Abstract: A spinal fusion system and related methods involve the use of a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction. The spinal fusion implant is particularly suited for introduction into the disc space via a lateral approach to the spine.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites, in particular into the thoracic region of the spine.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: A spinal fusion system and related methods involve the use of a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction. The spinal fusion implant is particularly suited for introduction into the disc space via a lateral approach to the spine.

Abstract: An implant is provided for performing spinal fusion. The implant includes an implant body having a leading side and a trailing side at opposing ends along a longitudinal axis. Between the leading side and trailing side are an upper surface, a lower surface, an anterior side, and a posterior side. At least one keel structure is provided extending from the implant body for penetration into an adjacent vertebral body. A trial sizer and keel cutter may be utilized to form keel channels within the vertebral body to receive the keel structure.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: A surgical access system and related methods which involve the ability to minimally invasively provide an operative corridor to a disk space while simultaneously providing the ability to distract the disk space. The access system comprises a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly. The tissue distraction assembly (in conjunction with one or more elements of the tissue retraction assembly) is capable of, as an initial step, distracting a region of tissue between the skin of the patient and the surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly is capable of, as a secondary step, being introduced into this distracted region to thereby define and establish the operative corridor. Once established, any of a variety of surgical instruments, devices, or implants may be passed through and/or manipulated within the operative corridor depending upon the given surgical procedure.

Abstract: A system for surgically coupling the spinous processes includes a first plate, a second plate, a pair of semi-rigid guide members, and a coupler. The first plate engages with a first lateral side of the spinous processes. The pair of semi-rigid guide members attaches to the first plate for inserting the first plate between the spinous processes. The second plate includes a pair of apertures that slide over the pair of semi-rigid guide members engage a second lateral side of the spinous processes. The coupler couples the first plate and the second plate together.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: A pedicle access system including a cannula, a stylet, and a removable T-handle. The pedicle access system may be used to percutaneously approach the pedicle, initiate pilot hole formation, and conduct a stimulation signal to the target site for the purposes of performing a pedicle integrity assessment during the pilot hole formation. To do this, the cannula and stylet are locked in combination and inserted through an operating corridor to the pedicle target site, using the T-handle to facilitate easy movement and positioning of the cannula/stylet combination. A stimulation signal may be applied during pilot hole formation to conduct the pedicle integrity assessment. In a significant aspect, the T-handle may be detached from the cannula/stylet combination to facilitate the use of various surgical tools as necessary.

Abstract: A spinal fusion system and related methods involve the use of a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction. The spinal fusion implant is particularly suited for introduction into the disc space via a lateral approach to the spine.

Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites, in particular into the thoracic region of the spine.

Abstract: A system for surgically coupling the spinous processes includes a first plate, a second plate, a pair of semi-rigid guide members, and a coupler. The first plate engages with a first lateral side of the spinous processes. The pair of semi-rigid guide members attaches to the first plate for inserting the first plate between the spinous processes. The second plate includes a pair of apertures that slide over the pair of semi-rigid guide members engage a second lateral side of the spinous processes. The coupler couples the first plate and the second plate together.

Abstract: An implant installation device is provided for delivering an implant to a target implantation site including a handle with a first and second arms extending distally therefrom. A translation member extends through the handle such that a distal portion lies between the first arm and second arm while a proximal portion extends beyond the proximal end of the handle. An inserter is coupled at the distal end of the translation member and also lies between the first arm and second arm. With an implant positioned proximate the distal end of the inserter, the distal ends of the arms may be inserted between the pair of vertebrae. The translation member may be operated to drive the inserter distally, which in turn pushes the implant toward the implantation site.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing dynamic pedicle integrity assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.

Abstract: A material delivery apparatus for a bone screw includes an attachment member having a lumen disposed therethrough and adapted to removably attach to the bone screw. The apparatus further includes a delivery cannula fixedly disposed through the lumen and adapted to extend into a central bore of the bone screw for the delivery of material thereinto.

Abstract: An exemplary facet screw for joining a first facet of a first vertebra with a second facet of a second vertebra includes proximal and distal ends. The proximal end includes a threaded region for attachment to the first facet. The distal end includes a non-threaded region with a first configuration that freely inserts into a bore of the second facet and a second configuration that partially interferes with the bore to retain the distal end within the second facet.