Abstract: A method of securing vertebrae includes inserting a first pedicle screw into a first pedicle of a first vertebra. The first pedicle screw includes a first channel running perpendicular to a first central axis of the first pedicle screw. The first pedicle screw has a first engagement structure. The method further includes inserting a second pedicle screw into a second pedicle of a second vertebra. The second pedicle screw includes a second channel running perpendicular to a second central axis of the second pedicle screw. The second pedicle screw has a second engagement structure. The method also includes inserting a guidewire through the first and second channels, threading a tether attached to an end of the guidewire through the first and second channels, securing the tether to the first pedicle screw, applying tension to the tether, and securing the tether to the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a break-off device including a proximal portion removably attached to a distal portion by a region of reduced strength to allow selective removal of the proximal portion from the distal portion. The surgical instrument includes an inner drive shaft extending generally along a longitudinal axis and having a distal end portion engaged with the proximal portion of the break-off device, and an outer retention sleeve positioned about the drive shaft and including a distal receiver portion engaged about the proximal portion of the break-off device. A force applied to the proximal portion of the break-off device by the drive shaft causes the break-off device to fracture at the region of reduced strength to separate the proximal portion from the distal portion, with the proximal portion maintained in engagement with the surgical instrument by the retention sleeve.

Abstract: Devices, instruments, systems and techniques for guiding an implant to a location adjacent a bone anchor include a guide member with a connecting portion and a guiding portion. The connecting portion is adjacent the bone anchor, and the guiding portion extends proximally from the connecting portion and is adapted guide an implant therealong toward the bone anchor. The guiding portion is flexible to facilitate manipulation and implant placement in the patient's body.

Abstract: Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchors engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connector assembly engageable with the anchors to provide a desired stabilization effect. The connector assembly includes a pair of bumper assemblies extending between the bone anchors and a connecting element extending through the bumper assemblies and connecting the first and second bone anchors to one another.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for determining the spacing between locations in an animal subject are employed to size a connecting element to secure along a bony segment in the animal subject. The instruments and methods include a measuring instrument mountable to proximal ends of extensions extending from anchors engaged to the bony segment. The measuring instrument is configured to provide an indication of the spacing between the anchors even if the extensions are in non-parallel relation to one another.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor for defining and illuminating a subcutaneous surgical field in the space near a vessel (such as the radial artery or the basilic vein) during a procedure for harvesting the vessel, wherein the illuminated surgical retractor includes a handle member pivotally connected at an acute angle to a first elongate section that has a non-liner shape, and includes a second elongate section releasably connected to the first elongate section, wherein a portion of the second elongate section defines an illumination input end portion, which is optically coupled to a light source to substantially illuminate the second elongate section, and further including an insertion area positioned on the proximal end portion of the first elongate section to allow the second elongate section to be inserted into the first elongate section.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor for defining and illuminating a subcutaneous surgical field in the space near a vessel (such as the radial artery or the basilic vein) during a procedure for harvesting the vessel, wherein the illuminated surgical retractor includes a handle member pivotally connected at an acute angle to a first elongate section that has a non-liner shape, and includes a second elongate section releasably connected to the first elongate section, wherein a portion of the second elongate section defines an illumination input end portion, which is optically coupled to a light source to substantially illuminate the second elongate section, and further including an insertion area positioned on the proximal end portion of the first elongate section to allow the second elongate section to be inserted into the first elongate section.