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: Systems and methods for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive procedures include instruments that guide the connecting element from a location remote from one or more anchors to a location proximate to the one or more anchors. The instruments include extensions mountable to anchors, and inserter instruments mountable to the connecting element for positioning the connecting element adjacent the anchors in a minimally invasive procedure. The inserter instruments need not be mounted to the anchors or to the anchor extensions, and are operable independently thereof to position the connecting element into the patient along a minimally invasive insertion path from a location remote from the anchor extensions.

Abstract: A method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus in an intervertebral disc nucleus space includes: (a) providing a disc nucleus implant instrument having a passageway for passing a prosthetic disc nucleus, and a dilator for dilating an opening in a disc annulus; (b) providing a prosthetic disc nucleus having a first configuration and a second configuration, where the first configuration presents a first cross-sectional size and said second configuration presents a second cross-sectional size, with the first cross-sectional size being larger than the second cross-sectional size; (c) making a hole in the annulus of a disc receiving the prosthetic disc nucleus, with the hole having an undilated size that is smaller than the first cross-sectional size of said prosthetic disc nucleus; (d) providing the prosthetic disc nucleus in its second configuration in the passageway of said disc nucleus implant instrument; (e) introducing the dilator of the disc nucleus implant instrument into the hole in the disc ann

Abstract: Instrumentation for treatment of the spine, including an elongate member having a deformable distal end portion at least partially formed of a flexible and preferably elastic material. The distal end portion has an initial configuration for placement adjacent a vertebral body and a deformed configuration defining at least one outwardly extending projection for displacement of at least a portion of the vertebral body. The elongate member preferably comprises a rod member, a sleeve member and an actuator mechanism for imparting relative linear displacement between the rod and sleeve members to effect outward deformation of the distal end portion of the sleeve member. In one embodiment, the instrumentation is used to compact cancellous bone to form a cavity within a vertebral body. In another embodiment, the instrumentation is used to reduce a compression fracture. In yet another embodiment, the instrumentation is used to distract a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the connecting element in a position more proximate the anchors.

Abstract: A spinal rod includes an elongated tubular member that is inflatable from a first insertion profile to a second enlarged profile. An expandable tubular reinforcement sleeve is concentrically positioned adjacent to the balloon. The balloon may be bonded to the sleeve. The spinal rod may also have longitudinal reinforcement members. A joining member may join two or more of the longitudinal reinforcing members at a discrete point along each. The spinal rod may further include end portions on either side of an inflatable portion.

Abstract: A pivoting connector couples a vertebral member to a longitudinal member. An anchor is pivotally attached to a body by positioning a head of the anchor within a cavity in the body. A longitudinal rod is inserted into a channel also positioned within the body and axially aligned with the cavity. A retainer applies a force to maintain the longitudinal rod within the channel, however the force may be isolated from the anchor. The cavity is adjustable between a plurality of sizes that apply different resistances to pivoting movement of the anchor relative to the body. The adjustment may be performed before or during a surgical procedure. The adjustment may be performed by inserting different components or by rotating a threaded element to create more or less rotational interference.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for positioning a rod within a patient. One embodiment of the device may include an elongated inserter having a first end and a second end. A connector may be attached to the second end of the inserter for releasably connecting to the rod. The connector may be adjustable between a first position with the rod substantially coaxially aligned with the inserter, and a second position with the rod substantially perpendicular to the inserter.

Abstract: A vertebral rod has an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis. The rod also includes a cavity extending the length of the body. Either the body or the cavity may have an asymmetrical shape about a centroid in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, both may have the symmetrical shape about the centroid. The body of the rod may be bounded by an exterior surface and the cavity. The body has a first bending axis that is perpendicular to longitudinal axis. The body also has a second bending axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the first bending axis. The body of the rod may be distributed asymmetrically about the first and second bending axes. Also, the rod may have a different bending stiffness about the first and second bending axes.

Abstract: A connector pivotally connects an anchor to a longitudinal member in a spinal implant. The connector body may include an oppositely disposed channel and cavity that are aligned on a common axis of the body, but isolated from each other. The channel receives the longitudinal member and the cavity receives the anchor. The anchor may include a shaft and an enlarged head that fits within the cavity. The cavity may include a narrow opening that is sized to retain the head within the cavity. The head may pivot within a wear member. The anchor may freely pivot within the cavity when a fastener mates with the receiver to maintain the longitudinal member within the channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the conencting element in a position more proximate the anchors.

Abstract: Anchor assemblies are provided to secure one or more implants along the spinal column that include a retainer in a receiver member. The retainer is configured to distribute the forces exerted on the retainer toward the proximal end of the retainer where it may deform without deforming, distorting or altering the retainer where it supports the anchor member in the receiver member. The desired positioning of the anchor member relative to the retainer and receiver member can thus be attained even when the retainer is subject to deformation forces.

Abstract: Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive procedures include installation instruments that guide the connecting element from a location remote from one or more anchors to a location proximate to the one or more anchors. The installation instruments include extensions mountable to anchors engageable to the spinal column or other bony structure, and inserters mountable to the anchor extensions for positioning the connecting element adjacent the anchors.

Abstract: The forces exerted on a spinal implant by one or more coupling assemblies are controlled to facilitate the use of the implant in spinal stabilization and other procedures. The coupling assemblies are structured to distribute the forces exerted on the implant while engaging the implant to the coupling assembly and providing at least one of a rigid, semi-rigid or variable engagement of the coupling assembly with one or more anatomical structures of the spinal column.

Abstract: An artificial joint is configured for surgical insertion between two bones. The joint includes first and second parts supported for relative movement, and structure that can be selectively used to facilitate relative fixation of the first and second parts in a manner preventing the relative movement thereof. A method involves surgically inserting such a joint between two bones, and completing the surgical procedure with the first and second parts movable relative to each other. A different method relates to a situation where such a joint was previously surgically installed, and involves modifying the joint in situ to fix the first and second parts against relative movement.

Abstract: The forces exerted on a spinal implant by one or more coupling assemblies are controlled to facilitate the use of the implant in spinal stabilization and other procedures. The coupling assemblies are structured to limit the forces exerted on the implant to avoid undesirable alteration of a characteristic of the implant while engaging the implant to the coupling assembly and providing at least one of a rigid, semi-rigid or variable engagement of the coupling assembly with one or more anatomical structures of the spinal column.

Abstract: A method of decompressing a facet joint comprises forming an opening in a facet capsule of the facet joint and inserting a spacer device through the opening into the facet capsule.

Abstract: A system for augmenting a spinal joint comprises a first flexible stabilizing device adapted to extend through a pedicle of a first vertebra, at least a portion of a vertebral body of the first vertebra, at least a portion of a vertebral body of a second vertebra, and a pedicle of the second vertebra.

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.