such that when the first expander is advanced within the retraction system, the rod remains within the groove. When the first and second expanders are engaged with one another, they define an oblong cross-section.

Abstract: An implant having an upper support body and a lower support body that are coupled together by use of pinions integral to the upper support body and apertures integral to the lower support body. A dual directional driver is rotatably coupled to a forward spacer and a rear spacer, wherein the implant forms a compact arrangement for ease of insertion allowing a posterior surgical approach for placement of the spinal implant for interbody fusion allowing the implant to be inserted through a small incision and rotation of the dual directional driver will cause movement of the upper support body an equal distance from the lower support body to increase the implant in size in situ.

Abstract: A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand the height and to maintain a space therebetween. The insert body may include a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge of the insert body includes a pin to allow ease of insertion along a curvature path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an expander set includes a first and second expander. The first expander includes an outer surface having a first engagement feature and a groove and the second expander includes an inside surface having a second engagement feature adapted to engage with the first engagement feature. The inside surface of the second expander is shaped to correspond to a portion of the outer surface of the first expander. Additionally, the groove on the outer surface of the first expander is sized and shaped to accommodate a rod of a retraction system such that when the first expander is advanced within the retraction system, the rod remains within the groove. When the first and second expanders are engaged with one another, they define an oblong cross-section.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an expander set includes a first and second expander. The first expander includes an outer surface having a first engagement feature and a groove and the second expander includes an inside surface having a second engagement feature adapted to engage with the first engagement feature. The inside surface of the second expander is shaped to correspond to a portion of the outer surface of the first expander. Additionally, the groove on the outer surface of the first expander is sized and shaped to accommodate a rod of a retraction system such that when the first expander is advanced within the retraction system, the rod remains within the groove. When the first and second expanders are engaged with one another, they define an oblong cross-section.

Abstract: A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand the height and to maintain a space therebetween. The insert body may include a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge of the insert body includes a pin to allow ease of insertion along a curvature path.

Abstract: A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand the height and to maintain a space therebetween. The insert body may include a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge of the insert body includes a pin to allow ease of insertion along a curvature path.

Abstract: A bone anchor based retractor/distractor assembly for simultaneous tissue retraction and disc space distraction utilizing an adjustable, flexible wire to secure the bone anchors during the distraction process. The assembly includes first and second modular retractor/distractor blades that can be detached for securing to the bone anchor. Each blade has a pivot pin and blade connector with a rotatable knob for adjusting of a wire releasably securable to a bone anchor. The blade connectors are attached to the first and second arm elements, each having a stabilizing arm that is movable in relation to each other by a threaded draw rod having an adjustment knob for activating movement. A main body is secured to a medial retraction blade by an arm having a gear member operatively associated with a gear knob for incremental movement of the medial retraction blade.

Abstract: An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point, the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies. An adjustment screw is available to expand the surfaces of the insert member by displacement of a wedge member within the insert.

Abstract: A polyaxial cannulated screw having a resilient expandable body capable of supporting compressive and cyclic loads. The expandable body provides an artificial disc prosthesis by use of the expandable body that mimics the properties of the natural disc by maintaining the intervertebral disc space through a full range of natural motion, absorbing shocks and permitting a natural range of motion. A U-shaped saddle attached to a spherical ball permits optimum positioning of a rod member by polyaxial placement.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device that is expandable along a side edge. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or contracting the device along a side edge.

Abstract: A triangular shaped locking cervical plate bounded by three side walls terminating in corners having an aperture adapted to receive a bone screw. A recess is formed in an upper surface of the plate which includes a recess with a continuous sidewall interconnecting each aperture. A locking element is rotatably attached to the cervical plate having two tangs extending outwardly a first distance and a third tang extending outwardly a second distance. The locking element including the tangs are constructed and arranged to fit within the recess. Each aperture is open to receive a bone screw when the locking element is rotated into an unlocked position. Each end of the tang overlays a portion of the bone screw placed within the aperture when the locking element is rotated into a locked position.

Abstract: A cervical plate formed from an expandable clip that is drawn toward a plate by use of a draw screw coupled to a draw bar. The draw bar is placed in an aperture having engagement with an angular surface that operates in conjunction with a proximal and distal end of the clip, which engages a tab to cause expansion when the draw screw engages the draw bar across a plate.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or unexpanding compacting the device.

Abstract: A spinal implant for stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae having a damaged disc therebetween is assembled in situ. The implant consists of a bone tray, an anchor, a retainer plate, a retainer, and mounting screws. The bone tray bone tray is elliptical shaped and includes an open top side and an open bottom side, the top side and the bottom side adapted to engage the end plates of adjacent vertebrae, respectively, the bone tray having a sidewall connecting the top side and the bottom side, the sidewall having an bore therethrough. The retainer is slidably extending through the bore whereby the distractor anchor is adapted to be inserted between adjacent vertebrae and the retainer extends through the retainer plate. The retainer plate is secured to the vertebrae body by mounting screws. A driver, not shown, is adapted to rotate the retainer which engages the distractor anchor to engage the bone tray.

Abstract: A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand both in height and width, and to maintain a space therebetween. The insert body includes a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge that extends beyond a front edge of the upper support body will cause the insert body to be locked into position. A trailing edge engages the rear of the upper support body to prevent over insertion. A lower surface of the insert body may include locking surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed are various instruments and implants used in minimally invasive spine surgery. Disclosed is a cannulated probe, a guide wire handle; a guide wire handle having a locking mechanism, an all-in-one guide wire tool; a retractor flex rod passage; or a tab break tool.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device that is expandable along a side edge. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or contracting the device along a side edge.

Abstract: A cervical plate formed from an expandable clip that is drawn toward a plate by use of a draw screw coupled to a draw bar. The draw bar is placed in an aperture having engagement with an angular surface that operates in conjunction with a proximal and distal end of the clip, which engages a tab to cause expansion when the draw screw engages the draw bar across a plate.