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: 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 for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive surgical procedures include one or more extenders removably engaged to one or more anchors engaged to a bony segment. The anchor extenders provide a reference to the respective anchor locations within the patient even when the anchor is obstructed by skin and/or tissue of the patient. An inserter can be movably mounted to the one or more anchor extenders, or an inserter can be employed without mounting to the one or more anchor extenders. In either form, the inserter is operable to position a stabilization element relative to the anchors for engagement to the anchors to stabilize the bony segment to which the anchors are engaged. At least one of the one or more anchor extenders includes a reduction assembly that is operable to move one or more portions of the bony segment while maintaining the minimally invasive character of the procedure.

Abstract: Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive surgical procedures include one or more extenders removably engaged to one or more anchors engaged to a bony segment. The anchor extenders provide a reference to the respective anchor locations within the patient even when the anchor is obstructed by skin and/or tissue of the patient. An inserter can be movably mounted to the one or more anchor extenders, or an inserter can be employed without mounting to the one or more anchor extenders. In either form, the inserter is operable to position a stabilization element relative to the anchors for engagement to the anchors to stabilize the bony segment to which the anchors are engaged. At least one of the one or more anchor extenders includes a reduction assembly that is operable to move one or more portions of the bony segment while maintaining the minimally invasive character of the procedure.

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 retractor system for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. The system also includes at least one actuating member operable to provide an oscillating motion to at least one of the first and second retractor portions. The actuating member is in communication with a controller and is responsive to the controller to oscillate at least one of the first and second retractor portions between a first position and a second position. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site in a patient. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include implants insertable into the body of a patient for posterior lateral fusion of one or more vertebral levels. The implant can be osteoinductive and/or osteoconductive to facilitate or initiate the fusion between two or more bony portions of the spinal column. The fusion implant can be used in isolation or in conjunction with a posterior stabilization construct.

Abstract: A method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus in an intervertebral disc nucleus space includes 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. The prosthetic disc nucleus has a first configuration and a second configuration, and is positioned in its second configuration in the passageway of the disc nucleus implant instrument and passed through the dilator and into the disc nucleus space while in its second configuration. The disc nucleus implant is caused or allowed to assume its first configuration when implanted.

Abstract: Intravertebral reduction systems are provided to restore a deformed or damaged vertebral body to a desired configuration. The reduction systems can include a plurality of reduction elements sequentially positionable in the intravertebral space for reduction of the same. The reduction systems can also include reduction elements that include a linear insertion configuration and are deformable transversely to the linear insertion configuration in the intravertebral space.

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: 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 disc nucleus implant instrument includes a passageway effective for passing a material for replacing or augmenting an intervertebral disc nucleus, and a dilator at the distal end of said passageway. The instrument is effective for dilating an opening in a disc annulus and for passing a disc nucleus repair material through the opening and into the disc nucleus.

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. One embodiment may include a compression member that is separate from or integral with the body. The compression member may transmit a rod securing force to the anchor to secure or limit the pivoting movement of the anchor member relative to the body. The compression member may deflect or detach under the influence of the securing force.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system and method for stabilizing a segment of a spinal column with a dynamic spinal rod having a shank, a stay, and a casing sized to stretch tightly between components of the dynamic spinal rod and provide a structural connection between the components.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a vertebral tension band assembly and associated connection structure are provided. The tension band assemblies may be attached to vertebral bodies to, for example, connect one vertebrae to another, retain the band in approximately a preferred position by application of tension to the band during insertion and/or limit, impede, inhibit, reduce or interfere with the separation from one vertebra to another and may further block, impede, interfere with, inhibit, reduce or present an obstacle to dislodgement of a spinal implant from between the vertebrae to which it is attached. Flexible band portions of the assemblies may be treated and/or configured to promote bony integration between the band and the associated vertebrae, limit tissue adhesion to the band, and/or to elute a therapeutic substance from the installed band to the surgical site.

Abstract: A deformable implant and a method for expanding an intervertebral disc space are provided. The method may include selecting a deformable implant with a predetermined physical configuration and deforming aspects, including temperature. The deformable implant of some embodiments is heated above the transition temperature or deforming temperature, collapsed to a collapsed configuration and cooled below the transition temperature. The collapsed implant may be inserted into the disc space without distracting adjacent vertebrae. The inserted implant absorbs ambient body heat and expands in place to a final shape thereby distracting adjacent vertebrae to expand the disc space.

Abstract: Intravertebral reduction systems are provided to restore a deformed or damaged vertebral body to a desired configuration. The reduction systems can include a plurality of reduction elements sequentially positionable in the intravertebral space for reduction of the same. The reduction systems can also include reduction elements that include a linear insertion configuration and are deformable transversely to the linear insertion configuration in the intravertebral space.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided that includes a first component for engaging a first vertebra, a second component for engaging a second vertebrae, and a damping member is positioned therebetween. The damping member has at least two chambers connected by an opening. A fluid is disposed within the chambers such that compression of the first and second components towards one another causes the fluid to be displaced from one of the chambers to another chamber through an opening. The opening has a reduced size relative to the chambers to restrict the flow of the fluid between the chambers and provide a dampening effect. In some instances, the rheologic properties of the fluid positioned within the chambers are dependent upon the strength a magnetic field passing through the fluid. In other aspects of the present disclosure, prosthetic devices, intervertebral implants, spinal systems, implantation methods, and treatment methods are provided.

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: Methods of assembling a vertebral anchor to a body shaped to receive a longitudinal member. The methods may include inserting a wear member and a head of an anchor into a cavity through an inlet in a first end of a body. The body may further include a second end with a channel to receive the longitudinal member. The method may include deforming the first end of the body and reducing a width of the inlet measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body and capturing the wear member and the head in the cavity. The method may also include compressing the wear member against the head of the anchor and increasing an amount of interference between the wear member and the head.