Abstract: A spinous process implant with two plates that are connected together with a post. The implant is configured for each plate to be positioned on outer lateral sides of spinous processes with the post extending through the interspinous space. One or both plates may be movable along the length of the post to accommodate different anatomies such as for relatively wide or thin spinous processes. The post includes an enlarged head at a first end to prevent the first plate from disassociating from the post in a first direction. The post also includes a boss at a second end to prevent the second plate from disassociating from the post in a second direction. Methods of attaching the implants to the spinous processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spinous process implants that may include a first plate sized to extend along a first lateral side of the spinous processes and a second plate sized to extend along a second lateral side of the spinous processes. The second plate may include a bore that extends through the second plate. An elongated post may extend through the bore with a first end attached to the first plate and a second end positioned outward beyond the outer surface of the second plate away from the first plate. A joint may be positioned along the post that attaches a first section of the post to a second section of the post. The joint may be constructed to align the first and second sections in a collinear orientation and to remove the second section from the first section. Additional joints may also be positioned along the post. The bore may be sized relative to the post for the second plate to be movable along a length of the post.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided that occupies a small area, provides sensing and transmitting of various diagnostic indicia, and with the aid of a healthcare professional, diagnoses and responds to such measurements. In the context of the spine, the diagnostic system comprises a spinal implant situated between two adjacent vertebrae, an antenna for sending and/or receiving signals to and/or from a remote location, a sensor for measuring at least one diagnostic condition, an activating element that has the ability to affect the at least one diagnostic condition, a power source to provide power to the diagnostic system, and a network that electrically connects the antenna, sensor, activating element and battery source.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and an outer surface. The outer surface includes a first portion configured to engage a first bone surface and a second portion configured to engage a second opposing bone surface. A first locking element has a center of rotation along a first axis offset from the longitudinal axis. The first locking element is rotatable relative to the body between a first, non-engaging configuration and a second engaging configuration such that the first locking element extends beyond the outer surface. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a first stabilization member and a second stabilization member engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion. A flexible coupling member allows the spinal stabilization members to be assembled and attached to the spinal column to dynamically support of the stabilized levels of the spinal column.

Abstract: An artificial disc implant and associate methods and instrumentation are provided for the artificial disc implant that includes opposite vertebral endplate members and a spacer member between the vertebral endplate members. An anchoring member extends from at least one of the vertebral endplate members toward an adjacent vertebral endplate when the implant is positioned between vertebrae. The anchoring member can be received in an anchor seat formed in the adjacent vertebral endplate without requiring the artificial disc implant to be impacted into the space between vertebrae to engage the anchoring member in the seat.

Abstract: A vertebral construct includes a first fastening element having a first portion and a second portion configured for engagement with tissue. A rod defines an elongated cavity configured to facilitate dynamic translation of the first portion therein relative to the rod. A second fastening element has a first portion fixedly connected to the rod. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone preparation device for shaping endplates forming an intervertebral disc space between two adjacent vertebrae includes a cutter component and a cutter-positioner component. The cutter-positioner is arranged to limit the distal travel of the cutter component and to restrict the range of motion of the distal end of the cutter component. The bone preparation device also includes a rotational interface between the cutter component and the cutter-positioner component. The rotational interface is structurally arranged to permit the cutting blade to be rotated at the same time the cutter component is restricted in its range of motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the characteristics of tissue adjacent a surgical site and communicating that information to a health care provider includes a retractor, a sensor, and a processing system. The sensor is disposed on the retractor and is configured to measure a parameter indicative of at least one characteristic of the tissue adjacent the first or the second blade. The processing system is in communication with the sensor and configured and arranged to receive information from the sensor indicative of the measured parameter. It includes a threshold stored therein indicative of excessive trauma to the tissue and it is configured in a manner such that it compares the received information to the stored threshold and communicates information to the health care provider regarding the comparison.

