Abstract: A surgical navigation method utilizing a computer system. The method includes the steps of: (a) fixing a camera relative to a surgical site on a patient such that the camera does not move relative to the surgical site; (b) restraining the body portion of the patient which includes the surgical site relative to an operating table supporting the patient, such that the body portion does not move relative to the operating table; and (c) detecting with the camera the position of a medical instrument having a tracker array.

Abstract: A cannulated surgical instrument having a cannula lock configured to selectively lock and unlock a guidewire extending into the instrument's cannula. The instrument includes a cannulated shaft having a cannulated driving member attached to a proximal end of the cannulated shaft. The cannula lock is configured to selectively move between (i) a locked position where the guidewire is engaged and cannot move axially with respect to the cannula, and (ii) an unlocked position where the guidewire is disengaged and can move axially with respect to the cannula.

Abstract: An extender includes a first arm defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first extension and a second extension. The first extension includes an outer surface and a projection extending from the outer surface, the projection including a ramp and a first locking element. The first extension includes an inner surface defining a longitudinal cavity. The projection is transversely moveable between a first configuration such that the projection extends beyond the outer surface and a second configuration whereby the second extension axially translates within the longitudinal cavity and engages the ramp such that the projection is disposed in alignment with the outer surface and the first locking element engages an implant. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors. The brace can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument. Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors. The brace can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument. Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument are also provided.

Abstract: An extender includes a first arm defining a first longitudinal axis and including a first extension and a second extension. The first extension includes an outer surface and a projection extending from the outer surface, the projection including a ramp and a first locking element. The first extension includes an inner surface defining a longitudinal cavity. The projection is transversely moveable between a first configuration such that the projection extends beyond the outer surface and a second configuration whereby the second extension axially translates within the longitudinal cavity and engages the ramp such that the projection is disposed in alignment with the outer surface and the first locking element engages an implant. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular tool apparatus is provided having a handle defining a cannula extending at least partially therethrough and an elastic member disposed therein. The apparatus further provides a separate tool shaft configured to be releasably engaged with the handle by insertion into the cannula. The tool shaft comprises a plurality of teeth configured for ratcheting engagement with the elastic member when the tool shaft is inserted into the cannula. In some embodiments, the cannula extends completely through the handle from a proximal end to a distal end thereof to facilitate cleaning of the handle and separable tool shaft.

Abstract: Devices and methods include a multi-axial anchor assembly engageable to a vertebra and a connecting element positionable through a receiver of the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a flexible member between the receiver and an anchor member of the anchor assembly, thereby providing a flexible joint in the anchor assembly for allowing limited movement after primary multi-axial capability between the receiver and the anchor member has been arrested.

Abstract: A system for treating an intervertebral disc includes a plurality of self-closing clips including a first clip and a second clip being deployable adjacent to an opening of the intervertebral disc. The first clip and the second clip are fixed with tissue about the opening and configured to prevent undesired cutting or tearing of the tissue. The clips are disposed in a configuration to facilitate closure of the opening. A suture member is connected to the first clip and the second clip in a configuration such that the suture member is manipulable to draw the opening to a closed position. A locking part is connected to the suture member and is configured to maintain the opening in the closed position. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A motion-preserving implant device for insertion between two bones is disclosed. The motion-preserving implant includes a first plate member for engaging with a first bone and a second plate member for engaging with a second bone. A viscoelastic component is positioned between the two plate members that is configured to constrain and dampen the relative motion between the two plate members.

Abstract: Devices and methods include a multi-axial anchor assembly engageable to a vertebra and a connecting element positionable through a receiver of the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a flexible member between the receiver and an anchor member of the anchor assembly, thereby providing a flexible joint in the anchor assembly for allowing limited movement after primary multi-axial capability between the receiver and the anchor member has been arrested.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for replacing the functions of a facet joint between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra without necessarily requiring an anatomical implant. The method includes: providing one or more flexible posterior devices to replace main functions of the facet joint; and adapting a first one of the one or more posterior devices for a first attachment to a first pedicle, and a second attachment to a second pedicle.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for replacing the functions of a facet joint between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra without necessarily requiring an anatomical implant. The method includes: providing one or more flexible posterior devices to replace main functions of the facet joint; and adapting a first one of the one or more posterior devices for a first attachment to a first pedicle, and a second attachment to a second pedicle.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for correcting a spinal deformity. The devices may include a member attached to one or more vertebral members of a deformed spine. The member may be constructed of a flexible material with elastic properties. The member is attached to the vertebral members in a stressed orientation. Due to the elastic properties of the material, the member exerts a corrective force on the vertebral members. In some embodiments, multiple members are attached to the vertebral members to apply the corrective force.

Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: An implant for stabilizing a bony segment includes a flexible body sized and shaped to extend intravertebrally between at least first and second bony portions. In use the body is attachable intravertebrally to each of the first and second bony portions to distract each of the first and second bony portions while allowing motion between each of the first and second bony portions.

Abstract: Elongated connecting elements include bodies having anisotropic cross-sectional shapes defining a first moment of inertia about a first bending axis and a second moment of inertia about a second bending axis that is transverse to the first bending axis. The connecting elements are positioned along one or more spinal motion segments and engaged to vertebrae with anchors with the first and second bending axes in the desired orientation relative to the spinal motion segments.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a surgical instrument for insertion into human tissue is provided with a release mechanism that permits one or more components of the surgical instrument to be removably coupled to a handle.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting an instrument set having a tapered configuration into a patient. In another preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting a cannula having an external threaded portion into bone. In yet another preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming and enlarging an opening in bone.