Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.

Abstract: An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a U-shaped configuration for seating a spinous process therein. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the U-shaped portion of the arms.

Abstract: A dynamic rod implantable into a patient and connectable between two vertebral anchors in adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The dynamic rod fixes the adjacent vertebral bodies together in a dynamic fashion providing immediate postoperative stability and support of the spine. The dynamic rod comprises a first rod portion having a first engaging portion and a second rod portion having a second engaging portion. The first and second rod portions are connected to each other at the first and second engaging portions. The dynamic rod further includes at least one bias element configured to provide a bias force in response to deflection or translation of the first rod portion relative to the second rod portion. The dynamic rod permits relative movement of the first and second rod portions allowing the rod to carry some of the natural flexion and extension moments that the spine is subjected to.

Abstract: The retractor system for use in spinal surgery and other types of surgical procedures that is a simple and efficient solution for minimally invasive access to thoracolumbar spine is disclosed. The fully customizable design allows the surgeon to independently angle the retractor blades and expand the retractor in both cephalad-caudal and medial-lateral directions. With an offering of a range of blade lengths, access can be tailored to the patient's anatomy. Auxiliary instruments such as the retractor inserter, universal hex driver and blade removal instrument allow quick and controlled access to the surgical site. The retractor system provides versatility and control ensuring minimal tissue trauma.

Abstract: A rod reduction instrument for position a rod relative to a seat of a bone anchor in a spinal implant system is provided. The instrument includes three concentric cannulas with circumferentially aligned rod receiving portions formed therein. One cannula is movable with respect to another to lock and unlock the seat of a bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. The rod to be reduced is positioned inside at least one of the rod receiving portion. One cannula is moved with respect to another to lock the seat of the bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. Once locked to the bone anchor, the remaining cannula is moved to reduce the distance between the rod and the seat within at least one of the rod receiving portions. The distance between the rod and the seat is reduced until the rod is position inside the seat. A secondary instrument is inserted through a central bore of the rod reduction instrument to introduce a cap and lock the cap to the seat securing the rod to the bone anchor.

Abstract: A spinal alignment system for interconnecting vertebral bodies is disclosed. The system includes a bone screw polyaxially connected to a seat. The seat includes a top opening, a first rod receiving portion and a second rod receiving portion, a first rod channel and a second rod channel. The system is implanted into a first vertebral body. A first rod is introduced to the seat through the top opening in a first orientation and connected to the first rod receiving portion. A second rod is introduced to the seat through the top opening in a first orientation and connected to the second rod receiving portion. The first and second rods are each moved into a second orientation such that the rods project through the first and second rod channels, respectively. The rods are capable of polyaxial movement with respect to the seat for landing the opposite ends of the rods in adjacent seats of screw systems implanted in other vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the spinal motion segment to move in a manner that mimics the natural motion of the spinal motion segment while substantially offloading the facet joints of the spine. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems.