Abstract: The present application is directed to vertebral rods and methods of use. In one embodiment, the rod includes upper and lower sections that are separated by an intermediate section. The intermediate section may include one or more members, and may have a variety of configurations. An elastic member may be positioned within the intermediate section. The intermediate section and the elastic member may provide for variable resistance during movement of the upper and lower sections. In one embodiment, the resistance increases the further away the upper and lower sections move from a first orientation.

Abstract: An annulus repair system is provided. This repair system may cover a hole or opening in the annulus or repair a defect or damage to the annulus. In one embodiment, the annulus repair system comprises a blocking component that covers a hole in the annulus, a stabilizing component that helps stabilize the blocking component and a suturing material that connects the two components together. In certain embodiments, the annulus repair system may further comprise a cannula for guiding the blocking component, the stabilizing component and at least a portion of the suturing material through body tissue and into the disc space. Methods for utilizing the annulus repair system of the present invention also are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for promoting selective tissue attachment to medical implants. By treating implant surfaces where tissue attachment is desired with tissue attachment promoting treatments, and treating implant surfaces where tissue attachment is not desired with tissue attachment inhibiting treatments, selective tissue attachment to medical implants may be achieved. Also, embodiments include an implant with at least one tissue contacting surface and at least one secondary surface where tissue attachment is not desired, and appropriate tissue attachment promoting or inhibiting treatments on the surfaces.

Abstract: A sacro-iliac implant includes a body extending from a first portion having an outer surface configured for fixation with a sacrum to a second portion having an outer surface being spaced apart and non-continuous with the outer surface of the first portion. A sleeve is disposed about the body and configured for implantation within at least an ilium. The sleeve extends from a first portion to a second portion having an inner surface and a flange disposed to engage an outer non-articular surface of the ilium. The inner surface of the second portion of the sleeve is engageable with the outer surface of the second portion of the body to cause axial translation of the body relative to the sleeve such that naturally separated articular surfaces of the sacrum and ilium are drawn into fixation to immobilize the SI joint. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device is provided. The flexible connection unit includes an elongated member, such as a vertebral rod, having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite each other with a transition portion extending therebetween. The first end portion of the vertebral rod comprises an oval shape and the second end portion contains an oval or non-oval shape. The major diameter of the oval shaped first end is parallel to the sagittal plane of a patient's body and provides the higher stiffness for fusion to resist flexion in the sagittal plane. The second end portion of the vertebral rod is perpendicular to the sagittal end of a patient's body and provides the lower stiffness for fusion.

Abstract: A bone anchor compatible for use with a neural integrity monitoring systems includes a bone-engaging portion extending between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion includes a resorbable non-electrically conductive polymer defining an insulated region. The second end portion includes a conductive region having reduced electrical resistance relative to the insulated region. The insulated region is contiguous with the conductive region. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A drug-eluting device comprising a drug-eluting matrix containing at least one elutable drug, a method of manufacturing a preformed drug-eluting device, and an implant kit comprising the same.

Abstract: A spinal construct for implantation in a patient to provide stabilization to spinal structure with improved load sharing includes a flexible spinal rod having a first end and a second end, the spinal rod being configured to provide stabilization to spinal structure. It also includes a first bone fastener configured to securely attach to the flexible spinal rod and a second bone fastener configured to securely attach to the flexible spinal rod. The second bone fastener is a dynamic fastener arranged to provide motion in one direction more than another direction. The flexible spinal rod and the second bone fastener are oriented to cooperate in a manner that achieves load sharing by dynamically flexing under applied loads in a manner that distributes stresses and strains between the flexible spinal rod and the second bone fastener.

Abstract: Devices for the treatment of intervertebral discs are described. The devices, when implanted into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, provide for the controlled release of active agents into the disc. The active agent can be a chemonucleolytic agent such as chymopapain. The device can also comprise one or more binders. The device can be an elongate solid body having a tapered or rounded insertion end. Alternatively, the device can include a plurality of particles.

