Abstract: A conical interspinous apparatus comprising: an insertion portion with a proximal end, a distal end, and conical screw-shaped grooves configured to distract two adjacent spinous processes; a shaft portion, coupled to the distal end of the insertion portion, and having a smaller cross-section than a cross-section at the distal end of the insertion portion, such that the two spinous processes rest on the shaft portion; and a clamp portion being movable and securable along the shaft, and being configured to secure the two spinous processes between the clamp portion and the distal end of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw includes a shaft, a body member, and a toroidal member. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis and a proximal end with a head having a generally rounded surface. The body member has a bore disposed longitudinally therethrough and a groove defined by a luminal surface of the bore. The toroidal member has an elliptical cross-section with a major axis and disposed within the groove to engage the generally rounded surface of the head at a point of contact.

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

Abstract: A retractor-based access system for performing minimally invasive spine surgery via an anterior approach. The anterior access system and related methods of the present invention involve a plurality of retractor blades under the control of a single retractor handle apparatus.

Abstract: A conical interspinous apparatus comprising: an insertion portion with a proximal end, a distal end, and conical screw-shaped grooves configured to distract two adjacent spinous processes; a shaft portion, coupled to the distal end of the insertion portion, and having a smaller cross-section than a cross-section at the distal end of the insertion portion, such that the two spinous processes rest on the shaft portion; and a clamp portion being movable and securable along the shaft, and being configured to secure the two spinous processes between the clamp portion and the distal end of the insertion portion.

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

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly 40 and a tissue retraction assembly 10, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes 23 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 15 to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly 10 has a plurality of blades 12, 16, 18 which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor 15 to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade 12, 16, 18 to expand the operative corridor 15 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 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 instrument positioning system, comprising: at least one support; a cross member having at least one curved end portion, the at least one curved end portion being held by the at least one support such that the cross member is rotatable about an axis extending through a center of curvature of the at least one curved end portion of the cross member; and at least one surgical instrument holder suspended from the cross member. A laser alignment system for an image intensifier, comprising: at least one laser source which emits planar laser beams in first and second intersecting planes.

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

Abstract: A system for performing spinal fusion between adjacent cervical vertebrae, including an implant and an introducer system, and related methods.

Abstract: A surgical instrument positioning system, comprising: at least one support; a cross member having at least one curved end portion, the at least one curved end portion being held by the at least one support such that the cross member is rotatable about an axis extending through a center of curvature of the at least one curved end portion of the cross member; and at least one surgical instrument holder suspended from the cross member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for resecting body tissues, and is especially useful in resecting body tissues in a cannulated approach into the patient. A tissue resector comprising a pair of curved cutting elements which are pivotally mounted on a distal end of a tubular member. The curve cutting elements are preferably shaped as sections of a hollow sphere which open and close to resect tissue with cutting elements articulating within the interior diameter of the tubular member. A novel system for resecting tissues wherein the cutting elements do not extend beyond the inner diameter of the tubular member to which they are attached which is inserted into the patient.