Abstract: A minimally invasive nucleus pulposus augmentation or replacement methods and devices are disclosed. The method relates to insertion of nucleus pulposus augmentation or replacement materials help maintain disc height and promote regeneration of the native nucleus pulposus structure.

Abstract: A minimally invasive spinal disc defect repair method is disclosed. The method relates to insertion of disc defect repair materials that are substantially two-dimensionally shaped and which allow for insertion and preferably self retention within the disc defect with plugging of the annulus fibrosis.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device includes a body having a proximal portion along a major axis of the body and a distal portion along the major axis, and supporting means at the distal portion. The supporting means supports vertebrae in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse. At least one of the body and the supporting means has a height distinct from a width, whereby the body or supporting means can distract vertebrae, between which the body or the supporting means has been placed, by rotation of the body or the supporting means about the major axis. A method of fusing vertebrae includes the steps of inserting between two vertebrae an intervertebral fusion device and rotating the body or the supporting means, whereby the vertebrae are supported in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system having an elongate rod and a polyaxial screw having a groove therein, wherein the rod is slidably received within the groove of the polyaxial screw.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and compositions for treating pathological intervertebral discs comprising the step of delivering an agent that causes chemical crosslinking of the native molecular components of the disc. Supplemental materials which are susceptible to crosslinking by the aforementioned agent are optionally delivered to the disc in order to increase and maintain disc height.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injecting a cycline compound into a diseased intervertebral disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to trans-capsularly administering into a diseased joint a high specificity antagonist selected from the group consisting of: i) an inhibitor of a pro-inflammatory interleukin; ii) an inhibitor of TNF-? synthesis; iii) an inhibitor of membrane-bound TNF-?; iv) an inhibitor of a natural receptor of TNF-?; v) an inhibitor of NO synthase, vi) an inhibitor of PLA2 enzyme; vii) an anti-proliferative agent; viii) an anti-oxidant; ix) an apoptosis inhibitor selected from the group consisting of EPO mimetic peptides, EPO mimetibodies, IGF-I, IGF-II, and caspase inhibitors, and x) an inhibitor of MMPs; and xi) an inhibitor of p38 kinase.

Abstract: A locking cap assembly for locking a spinal fixation element to a spinal fixation element receiving body includes an outer and inner locking element. The outer locking element has a proximal mating element, and a engagement element formed on the inner surface adjacent the distal end for engaging a spinal fixation element receiving body so as to close the spinal fixation element to the spinal fixation element receiving body upon tightening. The inner locking element has a deformable spinal fixation element contacting ring disposed on its distal end and a proximal mating element on its proximal end rotatably mated to the outer locking element proximal mating element so that the inner locking element is rotatably mounted within the outer locking element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating an intervertebral disc comprising locally identifying a pathologic tissue site and therapeutically treating the identified site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injecting a high specificity p38 kinase inhibitor into a diseased intervertebral disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to administering autologous uncultured cells into a diseased intervertebral disc.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injecting a high affinity antagonist of MMPs into a diseased intervertebral disc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and compositions for treating pathological intervertebral discs comprising the step of delivering an agent that causes chemical crosslinking of the native molecular components of the disc. Supplemental materials which are susceptible to crosslinking by the aforementioned agent are optionally delivered to the disc in order to increase and maintain disc height.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device, a method of making the intervertebral fusion device, and a method of using the intervertebral fusion device to promote fusion between two consecutive vertebrae in a patient is described. The intervertebral fusion device has an intervertebral fusion cage that has a load bearing wall, and a porous matrix adjacent to the load bearing wall. The load bearing wall of the fusion cage has a greater density than the internal porous matrix. The open pores of the porous matrix define an inner surface to which one or more agents that promote bone growth are attached.

Abstract: A spinal fixation assembly is provided including a fusion cage with posterior, anterior, superior, and inferior faces, and a plate having at least one aperture for receiving a bone screw and having a mating element adapted to slidably engage and mate to the anterior face of the fusion cage. The cage is adapted to be positioned between adjacent vertebrae, and the plate is effective to mate to the cage and to receive one or more bone screws to fasten the plate and secure the fusion cage to the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A locking cap assembly for locking a spinal fixation element to a spinal fixation element receiving body includes an outer and inner locking element. The outer locking element has a proximal mating element, and a engagement element formed on the inner surface adjacent the distal end for engaging a spinal fixation element receiving body so as to close the spinal fixation element to the spinal fixation element receiving body upon tightening. The inner locking element has a deformable spinal fixation element contacting ring disposed on its distal end and a proximal mating element on its proximal end rotatably mated to the outer locking element proximal mating element so that the inner locking element is rotatably mounted within the outer locking element.

Abstract: A transverse connector for a spinal column corrective device for interconnecting two components connectable with vertebrae of a spinal column includes a first member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the first component, a second member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the second component, and a clamp extending between the first and second member body portions, the clamp being movable into a tightened position to lock the first and second members into position relative to one another, and a loosened position to permit adjustment of the position of the first and second members relative to one another. The first and second member body portions having mating retaining surfaces to prevent relative movement between the first and second members when the clamp is in the tightened position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spinal facet joint ligament.

Abstract: An annular nucleus pulposus replacement device having a large central cavity.