Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a spinal condition. One method includes promoting fusion of an area of a vertebral column by introducing a biological treatment into the area to be fused. Another method includes causing damage in the area to be fused so as to induce a healing response. Other methods include applying a mechanical device to the vertebral column to provide stability to the area undergoing fusion.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral space between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a superior component and an inferior component that can have an inferior bearing surface. A hydrophilicity of the inferior bearing surface can be greater-than an average hydrophilicity of the inferior component.

Abstract: A method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus in an intervertebral disc nucleus space includes: (a) providing a disc nucleus implant instrument having a passageway for passing a prosthetic disc nucleus, and a dilator for dilating an opening in a disc annulus; (b) providing a prosthetic disc nucleus having a first configuration and a second configuration, where the first configuration presents a first cross-sectional size and said second configuration presents a second cross-sectional size, with the first cross-sectional size being larger than the second cross-sectional size; (c) making a hole in the annulus of a disc receiving the prosthetic disc nucleus, with the hole having an undilated size that is smaller than the first cross-sectional size of said prosthetic disc nucleus; (d) providing the prosthetic disc nucleus in its second configuration in the passageway of said disc nucleus implant instrument; (e) introducing the dilator of the disc nucleus implant instrument into the hole in the disc ann

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for implanting nucleus replacement material in an intervertebral disc nucleus space employing an inserter having proximal and distal end regions and a passageway effective for passing the material therethrough. The distal end region of the inserter includes a conical-shaped outer surface, and the passageway exits through a side surface of the inserter in the distal end region at other than the apex of the conical-shaped outer surface. The nucleus replacement material passing through the inserter exits into an intervertebral disc nucleus space when the passageway exit in the side surface at the distal end region is disposed in the nucleus space. The instrument may also include a cover locking mechanism having pivotally connected first and second cover plates with a latching tab and landing sized and configured to mate and lock the cover plates automatically when the inserter assumes an implanting configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments provide composite components for use in spinal fixation systems. The composite components may comprise polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or another non-resorbable or resorbable polymeric material and at least one metal. Incorporation of PEEK or another non-resorbable or resorbable polymeric material into the components allows average or mean physical properties (e.g., tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, etc.) of the components to be modulated. The composition and orientation of the composite components can be advantageously chosen to produce components with desired physical characteristics.

Abstract: A spinal rod includes an elongated tubular member that is inflatable from a first insertion profile to a second enlarged profile. An expandable tubular reinforcement sleeve is concentrically positioned adjacent to the balloon. The balloon may be bonded to the sleeve. The spinal rod may also have longitudinal reinforcement members. A joining member may join two or more of the longitudinal reinforcing members at a discrete point along each. The spinal rod may further include end portions on either side of an inflatable portion.

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. In one embodiment, the extent of movement of the upper and lower sections is limited.

Abstract: Devices and methods for spacing the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral members. In one embodiment, the device includes first and second sections and an intermediate section that together form an interior section. An elastic member may be positioned within the interior section. The elastic member may have a variety of orientations, sizes, shapes, densities, modulus of elasticity, and other material properties depending upon the desired displacement between the first and second sections. The intermediate section in combination with the elastic member may be deformed during this movement and thereby exert a force to stabilize the vertebral members.

Abstract: Implants and methods for spacing and stabilizing vertebral members. The implant in one embodiment may include first and second endplates and an intermediate section that form an interior section. An elastic member may be positioned within the interior section to space apart the endplates. The elastic member may have a variety of orientations, sizes, shapes, densities, modulus of elasticity, and other material properties depending upon the desired displacement between the first and second endplates. In use according to one embodiment, the implant may assume a first shape when the vertebral members are aligned, such as when the patient is standing erect or in a prone position. This first shape may include the first and second endplates spaced a first distance apart. During movement of the vertebral members, the endplates may be forced together. The intermediate section in combination with the elastic member may be deformed during this movement and thereby exert a force to stabilize the vertebral members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for repairing annulus defects include at least one blocking member positionable in or adjacent to the annulus defect, at least one attachment portion for securing the blocking member to adjacent tissue, and instruments for placing and engaging the blocking member in and/or adjacent to the annulus defect. The blocking member extends at least partially across the annulus defect for repair of the defect and/or retention of nucleus material, one or more implants, bio-compatible materials or device, and/or other objects positioned in the disc space.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a first component that can have a first compliant structure that can be configure to engage the first vertebra. Further, the first compliant structure can at least partially conform to a shape of the first vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can also include a second component that can be configured to engage the second vertebra.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc is disclosed and can be installed within an intervertebral space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a first component that can have a first compliant layer that can be configured to engage the first vertebra and at least partially conform to a shape of the first vertebra. Further, the intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a second component that is configured to engage the second vertebra.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a spinal condition.

Abstract: A surgical tool and method are provided for positioning an intervertebral device between vertebral members of a patient. The tool includes an insertion/extractoin mechanism including an elongate inserter and an engagement mechanism. The elongate inserter has proximal and distal ends, with the engagement mechanism being disposed at the distal end of the elongate inserter. The engagement mechanism includes an engagement surface configured to at least partially conform to an intervertebral device. The engagement mechanism is adapted to releasably engage the intervertebral device employing one of a vacuum coupling or a magnetic coupling between the engagement surface of the engagement mechanism and the intervertebral device.

Abstract: Protectors and methods of mounting protectors to features on implants within patients. The protectors attach to the features and provide protection to the patient by preventing or reducing injury that may be caused by the feature. The protectors may also be removable such that the feature can be exposed during future revision procedures. A variety of attachment methods may also be used to attach the protector to the feature. Insertion tools may be used for attaching the protectors to the features.

Abstract: A method of treating a spinal condition includes attaching an interspinous device between spinous processes of a pair of vertebrae and attaching an anterior system between the pair of adjacent vertebrae to prevent hyperkyphosis.

Abstract: A method of treating a spinal condition includes placing disc replacement material in an intervertebral disc, thereby altering a loading characteristic of an adjacent vertebrae, and supporting the adjacent vertebrae by applying a bone filling material to either a superior or inferior vertebral body adjacent to the intervertebral disc. The disc placement material may also be configured to augment the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A method of treating a spinal condition includes treating a degenerated disc with an interbody repair system, attaching bone anchors to posterior bone portions of the pair of vertebrae, and extending a posterior device between the bone anchors to prevent hyper-extension. The method further includes reinforcing a vertebral body with vertebral body treatment material and/or reinforcing an endplate of the vertebral body with an endplate treatment material.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a method for treating an intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosis, using one or more superabsorbent polymers. Additionally, the embodiments provide a method for bulking up an intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosis, using one or more superabsorbent polymers. The methods comprise introducing an amount of the superabsorbent polymers into the intervertebral disc space without removing nucleus pulposus or annulus fibrosis material.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a method for treating an intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosis, using one or more polyelectrolyte materials. Additionally, the embodiments provide a method for bulking up an intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosis, using one or more polyelectrolyte materials. The methods comprise introducing an amount of the polyelectrolyte materials into the intervertebral disc space without removing nucleus pulposus or annulus fibrosis material.