Abstract: A sacro-iliac implant includes a body extending from a first portion having an outer surface configured for fixation with a sacrum to a second portion having an outer surface being spaced apart and non-continuous with the outer surface of the first portion. A sleeve is disposed about the body and configured for implantation within at least an ilium. The sleeve extends from a first portion to a second portion having an inner surface and a flange disposed to engage an outer non-articular surface of the ilium. The inner surface of the second portion of the sleeve is engageable with the outer surface of the second portion of the body to cause axial translation of the body relative to the sleeve such that naturally separated articular surfaces of the sacrum and ilium are drawn into fixation to immobilize the SI joint. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Allogenic or xenogenic materials are used to provide intervertebral disc nucleus implants and/or annular plugs. The allogenic or xenogenic materials comprise natural disc annulus material, which may have a portion of the anterior longitudinal ligament attached. The tissue may be used “as is” without an additional core or covering, or it may be used in combination with other materials. The material may be rolled, folded, layered and/or sutured, stapled, or glued to provide a solid plug of natural biological material. The implant may be provided as a dehydrated, substantially rod-shaped segment having a diameter less than the diameter of the hydrated material, and may have one or more ends of the dehydrated rod terminate with a further reduced diameter portion, preferably a point.

Abstract: A vertebral rod includes a first elongated section including a first material having a first modulus of elasticity and a second elongated section including a second material having a second modulus of elasticity. A first intermediate section is disposed between the first section and the second section, and includes a third material having a third modulus of elasticity. The intermediate section has an arcuate inner surface that defines a cavity and an open end. The first modulus and the second modulus are each greater than the third modulus such that the first and second sections provide a reinforced configuration of the vertebral rod and the intermediate section has a relatively flexible configuration.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a fixation portion configured to interface with boney tissue, a connection portion having a longitudinal axis and being configured to interface with an elongated support structure, and a flexible portion disposed between the fixation portion and the connection portion. The flexible portion is configured to permit flexure of the connection portion relative to the fixation portion. The flexible portion has a first set of opposed facing surfaces that mechanically limit the range of flexure in a first direction. It has a second set of opposed facing surfaces that mechanically limit the range of flexure in a second direction. The opposed facing surfaces are substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for of treating intervertebral discs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive method of treating an intervertebral disc is provided. A contrast or imaging media is introduced into a nucleus of the intervertebral disc without removing any of the nucleus. The intervertebral disc is imaged with the contrast media within the nucleus. Then the contrast media is evacuated from the nucleus to reduce intradiscal pressure. Finally, a disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced into the nucleus. The disc augmentation biomaterial is introduced in such a manner that the disc augmentation biomaterial is maintained within the nucleus without having to repair an opening in the annulus surrounding the nucleus.

Abstract: A vertebral construct comprises a longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal element defines a central axis. A first spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A second spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A flexible element is disposed about the longitudinal element and between the first spacer and the second spacer. The flexible element defines a central axis offset from the central axis of the longitudinal element. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A sacro-iliac implant system includes at least one implant including a body defining an outer surface and being disposed to space apart opposing articular surfaces of a sacro-iliac joint. The body is engageable with the opposing articular surfaces and the outer surface is compliant to a configuration of the opposing articular surfaces such that the body facilitates relative movement of the opposing articular surfaces. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a curable nucleus pulposus implant having water absorption and swelling capabilities, compositions for producing the curable nucleus pulposus implants, and methods of using the curable nucleus pulposus implants. The curable nucleus pulposus implant can be created from a polymer blend composition comprising a ratio of a curable material and at least one hydrophilic polymer. The resulting polymer blend composition may be used to generate curable nucleus pulposus implants to treat a number of disease and/or disorders, such as herniated discs. The curable nucleus pulposus implants may further contain polyelectrolytes and elastomer compounds, as well as pharmacological and biological agents.

Abstract: A method for treating a vertebral bone comprises providing a gaseous substance and providing a flowable and settable bone filling material. The method further comprises introducing the gaseous substance into the bone filling material to form a porous bone augmentation material and inserting a material delivery device into the vertebral bone. The method further comprises injecting the porous bone augmentation material from the material delivery device and into the vertebral bone.

Abstract: Devices for the treatment of intervertebral discs are described. The devices, when implanted into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, provide for the controlled release of one or more active agents into the disc. The active agent can be a chemonucleolytic agent such as chymopapain. The device can also comprise one or more binders. The device can be an elongate solid body having a tapered or rounded insertion end. Alternatively, the device can include a plurality of particles. For devices containing multiple active agents, the configuration of the device be chosen to provide for the sequential or simultaneous release of each of the active agents. The elongate solid body can include a sheath comprising a first active agent and a core comprising a second active agent.

Abstract: A method for treating a vertebral bone comprises providing a bone filling material and mixing the bone filling material in a vessel to form a bone augmentation material. The method further comprises pressurizing the vessel with a pressurization source to retain a plurality of voids within the bone augmentation material. The method further includes inserting a material delivery device into the vertebral bone and injecting the bone augmentation material with the retained plurality of voids from the material delivery device and into the vertebral bone.