Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can includes an implant having a spacer with an expandable portion. An insert can be positioned within a groove of the spacer to distract the expandable portion away from the main portion of the spacer. The expandable portion can optionally include a grip that can at least partially deform to conform to a contour of a spinous process to provide a frictional grip to prevent the implant from shifting position. Implants in accordance with the present invention can also include a binder that can be arranged around the adjacent spinous processes to limit flexion movement.

Abstract: A surgical implantation tool and method is provided for implanting a dynamic bone anchor into a vertebra. The tool has an internal bore in which the deflectable post fits and a socket which engages the bone anchor. A quick release mechanism secures the deflectable post in the bore so that the bone anchor and implantation tool are held together during implantation. The implantation tool is sized to fit through a cannula to the operative site to allow minimally invasive implantation of the dynamic bone anchor.

Abstract: A versatile offset connector for connecting components of a dynamic stabilization system which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. Alternative embodiments can be used for spine fusion. Embodiments of the dynamic stabilization system have an anchor system, a deflection system, a vertical rod system and a connection system. The anchor system anchors the construct to the spinal anatomy. The deflection system provides dynamic stabilization while reducing the stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The connection system includes coaxial connectors and offset connectors which adjustably connect the deflection system, vertical rod system and anchor system allowing for appropriate, efficient and convenient placement of the anchor system relative to the spine.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes a deflection rod system implant. The system is modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes a deflection rod system implant. The system is modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A spinal implant system includes at each spinal level a flexible horizontal rod to which are mounted two opposing clamps. The clamps wrap around the facets of a vertebra to secure the horizontal rod to the vertebra. A stiff vertical connector system connects the flexible horizontal rod secured at one level of the spine to a flexible horizontal rod secured at an adjacent level of the spine. The vertical connector system is spaced along the flexible horizontal rod away from the opposing clamps. The flexible horizontal rods are preferably made of PEEK or Nitinol. The opposing clamps and vertical connector system are preferably made of titanium or stainless steel. Bending of the flexible horizontal rod permits movement of the opposing clamps relative to the vertical rod. The spinal implant system thereby provides for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation of the spine.

Abstract: A bone anchor comprising a self-centering ball-joint suitable for use in a spine stabilization prosthesis which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The bone anchor has a deflectable ball-rod partially received in a socket of a housing formed in the head of the bone anchor. A centering rod received partially in the ball-rod and partially within the housing operates to align the ball-rod with the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. Deflection of the ball-rod bends the centering rod which in turn applies a restoring force upon the ball-rod.

Abstract: A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the spinous processes distracted and the hook members about the spinous processes, the hook members can be rigidly secured to a hub in order to rigidly affix the spinous processes about the spacer. The rigidity between the spinous processes assures that the vertebral bodies will be held rigidly in place in order to promote bone growth and fusion. Further additional freedom of movement between the spacer and hub is accomplished with the spacer being pivotably mounted relative to the hub. The hooks have a tissue distracting lead-in guide for allowing the hooks to be easily urged between spinous processes.

Abstract: A configurable dynamic spinal rod for connecting levels of a dynamic stabilization system to support the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. Embodiments of the dynamic stabilization system have an anchor system, a deflection system, a vertical rod system and a connection system. The deflection system provides dynamic stabilization and load-sharing. The dynamic spinal rod connects different levels of the construct in a multilevel construct. The dynamic spinal rod cooperates with the deflection system to further reduce stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. A configurable lock is provided which can selectably lock an angle between the dynamic spinal rod and a dynamic bone anchor.

Abstract: Versatile polyaxial connector assemblies are provided for a dynamic stabilization system which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. Embodiments of the dynamic stabilization system include versatile polyaxial connectors in addition to bone anchors, a deflection system and a vertical rod system. The bone anchors connect the construct to the spinal anatomy. The deflection system provides dynamic stabilization while reducing the stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The vertical rod system spans different levels of the construct. The versatile polyaxial connectors include connectors mounted coaxially and/or offset with the bone anchors to adjustably connect the deflection system, vertical rod system and bone anchors allowing for safe, effective and efficient placement of the construct relative to the spine.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an implant comprising a spacer for defining a minimum space between adjacent spinous processes, a distraction guide for piercing and distracting an interspinous ligament during implantation, and a binder for limiting or preventing flexion motion of the targeted motion segment. The binder can be secured to a brace associated with the implant during implantation by a capture device. A binder aligner aligns the binder with the implant stabilizing the implant, binder and the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A dynamic spine stabilization component suitable for use in stabilizing of the spine. The component is selectably attachable to a bone anchor for implantation in a bone of the spine. The dynamic spinal stabilization component includes a deflectable post connectable to a bone anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a compliant member. The force/deflection properties of the deflectable post may be adapted to the functional requirements and anatomy of the patient. The dynamic spinal stabilization component, when secured to a bone anchor, provides load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchor and spinal anatomy.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization component suitable for use in stabilizing of the spine. The component is selectably attachable to a bone anchor for implantation in a bone of the spine. The dynamic spinal stabilization component includes a deflectable post connectable by a joint to bone anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a compliant member. The force/deflection properties of the deflectable post may be adapted to the functional requirements and anatomy of the patient. The dynamic spinal stabilization component, when secured to a bone anchor, provide load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the spinous processes distracted and the hook members about the spinous processes, the hook members can be rigidly secured to a hub in order to rigidly affix the spinous processes about the spacer. The rigidity between the spinous processes assures that the vertebral bodies will be held rigidly in place in order to promote bone growth and fusion. Further additional freedom of movement between the spacer and hub is accomplished with the spacer being pivotably mounted relative to the hub. The hooks have a tissue distracting lead-in guide for allowing the hooks to be easily urged between spinous processes.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.