Abstract: A reconfigurable modular retractor system including a set of interchangeable body modules, the body modules including mechanisms for forming retractors and slot mechanisms for connecting blades, and blades including locking mechanisms for locking inside the slot mechanisms. A method of using the retractor system by forming a retractor by using at least one body module, attaching blades to the body module, inserting the retractor into a surgical area, retracting tissue, removing retraction from the tissue, and removing the retractor.

Abstract: A spine implant system having two or more adjacent segments that have a male-female annular interlocking relationship for increased mechanical stability and resistance to relative translation and rotation. One or more segments is provided with at least one perforation channel or void to promote osteo-induction within the segment. Optionally, two adjacent segments have at least one common or aligned perforation channel or void. Two or more spaced apart portions of a segment surface are optionally chamfered to provide easier fabrication and/or positioning of the segment. Two spaced apart exposed surface planes of an interlocked segment pair optionally are axially oriented at a small positive angle relative to each other, to approximate natural spine curvature. Segments in some embodiments have a curvilinear delta cross sectional shape and/or have crosshatched grooves in exposed surfaces. Many of the embodiments are useful in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

Abstract: An implant insertion device includes a handle, an insertion rod attached to the handle, and an implant gripper attached to the insertion rod. The implant gripper includes a gripping surface that has a movable pin and a fixed pin. The implant insertion device also includes a pin actuator so that the movable pin can be moved into place in an implant. A method of attaching an implant to an implant insertion device is disclosed, as well as a method of detaching an implant from an implant insertion device. Finally, a method of inserting an implant with an implant insertion device is provided.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular retractor system including a set of interchangeable body modules, the body modules including mechanisms for forming retractors and slot mechanisms for connecting blades, and blades including locking mechanisms for locking inside the slot mechanisms. A method of using the retractor system by forming a retractor by using at least one body module, attaching blades to the body module, inserting the retractor into a surgical area, retracting tissue, removing retraction from the tissue, and removing the retractor.

Abstract: An assembly of a gauge block and tool for determining the size and shape of space between two adjacent vertebrae. There are a plurality of gauge blocks of different sizes and shapes for determining the vertebral space for subsequent insertion of a permanent artificial spinal disc. As such, a kit with vertebral gauge blocks is disclosed. A method of providing the assembly is also included herein.

Abstract: An assembly of a gauge block and tool for determining the size and shape of space between two adjacent vertebrae. There are a plurality of gauge blocks of different sizes and shapes for determining the vertebral space for subsequent insertion of a permanent artificial spinal disc. As such, a kit with vertebral gauge blocks is disclosed. A method of providing the assembly is also included herein.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a bone implant body having a superior end face, an inferior end face, and an outer sidewall extending between each end face. There are at least two flat sidewall portions on the outer sidewall to enhance the gripping of a gripping instrument. In a first embodiment, the two flat sidewall portions each have a pin insertion hole, the holes being offset at about a 30 degree angle from each other. In a second embodiment, concentric cuts are included on the superior and inferior end faces. In a third embodiment, radial cuts are included on the superior and inferior end faces. In a fourth embodiment, at least one pin hole on the flat sidewall portions includes stress relief means. Three methods are disclosed of forming an implant by (1) cutting concentric cuts, (2) cutting radial cuts, and (3) cutting both concentric cuts and cutting radial cuts on the superior and inferior end faces.

Abstract: An implant insertion device includes a handle, an insertion rod attached to the handle, and an implant gripper attached to the insertion rod. The implant gripper includes a gripping surface that has a movable pin and a fixed pin. The implant insertion device also includes a pin actuator so that the movable pin can be moved into place in an implant. A method of attaching an implant to an implant insertion device is disclosed, as well as a method of detaching an implant from an implant insertion device. Finally, a method of inserting an implant with an implant insertion device is provided.