Abstract: An artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein. In a further form, the device may be provided with a releasable connection so that the device may be connected in an insertion configuration and may be released in an operable configuration. Insertion tools and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Bone plate and bone screw lock systems are provided for use in surgical implants. In a preferred form, the bone plate or other implantable member defines a bore for receiving a bone screw and a recess in communication with the bore. A screw lock operates in the bore at the recess to engage and lock the bone screw against unintentional movement. The preferred screw lock is shifted about the screw between an unlocked position to allow manipulation of the screw and a locked position in which the screw lock grips the head of the screw to prevent movement of the screw. The screw lock preferably has a c-shaped collar configuration with opposing ends and a camming engagement with the plate or other member in the recess. Upon rotation of the screw lock, the camming engagement causes the ends of the collar to either shift toward one another in which the collar compresses about the screw to lock the screw or away from another to unlock the screw head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method to perform 1) disc fusion, 2) artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4) artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the intervertebral space following discectomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an substantially fixed sized mesh loop with a lumen within the mesh loop and a center hole. The mesh loop partially self expands diametrically in diameter upon removal of the introducer sheath and can be further expanded by mechanical means.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are cement products, methods of forming cement using the cement product, and methods of using the cement product in orthopedic and dental applications. Generally, the disclosed cement product includes a first component comprising a polymerizable resin comprising ethylenic unsaturated double bond, a second component comprising a compound comprising more than one type of amine selected from the group consisting of primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines and quaternary amines, and, optionally, the cement product includes a bioactive component to promote bone formation.

Abstract: Disclosed are cement products, methods of forming cement using the cement product, and methods of using the cement product in orthopedic and dental applications. Generally, the disclosed cement product includes a first component comprising a polymerizable resin comprising ethylenic unsaturated double bond, a second component comprising a compound comprising more than one type of amine selected from the group consisting of primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines and quaternary amines, and, optionally, the cement product includes a bioactive component to promote bone formation.

Abstract: A method of securing a spinal rod to a spine includes providing a head portion having a channel extending therethrough for receiving a spinal rod, the channel and the head portion being bounded by a first side wall and a second side wall. The method includes providing a bone fastener depending from the head portion, arranging the spinal rod in the channel of the head portion, and providing a locking cap having first and second portions that are rotatable relative to one another, the second portion of the locking cap having an underside with a recess. The method includes assembling the locking cap with the head portion so that the first portion is between the first and second side walls and so that the recess of the second portion of the locking cap is in contact with the spinal rod.

Abstract: A prosthetic spinal implant having a securing member for fixing the implant relative to an adjacent bone. In one form, the securing member is deployable into a portion of the vertebral space for affixing the implant between the vertebrae. The securing member may be disposed substantially within the body of a bearing member of the implant when the securing member is in an undeployed orientation. In other forms, the securing member is provided separately from the implant such that it may be inserted into the intervertebral space after the implant has been placed in an implanted orientation between the vertebrae. In such forms, the securing member is configured for ease of insertion between an outer bearing surface of the implant and an adjacent bone via linear or rotary motion.

Abstract: A spine stabilization device is provided, the spine stabilization device including an interbody spacer shaped to be inserted between a vertebral body of an upper vertebra and a vertebral body of a lower vertebra, and including a top surface oriented towards the lower endplate of the vertebral body of the upper vertebra and a bottom surface oriented towards the upper endplate of the vertebral body of the lower vertebra; and a fixation device to be inserted after placement of the interbody spacer, the fixation device including a support portion securing the interbody spacer against escaping from between the vertebral bodies of the upper and lower vertebra into a ventral direction, the support portion shaped to rest against a portion of an anterior surface of the interbody spacer, and further including an anchor, the anchor including an anchoring material portion that is configured to be inserted, in a liquid state, into cancellous bone tissue of at least one of the vertebral body of the upper vertebra and of th

Abstract: A device for securing a spinal rod to a spine includes a head adapted to secure the spinal rod, and a locking cap adapted to engage the head and the spinal rod, the locking cap having an unlocked position, an intermediate position, and a locked position. A method of securing the spinal rod to the device includes aligning the spinal rod to a desired position relative to the spine with the locking cap in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. The locking cap has discontinuous opposed engagement flanges that are received within opposed engagement slots of the head portion when the locking cap is rotated into a locked position.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. The locking cap has discontinuous opposed engagement flanges that are received within opposed engagement slots of the head portion when the locking cap is rotated into a locked position.

Abstract: A method of treating a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus. The method includes the steps of accessing and preparing the intervertebral disc for receipt of the biomaterial by removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create a nuclear cavity. A quantity of the curable biomaterial is delivered under pressure to the nuclear cavity. The delivered biomaterial is at least partially cured in such a manner to retain it in the nuclear cavity. The at least partially cured biomaterial is contoured to achieve a desired conformation approximating that of the nuclear cavity.

Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra.

Abstract: A method of securing a spinal rod includes providing a head portion having a channel extending therethrough, providing a bone fastener depending from the head portion, arranging the spinal rod in the channel, and providing a locking cap including an upper portion and a lower portion that are rotatably coupled together, the lower portion having an elongated recess. The method includes assembling the locking cap with the head portion so that the recess is in contact with the spinal rod and so that the upper portion overlies the lower portion, and after the assembling step and while maintaining the recess in contact with the spinal rod, rotating the upper portion of the locking cap relative to both the head portion and the lower portion of the locking cap for securing the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method which may be used to reinforce the native annulus during spinal surgery. The device is a catheter based device which is placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy performed by either traditional surgical or endoscopic approaches. The distal end of the catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end, such proximal end remaining external to the body. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end, similar to a snake eating its own tail. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The expansile loop then uses an attachment means to secure it to substantially healthy tissues of the annulus, nucleus, or endplates.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating bones having bone marrow therein, or other targeted anatomical locations, including bones that are weakened, suffering from or prone to fracture and/or disease. The disclosed devices desirably prepare the targeted anatomical site for a flow of filling/stabilizing and/or therapeutic material, and then provide for control of the flow of material within the targeted anatomical site, measure the volume of material delivered to the site of interest, and prevent the placement of materials in unintended locations. Once material has been delivered, some or all of the flow control devices can be removed from the targeted anatomical site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the inter-vertebral space following diskectomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an expandable continuous mesh loop that has a torus configuration with a lumen within the mesh loop and a center hole. The mesh loop can be diametrically increased or contracted in diameter by the control element acting on the mesh loop. The mesh loop may be formed of a woven or braided material from a polymer such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), nylon, polyurethane, polyester polyethylene, polypropylene or any other biocompatible polymers, or formed from a metallic braid of stainless steel, elgiloy, Nitinol, or any other biocompatible metals.