Abstract: A method of diagnosing, minimizing symptoms and/or treating the pathology of intervertebral disc degeneration includes introducing a first cannula through a vertebra along an axis of at least one pedicle of the vertebra from a generally posterior to a generally anterior direction and inserting a second cannula within a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula constrained to a relatively straight configuration within at least a portion of the first cannula and assumes a nonlinear or curvilinear geometry external to the first cannula within at least a portion of a vertebral body of the vertebra and away from a longitudinal axis of the first cannula. The method includes forming a channel with the second cannula, the channel extending to or adjacent to a vertebral endplate of the vertebral body in order to create a defect through the vertebral endplate of the vertebra. Related systems, devices, and methods are described.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing, minimizing symptoms and/or treating the pathology of intervertebral disc degeneration includes introducing a first cannula through a vertebra along an axis of at least one pedicle of the vertebra from a generally posterior to a generally anterior direction and inserting a second cannula within a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula constrained to a relatively straight configuration within at least a portion of the first cannula and assumes a nonlinear or curvilinear geometry external to the first cannula within at least a portion of a vertebral body of the vertebra and away from a longitudinal axis of the first cannula. The method includes forming a channel with the second cannula, the channel extending to or adjacent to a vertebral endplate of the vertebral body in order to create a defect through the vertebral endplate of the vertebra. Related systems, devices, and methods are described.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing, minimizing symptoms and/or treating the pathology of intervertebral disc degeneration includes introducing a first cannula through a vertebra along an axis of at least one pedicle of the vertebra from a generally posterior to a generally anterior direction and inserting a second cannula within a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula constrained to a relatively straight configuration within at least a portion of the first cannula and assumes a nonlinear or curvilinear geometry external to the first cannula within at least a portion of a vertebral body of the vertebra and away from a longitudinal axis of the first cannula. The method includes forming a channel with the second cannula, the channel extending to or adjacent to a vertebral endplate of the vertebral body in order to create a defect through the vertebral endplate of the vertebra. Related systems, devices, and methods are described.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to accurately and precisely align a visualized axis with one or more objects in an image field during a procedure using an imager based positioner system attached to an electronic positioning device are described. Specific methods of implanting guide pins into a first pedicle and a second pedicle of a vertebrae of a patient through a lumen of a trocar to a target of interest are also described.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing, minimizing symptoms and/or treating the pathology of intervertebral disc degeneration includes introducing a first cannula through a vertebra along an axis of at least one pedicle of the vertebra from a generally posterior to a generally anterior direction and inserting a second cannula within a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula constrained to a relatively straight configuration within at least a portion of the first cannula and assumes a nonlinear or curvilinear geometry external to the first cannula within at least a portion of a vertebral body of the vertebra and away from a longitudinal axis of the first cannula. The method includes forming a channel with the second cannula, the channel extending to or adjacent to a vertebral endplate of the vertebral body in order to create a defect through the vertebral endplate of the vertebra. Related systems, devices, and methods are described.

Abstract: The disclosed devices and methods relate to fixing (i.e., positioning) a multiaxial reference sensor (e.g., inclinometer(s) and compass sensor) or a mechanical guide to the skeletal anatomy in a known orientation, and then utilizing this reference sensor or mechanical guide to position instrumentation and/or implants with a second multiaxial positioning sensor or via a guide rod that provides spatial positioning information relative to the reference sensor or skeletally fixed references.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a removable tip device, which include a bone penetration feature at a distal end and a securing feature that allows the removable tip device to be removably secured to a distal end of various embodiments of a bone coring device. Some embodiments of the removable tip device include features that assist in transmitting torsional loads from the bone coring device to the bone removal feature. In addition, some embodiments of the removable tip device include a protective element that is configured to provide a protective surface for a distal feature of the bone coring device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a surgical procedures on the spine are described, including a spinal access system. The spinal access system may have a stimulation cannula with a stimulation electrode at a distal end. The stimulation cannula is configured to be advanced along an access path toward a patient's lumbar spine while coupled to a nerve monitoring system configured to detect nerves in the path of the stimulation cannula by stimulating the stimulation electrode at the distal end of the stimulation cannula and monitoring an electrical current level determined after a neuro-muscular onset response is detected via one or more return electrodes positioned on the patient's leg.

Abstract: An anchor device for attaching materials within bone including a body having a distal end region, a proximal end region, and a plurality of struts extending between the distal end region to the proximal end region and at least partially surrounding an interior volume of the body. The anchor device includes an attachment feature positioned within the interior volume of the body and coupled near the distal end region. The attachment feature is configured to secure material to the body. Upon removal of a constraint and after delivery of the anchor device into bone, the body passively transitions from a constrained, delivery configuration that is radially contracted and axially elongated to a relaxed, deployment configuration that is radially expanded and axially shortened.

Abstract: Methods for determining structural integrity of a bone within the spine of a patient, the bone having a first aspect and a second aspect, wherein the second aspect separated from the first aspect by a width and located adjacent to a spinal nerve. The methods involve (a) applying an electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (b) electrically monitoring a muscle myotome associated with the spinal nerve to detect if an onset neuro-muscular response occurs in response to the application of the electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (c) automatically increasing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus to until the onset neuro-muscular response is detected; and (d) communicating to a user via at least one of visual and audible information representing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus which caused the onset neuro-muscular response.

