Abstract: A method includes inserting a bone fixation device into a patient's body. The bone fixation device includes a first member and a second member movably coupled to the first member. A passageway is defined within a bone tissue after the bone fixation device is inserted and while the bone fixation device is disposed within the patient's body. At least a portion of the first member of the bone fixation device is disposed within the bone tissue along the passageway. The second member of the bone fixation device is moved relative to the first member of the bone fixation device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and methods of use thereof are provided for supporting a structure. The structure supported can include a bony structure. The device is comprised of a support element having a top portion, a bottom portion having a bottom surface and one or more apertures passing therethrough. The bottom surface of the support element includes a receiver configured to receive a plurality of anchor assemblies. Each of the anchor assemblies includes a means for locking the anchor assembly to the support element, and a base having a head and a means for locking the base to the anchor assembly. When assembled, the head of the base for the anchor assembly may not pass through the support element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling a first implant to a pedicle of a first vertebra of a spinal column such that at least a portion of the first implant is disposed between a first spinous process and a second spinous process of the spinal column. A second implant is coupled to a pedicle of a second vertebra of the spinal column. At least a portion of an outer surface of the first implant is configured to contact at least a portion of an outer surface of the second implant when the spinal column is in extension. The outer surface of the first implant and the outer surface of the second implant being at a spaced distance from each other when the spinal column is in flexion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection having a tapered end portion configured to be inserted percutaneously through tissue. A measurement member is coupled to the projection and is configured to indicate a distance between adjacent anatomical structures. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement member configured to be percutaneously inserted between adjacent anatomical structures. The measurement member includes a wedge portion that is configured to contact the adjacent anatomical structures when the measurement member is moved distally between the adjacent anatomical structures. A size indicator is coupled to the wedge portion. The size indicator has a plurality of markings and is configured to be viewed on an image of the adjacent anatomical structures with the wedge portion of the measurement member disposed between the adjacent anatomical structures to indicate a distance between the adjacent anatomical structures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing selected tissue are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first cutting element including a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end and a second cutting element including a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end of the second cutting element. The second cutting element is positioned relative to the first cutting element such that the cutting edge of the first cutting element and the cutting edge of the second cutting element cooperatively produce a shear force on a region of an object when the first cutting element moves in a first direction and the second cutting element moves in a second direction, different from the first direction. The second cutting element defines a conduit configured to convey a fluid from the region of the object.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling a first C-shaped implant to a first spinous process. A second C-shaped implant is coupled to an adjacent second spinous process of the spinal column. At least a portion of an outer surface of the first implant is configured to contact at least a portion of an outer surface of the second implant when the spinal column is in extension. The outer surface of the first implant and the outer surface of the second implant being at a spaced distance from each other when the spinal column is in flexion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes disposing an implant adjacent a side of a spinous process. A first portion of the implant is placed over a top side of the spinous process in a lateral direction. A second portion of the implant is placed under a bottom side of the spinous process in a lateral direction such that at least a portion of the spinous process is disposed within an interior region defined by the implant. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an implant configured to be coupled to a spinous process. The implant has an outer surface configured to contact at least one of a second implant or an interspinous-process spacer. A closure member is coupled to the implant and has an open configuration and a closed configuration to secure the implant to the spinous process.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes expanding an expandable member to move a tissue portion and form a cavity within an interior of a bone-related structure. At least a portion of the cavity is filled with a filler material while simultaneously withdrawing a medium from the expandable member at a predefined ratio such that the tissue portion substantially maintains its moved position. In some embodiments, the predefined ratio is 1:1. In another embodiment, a method includes expanding an expandable member to move a tissue portion and form a cavity within an interior of an intervertebral disc. At least a portion of the cavity is filled with a filler material while substantially maintaining the moved position of the tissue portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes inserting an expandable member into an interior of a bone-related structure. The expandable member defines a first and second lumen. A medium is delivered through the first lumen and into the interior of the expandable member while within the interior of the bone-related structure. A filler material is delivered through the second lumen and into a cavity within the interior of the bone-related structure while the expandable member is disposed therein. An apparatus can include an expandable member that defines a first lumen in fluid communication with an interior volume of the expandable member, and a second lumen in fluid communication with an opening of the expandable member. The second lumen is configured to communicate a filler material through the opening and into an interior cavity of a bone-related structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection having a tapered end portion configured to be inserted percutaneously through tissue. A measurement member is coupled to the projection and is configured to indicate a distance between adjacent anatomical structures. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement member configured to be percutaneously inserted between adjacent anatomical structures. The measurement member includes a wedge portion that is configured to contact the adjacent anatomical structures when the measurement member is moved distally between the adjacent anatomical structures. A size indicator is coupled to the wedge portion. The size indicator has a plurality of markings and is configured to be viewed on an image of the adjacent anatomical structures with the wedge portion of the measurement member disposed between the adjacent anatomical structures to indicate a distance between the adjacent anatomical structures.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a guide shaft, an expansion member coupled to the guide shaft, and an actuator. The expansion member is configured to impart a force from within an interior of an implant to deform the implant. The actuator is coupled to the expansion member, the actuator is configured to move the expansion member from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection having a tapered end portion configured to be inserted percutaneously through tissue. A measurement member is coupled to the projection and is configured to indicate a distance between adjacent anatomical structures. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement member configured to be percutaneously inserted between adjacent anatomical structures. The measurement member includes a wedge portion that is configured to contact the adjacent anatomical structures when the measurement member is moved distally between the adjacent anatomical structures. A size indicator is coupled to the wedge portion. The size indicator has a plurality of markings and is configured to be viewed on an image of the adjacent anatomical structures with the wedge portion of the measurement member disposed between the adjacent anatomical structures to indicate a distance between the adjacent anatomical structures.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support member having an outer surface configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes and a retention member rotatably coupled to the support member. A first end portion of the retention member is spaced apart from the outer surface by a first distance along an axis substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the support member when the outer surface is disposed between the adjacent spinous processes. A second end portion of the retention member is spaced apart from the outer surface by a second distance along the axis substantially normal to the longitudinal axis when the outer surface is disposed between the adjacent spinous processes. The first end portion of the retention member and the second end portion of the retention member are configured to cooperatively limit movement of the support member relative to the adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: Apparatuses for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one example, an apparatus includes an outer body that defines an opening at a distal end, and a cutting portion disposed at an edge of the opening. An inner body is movably disposed within the outer body and defines an opening at a distal end. The outer body and the inner body collectively have a first configuration in which the opening on the outer body is substantially aligned with the opening on the inner body and the opening on the outer body is configured to receive a portion of a tissue, and a second configuration in which the opening on the outer body and the opening on the inner body are substantially misaligned and the cutting portion on the outer body is configured to sever the portion of the tissue from a remaining portion of the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one example, an apparatus includes an elongate body that has a deformable distal portion and defines a lumen, the lumen extends through the deformable distal portion. The deformable distal portion has a cutting portion and defines an opening. The elongate body has a first configuration in which the opening is a first size and a second configuration in which the opening is a second size smaller than the first size of the opening. The elongate body in the first configuration is configured to be percutaneously inserted at least partially into a tissue such that at least a portion of the tissue is disposed within the lumen. The elongate body is configured to move to the second configuration when the elongate body reaches a threshold temperature while inserted in the tissue.

Abstract: A method includes percutaneously disposing an implant in a first configuration between adjacent spinous processes, the outermost surface of the implant being uniform and defining a first diameter in the first configuration, the implant being coupled to an expansion tool, moving a distal portion of the implant such that the implant is in a second configuration, the distal portion of the implant having a profile defining a second diameter when the implant is in its second configuration, and moving a proximal portion of the implant such that the implant is in a third configuration, the proximal portion of the implant having a profile defining a third diameter when the implant is in its third configuration, the second diameter and the third diameter being greater than the first diameter.