Abstract: Minimally-invasive portal systems and methods for performing lumbar decompression, instrumented fusion/stabilization, and the like. In some implementations, an access tube defining a depth may be disposed at least partially within the body of a patient. A cross-sectional area of the access tube may be adjusted in one or more dimensions. One or more retractor devices may be positioned at least substantially concentrically within the access tube and then secured to the access tube in a fixed position.

Abstract: Minimally-invasive portal systems and methods for performing lumbar decompression, instrumented fusion/stabilization, and the like. In some implementations, an access tube defining a depth may be disposed at least partially within the body of a patient. A cross-sectional area of the access tube may be adjusted in one or more dimensions. One or more retractor devices may be positioned at least substantially concentrically within the access tube and then secured to the access tube in a fixed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally-invasive portal system for performing lumbar decompression, instrumented fusion/stabilization, and the like. The minimally-invasive portal system utilizes an access tube having an adjustable cross-sectional area and one or more retractor devices each having a first portion and a second portion aligned at a predetermined angle relative to the first portion, wherein the first portion of each of the one or more retractor devices is disposed substantially concentrically with the access tube, and wherein the second portion of each of the one or more retractor devices protrudes substantially beyond a bottom portion of the access tube. The minimally-invasive portal system also utilizes a plurality of adjustment mechanisms for selectively adjusting the cross-sectional area of the access tube and one or more retaining clips for securing the one or more retractor devices to the access tube in a fixed position.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices of the present invention may be inserted through conventional open procedures, typically requiring a relatively large incision and a general anesthetic, or through novel minimally-invasive procedures, typically requiring only a local anesthetic. These novel minimally-invasive procedures and related enabling devices are also disclosed and described herein.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices of the present invention may be inserted through conventional open procedures, typically requiring a relatively large incision and a general anesthetic, or through novel minimally-invasive procedures, typically requiring only a local anesthetic. These novel minimally-invasive procedures and related enabling devices are also disclosed and described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a minimally-invasive portal system for performing lumbar decompression, instrumented fusion/stabilization, and the like. The minimally-invasive portal system utilizes an access tube having an adjustable cross-sectional area and one or more retractor devices each having a first portion and a second portion aligned at a predetermined angle relative to the first portion, wherein the first portion of each of the one or more retractor devices is disposed substantially concentrically with the access tube, and wherein the second portion of each of the one or more retractor devices protrudes substantially beyond a bottom portion of the access tube. The minimally-invasive portal system also utilizes a plurality of adjustment mechanisms for selectively adjusting the cross-sectional area of the access tube and one or more retaining clips for securing the one or more retractor devices to the access tube in a fixed position.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices of the present invention may be inserted through conventional open procedures, typically requiring a relatively large incision and a general anesthetic, or through novel minimally-invasive procedures, typically requiring only a local anesthetic. These novel minimally-invasive procedures and related enabling devices are also disclosed and described herein.