Abstract: Instrumentation is disclosed for inserting an interbody spinal fusion implant for implantation at least in part within and across the generally restored height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine. The implant has an external housing and a substantially hollow internal rotatable member having bone engaging projections that are deployable through the housing to penetrably engage the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus used in spinal surgery for creating a space of selected shape and dimensions across the disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant with a locking element for locking a bone screw in a bone screw receiving hole of the implant.

Abstract: Instrumentation is disclosed for inserting an interbody spinal fusion implant for implantation at least in part within and across the generally restored height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine. The implant has an external housing and a substantially hollow internal rotatable member having bone engaging projections that are deployable through the housing to penetrably engage the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant with a locking element for locking a bone screw in a bone screw receiving hole of the implant.

Abstract: A method for loading a spinal implant with fusion promoting substances into an implantation space adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: A method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant having at least in part non-arcuate upper and lower portions into the implantation space is disclosed. The method includes the act of positioning a guard into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. The guard has a body and a disc space penetrating extension for insertion at least in part into the disc space and for bearing against the adjacent vertebral bodies. A first portion and a second portion of the guard are rotatable articulatable relative to one another. The method further includes the acts of rotatably articulating the guard to move the body from an open position to a closed position and move the extension from an insertion position to a deployed position. In doing so, the adjacent vertebral bodies are moved apart, and an implantation space is formed through the guard.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant with a locking element for locking a bone screw in a bone screw receiving hole of the implant.

Abstract: An implant holder for inserting an interbody spinal implant.

Abstract: An apparatus including an interbody spinal fusion implant having a leading end, a trailing end, and a length therebetween, and opposed upper and lower portions adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. Each of the upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one each of the adjacent vertebral bodies and to communicate with one another to permit for the growth of bone from vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through the implant. Each of the upper and lower portions has at least one screw hole passing therethrough proximate the trailing end. The apparatus further includes bone screws adapted for placement through the screw holes of the upper and lower portions and into each of the adjacent vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused and into which the implant is adapted to be positioned. At least one lock may be used to prevent the bone screws from backing out of the vertebral bodies and implant.

Abstract: A method for use in a vertebral spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an implant. The method is performed using a bone removal device including a shaft and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. A working end is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism adjacent to the working end. The drive mechanism is operable to move the upper and lower cutters of the working end to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plate region of the adjacent vertebral bodies. A guard provides protected access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies for the working end of the bone removal device through a passageway.

Abstract: A guard and method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant into the implantation space.

Abstract: An apparatus including an interbody spinal fusion implant having a leading end, a trailing end, and a length therebetween, and opposed upper and lower portions adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. Each of the upper and lower portions having at least one opening adapted to communicate with one each of the adjacent vertebral bodies and to communicate with one another to permit for the growth of bone from vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through the implant. Each of the upper and lower portions has at least one screw hole passing therethrough proximate the trailing end. The apparatus further includes bone screws adapted for placement through the screw holes of the upper and lower portions and into each of the adjacent vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space to be fused and into which the implant is adapted to be positioned.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant with a locking element for locking a bone screw in a bone screw receiving hole of the implant.

Abstract: Tapered root threaded hollow perforated interbody spinal fusion implants are disclosed for placement into a disc space in a human spine between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants have opposite arcuate portions with lockable screws passing therethrough for engaging each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants are adapted for use in side-by-side pairs such that a portion of the circumference of a first implant nests within the circumference of a second implant, so as to have a reduced combined width.

Abstract: An artificial interbody spinal implant adapted for placement across an intervertebral space formed across the height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant has an asymmetrical leading end adapted to sit upon the more peripheral areas, such as the apophyseal rim and the apophyseal rim area, of the vertebral end plate region of the vertebral bodies without protruding therefrom. The asymmetrical leading end allows for the safe use of an implant of maximum length for the implantation space into which it is installed. The implant can also include an asymmetric trailing end adapted to sit upon the more peripheral areas of the vertebral end plate region of the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A plating system includes bone portion engaging anchors coupled to a connecting plate in moveable relationship to vary the spacing between the anchoring points of the plating system to the bone portions. The plating system includes instrumentation and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.

Abstract: A screw formed of cortical bone for use in the human body with an implant having a screw hole for receiving at least a portion of a screw therethrough, includes a shaft with a thread along at least a portion of its length. The thread has an outer diameter dimensioned to pass through the screw hole in the implant. The trailing end of the screw is configured to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the screw hole of the implant so as to prevent the screw from linear motion along the mid-longitudinal axis of the shaft in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion when the screw is threaded through the screw hole to attach the implant to a bone portion of the human body. The screw is formed substantially of cortical bone of a single cortical thickness.

Abstract: A flanged interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion at least in part between adjacent vertebral bodies has opposed upper and lower surfaces adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies from within the disc space, a leading end for insertion between the adjacent vertebral bodies, and a trailing end opposite the leading end. The trailing end has a height greater than the maximum height of the disc space forming a flanged portion adapted to overlie a part of the anterior aspects of the vertebral bodies adjacent and proximate the disc space to be fused. The flanged portion has at least two bone screw receiving holes, at least one each adapted to overlie each of the adjacent vertebral bodies at least in part. The implant has at least one locking element to lock one or more of the bone screws inserted in the bone screw receiving holes. Instrumentation for inserting the implant, forming screw holes in the vertebral body, and for locking the locking elements are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for use in a human spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies and into the vertebral end plates to receive an implantable insert. The device includes a handle, a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. An abrading element is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to move the abrading element in at least one degree of freedom to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.