Abstract: Methods and systems are adapted for monitoring, verifying, and/or validating an individual's sensorial responsiveness, cognitive function, as well as compliance with mandatory rest intervals associated with a task, such as commercial truck driving or aircraft piloting. The system includes a sensorial stimulus and response assessment method and related devices, as well as a personal validation device that is specific to an individual and the interval monitored.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing, minimizing symptoms and/or treating the pathology of intervertebral disc degeneration includes introducing a first cannula through a vertebra along an axis of at least one pedicle of the vertebra from a generally posterior to a generally anterior direction and inserting a second cannula within a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula constrained to a relatively straight configuration within at least a portion of the first cannula and assumes a nonlinear or curvilinear geometry external to the first cannula within at least a portion of a vertebral body of the vertebra and away from a longitudinal axis of the first cannula. The method includes forming a channel with the second cannula, the channel extending to or adjacent to a vertebral endplate of the vertebral body in order to create a defect through the vertebral endplate of the vertebra. Related systems, devices, and methods are described.

Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods related to articulating interbody cages. The device includes a caudal plate configured to be positioned adjacent a first vertebral endplate within an intervertebral disc space, a cephalad plate configured to be positioned adjacent a second vertebral endplate within the intervertebral disc space; and a first and second sidewall each rotatably coupled to both the caudal and cephalad plates. At least one of the first and second sidewalls includes a hinge element restricted from achieving an on-center or over-center rotational position around the hinge element upon dimensional expansion of the device in at least a first dimension.

Abstract: The method of fixing soft tissue to bone includes placing an anchor device superficial to a segment of soft tissue superficially juxtaposed to a unicortical blind hole in a bone, the anchor device having a relaxed state characterized by a first outer dimension. The method includes driving the soft tissue segment into the blind hole using the anchor device. The anchor device transiently constricts to a constricted state during insertion through the blind hole, the constricted state characterized by a second outer dimension that is smaller than the first outer dimension. The method includes trapping a portion of the soft tissue segment between a portion of the anchor device and a portion of the bone when at least a portion of the anchor device is disposed sub-cortically and relaxes towards the relaxed state. Related devices, systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: The method includes placing a first guide pin within a sacroiliac joint. The first guide pin is blunt-tipped and flexible such that the first guide pin takes a non-linear course along at least a portion of the sacroiliac joint. The method includes inserting a reamer over the first guide pin. The reamer has a flexible and cannulated shaft configured to follow the non-linear course taken by the first guide pin. The method includes reaming articular soft tissue and periarticular bone from both the ilium and the sacrum using the reamer and collecting reamed material within the shaft, removing the reamer and the reamed material resulting in a non-linear void coursing generally along the at least a portion of the sacroiliac joint, and advancing material into the non-linear void.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a removable tip device, which include a bone penetration feature at a distal end and a securing feature that allows the removable tip device to be removably secured to a distal end of various embodiments of a bone coring device. Some embodiments of the removable tip device include features that assist in transmitting torsional loads from the bone coring device to the bone removal feature. In addition, some embodiments of the removable tip device include a protective element that is configured to provide a protective surface for a distal feature of the bone coring device.

Abstract: A fixation system is described that can be secured to a bony structure, such as a pedicle of a vertebrae. For example, the fixation system can include a pedicle screw and a receiver element. The receiver element can have a pair of upper opposing projections with a first channel formed therebetween and shaped to receive a part of a connecting rod. The receiver element can further include a pair of lower opposing projections with a second channel formed therebetween and shaped to mate with the pedicle screw. The fixation system can further include an expanding element that forms a tubular shape when a compressive force is applied along a plurality of flexible arms of the expanding element. The plurality of flexible arms can be self-expanding and bow radially outward when the compressive force is released.

Abstract: A system for sealing a hole in a body, comprising a generally cylindrical mesh formed from a plurality of helical strands which is inserted into the hole, with at least one end of the cylindrical mesh being moved least partially through an interior portion of the cylindrical shaped mesh such that the mesh expands radially outwards against sides of the hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices (100), systems and methods of use relating to articulating interbody cages. In one aspect, disclosed is an intervertebral device (100) for use in a human spine including an anterior end (104); a posterior end (102); and at least four peripheral walls (22,24,26). The peripheral walls (26) define an interior volume surrounding a midline of the device and include a superior wall (22), an inferior wall (24) and a pair of opposing, generally trapezoidal-shaped sidewalls. Each of the trapezoidal-shaped sidewalls (26) includes an internal hinge element (60) that is rotatable from a first configuration to at least a second configuration such that the device is expandable in first dimension. Each of the internal hinge elements includes an axis that is coplanar with the midline of the device.

Abstract: A system for sealing a hole in a body, comprising a generally cylindrical mesh formed from a plurality of helical strands which is inserted into the hole, with at least one end of the cylindrical mesh being moved least partially through an interior portion of the cylindrical shaped mesh such that the mesh expands radially outwards against sides of the hole.