Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluidly coupling a reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial to a mold. The flow of the flowable biomaterial into the mold is controlled in accordance with a first operating parameter. At least one injection condition is monitored. The flow of the flowable biomaterial is controlled in accordance with a second operating parameter in response to one or more of the injection conditions reaching a threshold level. The second operating parameter is maintained during at least a portion of the curing of the flowable biomaterial. In some embodiments, the second operating parameter may optionally include permitting a portion of the flowable biomaterial to be expelled from the mold.

Abstract: An instrument for separating adjacent vertebrae includes a handle assembly and a distal portion at a distal end of the handle assembly. The distal portion includes first and second members movable from an unexpanded configuration for insertion in the disc space toward an expanded configuration to separate the vertebrae. A cutting member of a cutting instrument can be guided by the instrument to prepare the vertebrae for engagement with an implant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate (7) that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node (8a) and a pair of lower nodes (9a, 10a). The upper node (8a) has a hole (8) through the plate (7) to receive a screw (11) for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes (9a, 10a) each include a hole (9,10) through the plate (7) to receive screws (12, 13) for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate (7) having a retaining element (32) for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate (9). Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for lateral insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first laterally-extending flange for engaging a first vertebra from a lateral approach to the first vertebra, the first component having a first articular surface. The prosthetic device further includes a second component having a second laterally-extending flange for engaging a second vertebra from a lateral approach to the second vertebra, the second component having a second articular surface for cooperating with the first articular surface to permit articulating motion between the first and second components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node and a pair of lower nodes. The upper node has a hole through the plate to receive a screw for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes each include a hole through the plate to receive screws for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate having a retaining element for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate. Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for transforaminal insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first curved flange for engaging a first vertebra from a transforaminal approach, the first component having a first articular surface, and a second component having a second curved flange for engaging a second vertebra from a transforaminal approach, the second component having a second articular surface for cooperating with the first articular surface to permit articulating motion between the first and second components.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for anterior-oblique insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first flange for engaging a first vertebra from an anterior-oblique approach, the first flange being angled relative to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the first component, and a second component having a second flange for engaging a second vertebra from an anterior-oblique approach, the second flange being angled relative to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the second component, and wherein the first and second components cooperate to permit articulating motion between the first and second components.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for insertion into a spondylosed intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first flange for longitudinally engaging a first vertebra during longitudinal insertion therein, and a second component having a second flange for longitudinally engaging a second vertebra during longitudinal insertion therein. One of the first and second components comprises a projection and the other of the first and second components comprises a recess, the projection and recess being adapted to engage one another. One of the projection and the recess are offset relative to the other of the projection and the recess to accommodate the spondylosed relationship between the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: A method for correcting spondylolisthesis from the lateral approach is provided in which a pair of insertion members are inserted laterally into upper and lower vertebrae, a connecting member is affixed to the insertion members, and a rotating force is applied to the connecting member to encourage the upper and lower vertebrae into a desired position relative to one another.

Abstract: An assembly for aligning a prosthetic device for insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The assembly includes an alignment instrument, a first clamp assembly slidably engaged with the alignment instrument, a second clamp assembly slidably engaged with the first clamp assembly, and an implantation device slidably engaged with the second clamp assembly, the implantation device being adapted to retain a prosthetic device thereon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node and a pair of lower nodes. The upper node has a hole through the plate to receive a screw for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes each include a hole through the plate to receive screws for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate having a retaining element for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate. Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.

Abstract: A plating system for stabilization of a bony segment includes a plate engageable to at least first and second bony elements. For spinal stabilization, the plate is attached at least to first and second vertebrae with at least one bone fastener in each vertebra. Retaining members are attachable to the plate to prevent the bone fasteners from backing out of the plate. One retaining member is a variable retaining member that allows the bone fasteners to toggle in the plate without interference. A second retaining member is a fixed retaining member that fixes the bone fasteners relative to the plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate (7) that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node (8a) and a pair of lower nodes (9a, 10a). The upper node (8a) has a hole (8) through the plate (7) to receive a screw (11) for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes (9a, 10a) each include a hole (9,10) through the plate (7) to receive screws (12, 13) for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate (7) having a retaining element (32) for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate (9). Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node and a pair of lower nodes. The upper node has a hole through the plate to receive a screw for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes each include a hole through the plate to receive screws for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate having a retaining element for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate. Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage has an externally threaded stem projecting from a domed outer end. A contoured plate is provided with an aperture receivable on the stem. The stem threads receive a nut to fix the plate to the cage. Bone screws anchor the plate to vertebral bodies. A hemispherical surface on the plate and surrounding the stem-receiving aperture and bearing on the dome, accommodates universal angulation of the plate relative to the cage. In addition to a cage installation tool, there is a plate installation tool assembly including a cage installer, a plate holder, a nut holder and cage adjuster, a nut driver, and a plate holding prong controller.