Abstract: A method for correcting spondylolisthesis from the lateral approach is provided in which a pair of insertion members are inserted laterally into upper and lower vertebrae, a connecting member is affixed to the insertion members, and a rotating force is applied to the connecting member to encourage the upper and lower vertebrae into a desired position relative to one another.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for insertion into a spondylosed intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first flange for longitudinally engaging a first vertebra during longitudinal insertion therein, and a second component having a second flange for longitudinally engaging a second vertebra during longitudinal insertion therein. One of the first and second components comprises a projection and the other of the first and second components comprises a recess, the projection and recess being adapted to engage one another. One of the projection and the recess are offset relative to the other of the projection and the recess to accommodate the spondylosed relationship between the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis in an intervertebral space between a first and a second vertebra of a patient's spinal column may include making a first aperture at a first location to permit access to the intervertebral disc space. The first aperture may be sized to allow passage of at least a portion of the intervertebral prosthesis. A second aperture may be made at a second location to permit access to the intervertebral disc space. The second aperture may be sized to allow passage of a surgical instrument. An intervertebral prosthesis for implantation into an intervertebral space between a first and a second vertebra of a patient's spinal column is also disclosed, along with a surgical instrument for implanting the an intervertebral prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for transforaminal insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first curved flange for engaging a first vertebra from a transforaminal approach, the first component having a first articular surface, and a second component having a second curved flange for engaging a second vertebra from a transforaminal approach, the second component having a second articular surface for cooperating with the first articular surface to permit articulating motion between the first and second components.

Abstract: Provided is a system and devices for use in the treatment and repair of moveable skeletal joints in the body of a subject. In particular, the present invention relates to the complete or partial posterior modular disc replacement of damaged or diseased fibrocartilage intervertebral discs in a subject wherein the replacement disc is capable of rotation and translation articulation.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for preparing a disc space and for forming interbody devices therein are provided. The instruments include distractors having enlargeable portions positionable in the disc space for distracting the disc space. The enlargeable portions can also provide form about or against which an interbody device of a first material is placed. A second material may be placed in the disc space in the space previously occupied by the distractors.

Abstract: An instrument for separating adjacent vertebrae includes a handle assembly and a distal portion at a distal end of the handle assembly. The distal portion includes first and second members movable from an unexpanded configuration for insertion in the disc space toward an expanded configuration to separate the vertebrae. A cutting member of a cutting instrument can be guided by the instrument to prepare the vertebrae for engagement with an implant.

Abstract: A method for internal fixation of vertebra of the spine to facilitate graft fusion includes steps for excising the nucleus of an affected disc, preparing a bone graft, instrumenting the vertebrae for fixation, and introducing the bone graft into the resected nuclear space. Disc resection is conducted through two portals through the annulus, with one portal supporting resection instruments and the other supporting a viewing device. The fixation hardware is inserted through small incisions aligned with each pedicle to be instrumented. The hardware includes bone screws, fixation plates, engagement nuts, and linking members. In an important aspect of the method, the fixation plates, engagement nuts and linking members are supported suprafascially but subcutaneously so that the fascia and muscle tissue are not damaged. The bone screw is configured to support the fixation hardware above the fascia.

Abstract: A percutaneous surgical system includes a plurality of tissue retractors configured to maintain a working space within soft tissue. The tissue retractors include a prong on their inner surfaces for engaging a ring member. The ring member maintains the position of the tissue retractors while also defining a number of channels inside the ring member. In one embodiment, the ring member includes concentric inner and outer walls connected by support walls. The inner wall defines an inner bore for supporting a working channel sleeve for the introduction of working instruments. A plurality of outer channels are defined between the inner, outer and support walls for the introduction of ancillary instruments to the surgical site. A manipulation tool is also provided that engages each tissue retractor for positioning the retractor within the patient.