Abstract: Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. Such a medical device may include a pair of plates with spikes adapted to be embedded in a superior spinous process and an adjacent inferior spinous process. The device may also allow relative motion between adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a vertebral tension band assembly and associated connection structure are provided. The tension band assemblies may be attached to vertebral bodies to, for example, connect one vertebrae to another, retain the band in approximately a preferred position by application of tension to the band during insertion and/or limit, impede, inhibit, reduce or interfere with the separation from one vertebra to another and may further block, impede, interfere with, inhibit, reduce or present an obstacle to dislodgement of a spinal implant from between the vertebrae to which it is attached. Flexible band portions of the assemblies may be treated and/or configured to promote bony integration between the band and the associated vertebrae, limit tissue adhesion to the band, and/or to elute a therapeutic substance from the installed band to the surgical site.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization system for use with a spinal motion segment includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly, a resilient element, and a sheath. The resilient element includes an end portion engageable with the first bone anchor assembly and a resilient portion engageable with the second bone anchor assembly. The resilient element provides resilient resistance when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved toward one another and provides no resistance and is separable from the second bone anchor assembly when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved away from one another. The sheath surrounds the resilient portion and articulation surface of the second bone anchor assembly.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization device, system, and method for use with a spinal motion segment includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly, a first articulation element and a second articulation element. The first articulation element includes an end portion engageable with the first bone anchor assembly, a first articulation surface, and a resilient element therebetween. The first articulation surface is separably engageable with a second articulation surface associated with the second articulation element. The resilient element provides resilient resistance when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved toward one another and provides no resistance and is separable from the second bone anchor assembly when the first and second bone anchor assemblies are moved away from one another.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc space preparation guide comprises a spacer portion having a first recess and a first machining guide comprising a first bore. The first bore and the first recess are aligned and adapted to receive a first bone removal mechanism.

Abstract: A tissue extender includes a ring defining a proximal end opening to engage a head of a subcutaneous screw, a first extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the first extender portion, and a second extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the second extender portion. The first extender portion includes a first coupling portion disposed at a distal end of the first extender portion, and the second extender portion includes a second coupling portion at a distal end of the second extender portion. The first and second extender portions define two side openings disposed on opposite sides of the tissue extender. The distal ends of the first and second extender portions together define a distal end opening. The first coupling portion engages the second coupling portion when the tissue extender is in an extended state. The distal end opening is larger in the extended state than in an unextended state.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc space preparation guide comprises a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first spacer portion adapted for insertion in an intervertebral disc space and a first cutting block portion through which a first bore extends. The second member includes a second spacer portion adapted for insertion in an intervertebral disc space and a second cutting block portion through which a second bore extends. The first member is movably connected to the second member.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided that occupies a small area, provides sensing and transmitting of various diagnostic indicia, and with the aid of a healthcare professional, diagnoses and responds to such measurements. In the context of the spine, the diagnostic system comprises a spinal implant situated between two adjacent vertebrae, an antenna for sending and/or receiving signals to and/or from a remote location, a sensor for measuring at least one diagnostic condition, an activating element that has the ability to affect the at least one diagnostic condition, a power source to provide power to the diagnostic system, and a network that electrically connects the antenna, sensor, activating element and battery source.

Abstract: An elongated connecting element and system for dynamic spinal stabilization is disclosed. The connecting element and system provides for resistance to shear forces applied to the connecting element as well as provides for rotational stability of a resilient intermediate element disposed between two end members.

Abstract: A bone screw and method of inserting a bone screw into a bone is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes a tip segment for creating a starter hole in the bone. A pilot segment is located proximally of the tip segment for creating a pilot hole in the bone after creation of the starter hole. The starter hole and pilot hole are created by a longitudinal pushing force exerted on the bone screw by the surgeon. A threaded segment is located proximally of the pilot segment for fixedly securing the bone screw in the bone by the use of a rotational force exerted on the bone screw by the surgeon. A head is located proximally of the threaded segment for allowing the bone screw to affix an implant or other soft tissue to the bone. In one embodiment the implant is a plate.

Abstract: A spinal implant including an interbody device and an anchor device. The interbody device is sized and shaped to be positioned within an intervertebral disc space between adjacent upper and lower vertebrae. The anchor device is at least partially formed of a resorbable material and is coupled to the interbody device and anchored to the upper and lower vertebrae. The anchor device is configured to temporarily secure the interbody device to the upper and lower vertebrae for a period of time sufficient to facilitate bone growth onto and/or through the interbody device and is thereafter resorbed into the body.