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: Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Anchors are engageable to vertebra and a stabilization member is engageable between the anchors. The stabilization member includes an elongate tension member and a compression member in a passage of the tension member.

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: 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 invention generally relates to orthopedic devices and methods for treating bone defects. The orthopedic devices can provide sufficient support to the bone defect while allowing bone ingrowth and minimizing the risk to stress shield and/or pseudo-arthrodesis. The bone fixation devices include a biodegradable material or component that further resists relative motion of attached bones and allows the device to gradually transfer at least some load from the device to the growing bone structure in vivo and permitting an increase in the relative motion of bones attached to the device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to bone fixation devices and methods for promoting arthrodesis of bone defects. The bone fixation devices can provide sufficient support to the bone defect while allowing bone ingrowth and minimizing the risk to stress shield and/or pseudo-arthrodesis. The bone fixation devices include a degradable component that allows the device to gradually transfer the load from the supporting member to the growing bone structure in vivo.

Abstract: Instruments and methods include a guide instrument mountable to at least one anchor extension to guide the positioning of an anchor in a bony segment. The guide instrument facilitates aligning the anchor with one or more other anchors already engaged to the bony segment. The anchors can then be engaged with a connecting element extending therebetween. The guide instrument facilitates multi-level fixation of bony segments with bone anchors and one or more connecting elements in a minimally invasive surgical approach.

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.