Abstract: A system for the treatment of a spine generally comprises an implant and an attachment device for securing the implant to a portion of a patient's bone. A first portion of the attachment device is sized for insertion into a hole in the bone, and a second portion of the attachment device is configured to be received in an opening of the implant. The first portion comprises a biocompatible material defined by a network of interconnected pores configured promote bone growth into the first portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.

Abstract: A device for treating a vertebral body may include a hollow device made from a permeable fabric and having at least one opening for introducing bone treatment material into the device. Introduction of the bone treatment material may cause the bone treatment material to permeate through the permeable fabric of the device.

Abstract: An implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, the implant includes a stabilizing body expandable along a longitudinal axis from a first size state to a second size state. A cavity is defined in the stabilizing body for receiving a quantity of curable filler material sufficient to expand the stabilizing body from the first size state to the second size state. The implant further includes an attachment member for attaching the stabilizing body to the adjacent vertebrae. The stabilizing body is expandable along an arcuate axis to exert a restoring moment of movement on the attached vertebrae.

Abstract: A device for facilitating bone fusion of two vertebrae. The device is sized and shaped to at least extend between the two vertebrae to be fused, and includes an outer wall member disposed about an inner portion. A space between the outer wall member and the inner compartment is adapted to contain an osteogenic bone fusion material. The inner portion includes a compartment adapted to contain an inner fill material, such as a bone cement or an in situ curable polymer. The inner portion may operate as a structural member to maintain a desired amount of spacing between the vertebrae to be fused, and to support the spinal column prior to formation of the fused bone joint. The device is also configured to locate the osteogenic material away from the centers of the vertebrae to be fused, providing a fused joint with high bending and torsional rigidity.

Abstract: The present invention provides various interspinous vertebral implants and methods for using the same for dynamic stabilization of spine. The interspinous vertebral implants of the present invention comprises a resiliently compressible body that is adapted for position between adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes, and an anchoring member that is affixed to the superior and the inferior spinous processes posterior to the resiliently compressible body. The anchoring member provides a compressive force while the resiliently compressible body provides a distraction. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the combination of the distraction and compressive forces created by interspinous vertebral implants of the present invention results in a rotational moment, which alleviates compression on the intervertebral disk.

Abstract: An artificial disc includes a top vertebra-attachment portion and a lower spacer support connected to the top vertebra-attachment portion; a bottom vertebra-attachment portion and an upper spacer support connected to the bottom vertebra-attachment portion. The spacer supports are disposed between the vertebra-attachment portions, and the lower spacer support is disposed between the bottom vertebra-attachment portion and the upper spacer support. The disc further includes a first elastic spacer positioned between the spacer supports for compressively resisting tensile loading of the disc; and a second spacer disposed between the bottom vertebra-attachment portion and the lower spacer support or between the top vertebra-attachment portion and the upper spacer support for compressively resisting compressive loading of the disc.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a motion segment of the spine. A posterior incision is formed lateral to a spinous process of the spine. A length and width of the incision is stretched. A portal having a sleeve portion defining an open inner area is inserted into the incision. The pedicles are exposed through the inner area of the portal. Bone-engaging members are attached to adjacent pedicles with a gap therebetween. A cord is attached to a first of the bone-engaging members. A spacer is advanced over the cord into the gap between the bone-engaging members. The cord is tensioned and attached to the other of the bone-engaging members.

Abstract: A method and associated system of implanting a vertebral anchor such as a pedicle screw assembly includes the steps of implanting a number of pedicle screws into a series of vertebrae; attaching a number of provisional posts to respective pedicle screws, each provisional post including a provisional saddle; bending a rod to conform to a desired alignment of the provisional saddles; removing the provisional posts from the pedicle screw heads; and connecting the bent rod to the pedicle screw heads. Advantageously, the method allows external fitting and sizing of a fixation rod before it is implanted and secured to the vertebral anchors via a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides intervertebral disc nucleus inserts that may fully or partially replace the natural, or native, intervertebral nucleus. The present invention may include a hydrogel bag outer body that includes an interior cavity for introducing a spiral implant device. The hydrogel bag may be introduced through a cannula into the intervertebral space after a cavity of a desired shape and size has been cleared. The combination of the spiral implant resting configuration and the hydrogel bag substantially fills the cavity. The combination of the spiral implant and the hydrogel bag may improve upon 1) implant expulsion or extrusion; 2) implant sizing; 3) implant conformity; and 4) reduction or prevention of bone edema. In further embodiments the hydrogel bag may include an inner and outer layer or two complimentary bags joined into one structure to better distribute the load between the vertebral endplates.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for conducting surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner. The invention includes a guide frame for the insertion of surgical instruments with a high degree of accuracy. For example, a guide needle may be inserted into the pedicle of the spine of a patient wherein the angle in a plane transverse to the spine and in a parasagittal plane may be accurately selected. The present invention also includes apparatuses and methods for accessing screws and anchors already implanted into the spine in a minimally invasive manner. Once the screws or anchors are accessed, the apparatus and method may be used to implant various therapeutic devices, including wires, cords, etc., between the screws and anchors.

Abstract: The present invention is related to spinal stabilization devices. More particularly, this invention relates to devices for addressing back pain originating in the facet joints and the spinous processes of the vertebrae. One embodiment of the present invention includes a substantially T-shaped facet implant for insertion between the facets of two successive vertebrae after a desired amount of the articulating surfaces have been resected. The long and flat portion of the T-shaped facet implant is inserted in between the facets and then the wings of the T-shape, also called fixation tabs, are secured to the spine to secure the facet implant into place. The T-shape implant may also be a part of a spinal stabilization system that includes a facet implant, a spinous process spacer, and a flexible connecting member securing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides an injectable annular ring useful in treating a deteriorating spinal disc. When used, the annular ring may be collapsed or folded in order for it to be placed through a small opening in a prepared intervertebral space within the annulus using minimally invasive techniques. Deployment or unfolding the ring in the intervertebral space provides an interior cavity bordered by the ring that is in direct contact with the vertebral endplates. When an internal volume of the ring is inject or filled with a load-bearing, hardenable material, the filled ring maintains the intervertebral spacing and prevents the ring from being expelled from the interior cavity through the small annular opening.

Abstract: A light is provided for a surgical retractor.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing and/or strengthening pelvic floor muscles includes an external casing having two separate pieces threaded or snap fit together, and a set of inserts having different weights being individually positioned in the external casing.