Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least a first cavity and a second cavity. The cavities are oriented to implant fasteners in alignment with an oblique surgical pathway relative to a bilateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an anterior portion of an intervertebral space of the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface and includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one cavity that is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. At least one indicia is disposed with the implant body to facilitate orientation of the implant body with the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member engageable with tissue of a substantially posterior portion of an incision relative to a body. A second member is engageable with tissue of a substantially anterior portion of the incision relative to the body. A third member is engageable with tissue of a substantially cephalad portion of the incision relative to the body. The members are disposable in a configuration to space the tissue to define an oblique surgical pathway relative to a bilateral axis of the body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface and includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one cavity that is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. The implant body includes an oblique surface that defines at least one opening disposed in substantial alignment with the at least one cavity. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis and being configured to penetrate tissue. The second end has a first portion having a thread diameter and a core diameter. The second portion has a core diameter less than the core diameter of the first portion. The second portion includes a threaded surface and a substantially even surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone screw and method of inserting the same is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes an awl tip for creating a pilot hole in the pedicle of a vertebra without having to predrill a starter hole. One or more threads located adjacent to the awl tip engage the wall of the pilot hole and draw the screw into the bone, thereby eliminating the need to drill and tap a hole in the bone prior to implantation of the screw.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A motion-sensing mechanism is provided that facilitates numerous aspects of the medical industry. In one aspect, the motion-sensing mechanism is used to track instruments and personnel in a field of view relative to a patient such that the instrument or personnel may be displayed on a heads-up display showing a model of the patient's anatomy. In another aspect, the motion-sensing mechanism makes a reference image of a patient, visitor, or staff such that when the subject of the reference images passes another (or the same) motion-sensing mechanism, the identity of the subject is determined or recognized. In still other aspects, the motion-sensing mechanism monitors motion of a portion of a patient's anatomy and compares the same to an expected motion for diagnostic evaluation of pain generators, physical therapy effectiveness, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a bulge in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus adjacent to a vertebral body of a patient's spine using a repair device including a suture element, a patch element and a bone anchor. A bore is formed through a portion of the vertebral body, including an endplate thereof adjacent to the intervertebral disc. A suture picker is deployed through the bore and the annulus fibrosus, and the suture element is coupled to the suture picker. The suture picker is withdrawn from the bore. The suture element is pulled so as to draw the patch element against the bulge, and continued tension on the suture element urges the patch and the bulged anteriorly so as to re-approximate the natural shape of the annulus fibrosus. The suture element is secured to the vertebral body using the bone anchor.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A bone screw and method of inserting the same is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes an awl tip for creating a pilot hole in the pedicle of a vertebra without having to predrill a starter hole. One or more threads located adjacent to the awl tip engage the wall of the pilot hole and draw the screw into the bone, thereby eliminating the need to drill and tap a hole in the bone prior to implantation of the screw.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a bulge in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus adjacent to a vertebral body of a patient's spine using a repair device including a suture element, a patch element and a bone anchor. A bore is formed through a portion of the vertebral body, including an endplate thereof adjacent to the intervertebral disc. A suture picker is deployed through the bore and the annulus fibrosus, and the suture element is coupled to the suture picker. The suture picker is withdrawn from the bore. The suture element is pulled so as to draw the patch element against the bulge, and continued tension on the suture element urges the patch and the bulged anteriorly so as to re-approximate the natural shape of the annulus fibrosus. The suture element is secured to the vertebral body using the bone anchor.