Abstract: Electronic devices that detect their position and/or orientation with respect to earth's frame of reference are described. A coupler can removeably maintain the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can have a housing and the coupler can be included on the housing and arranged to physically connect the housing of the electronic device to the housing of at least one other electronic device. Alternatively, the coupler can be a packaging that maintains the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can be calibrated using the orientation or position information obtained by other electronic devices maintained by the coupler. Further, each electronic device can include a power source that remains inactive until the device is ready for use.

Abstract: A spinal distractor for distracting opposed vertebrae in which a pair of elements are threadably connected by a screw having opposing threads, wherein actuating the screw spreads the elements apart and pushes the vertebrae apart.

Abstract: A method for dynamic focusing is presented that can be performed by a dynamic focusing controller that can receive images from the image capture device, and for each image, determine a border of the particle within the image, and calculate a pixel intensity ratio of the image based on the border of the particle. The dynamic focusing controller can also calculate a median pixel intensity ratio from the pixel intensity ratios for each image, determine a focal distance direction based on the median pixel intensity ratio, calculate a focal distance based on the median pixel intensity ratio when the focal distance direction is positive, and calculate the focal distance based on a median border width when the focal distance direction is negative. The autofocusing controller can then send an instruction to the focusing mechanism to adjust the image capture device by the focal distance in the focal distance direction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.

Abstract: A novel posterolateral inter-muscular approach has been developed to access the cervical spine. The approach includes elevating the splenius capitis and trapezios muscles dorsally to create a window for deep spine access, wherein the window comprises: i) an anterior superior border of the trapezius muscle; ii) an anterior inferior border of the splenius capitis muscle, and iii) a posterior superior border of the levator scapulae muscle. Preferably, a device such as an implant or an instrument is then passed through the window to manipulate the spine.

Abstract: A novel posterolateral inter-muscular approach has been developed to access the cervical. spine. The approach includes elevating the splenius capitis and trapezios muscles dorsally to create a window for deep spine access, wherein the window comprises: i) an anterior superior border of the trapezius muscle; ii) an anterior inferior border of the splenius capitis muscle, and iii) a posterior superior border of the levator scapulae muscle. Preferably, a device such as an implant or an instrument is then passed through the window to manipulate the spine.

Abstract: An interactive user interface is disclosed that enables users to efficiently access and/or submit component-specific reviews of components of a product. The user interface displays an image of the product, and displays region identifiers that identify image regions corresponding to product components that are separately reviewable. When a user selects a particular region, the user interface may display component-specific reviews of the corresponding component, and/or may display an option to submit a component-specific review of the component. The user interface may be included in an interactive catalog page, such as a web page.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage having upper and lower canals for receiving the heads of bone screws that have been pre-installed in opposing vertebral body endplates. The proximal wall of the cage preferably has a vertical slot that communicates with each canal and is adapted to allow access by a screwdriver and tightening of the screws.

Abstract: A novel posterolateral inter-muscular approach has been developed to access the cervical spine. The approach includes elevating the splenius capitis and trapezios muscles dorsally to create a window for deep spine access, wherein the window comprises: i) an anterior superior border of the trapezius muscle; ii) an anterior inferior border of the splenius capitis muscle, and iii) a posterior superior border of the levator scapulae muscle. Preferably, a device such as an implant or an instrument is then passed through the window to manipulate the spine.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided to monitor media content on a monitored media device, including multimedia content, to determine whether the content is appropriate for the monitored device or devices, and to take action to remove, filter or otherwise block inappropriate content. The content monitored may include, for example, content such as audio content, video content, images, and text.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided to monitor media content on a monitored media device, including multimedia content, to determine whether the content is appropriate for the monitored device or devices, and to take action to remove, filter or otherwise block inappropriate content. The content monitored may include, for example, content such as audio content, video content, images, and text.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided to monitor media content on a monitored media device, including multimedia content, to determine whether the content is appropriate for the monitored device or devices, and to take action to remove, filter or otherwise block inappropriate content. The content monitored may include, for example, content such as audio content, video content, images, and text.

Abstract: A method for dynamic focusing is presented that can be performed by a dynamic focusing controller that can receive images from the image capture device, and for each image, determine a border of the particle within the image, and calculate a pixel intensity ratio of the image based on the border of the particle. The dynamic focusing controller can also calculate a median pixel intensity ratio from the pixel intensity ratios for each image, determine a focal distance direction based on the median pixel intensity ratio, calculate a focal distance based on the median pixel intensity ratio when the focal distance direction is positive, and calculate the focal distance based on a median border width when the focal distance direction is negative. The autofocusing controller can then send an instruction to the focusing mechanism to adjust the image capture device by the focal distance in the focal distance direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for surgically manipulating tissue. In general, the methods and devices can include an elongate retractor shaft having a distal retractor tip that is configured to manipulate tissue, for example the tip can be configured to separate muscle and nerve fibers surrounding a vertebra. The elongate retractor shaft can include an illumination source such that at least a portion of the surgical field is illuminated by the device when the device is used in the body. A sensor can also or alternatively be included on the elongate retractor shaft, for example on the blunt retraction tip, such that the sensor can monitor physiological parameters of the tissue in or adjacent to the surgical field.

Abstract: Electronic devices that detect their position and/or orientation with respect to earth's frame of reference are described. A coupler can removeably maintain the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can have a housing and the coupler can be included on the housing and arranged to physically connect the housing of the electronic device to the housing of at least one other electronic device. Alternatively, the coupler can be a packaging that maintains the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can be calibrated using the orientation or position information obtained by other electronic devices maintained by the coupler. Further, each electronic device can include a power source that remains inactive until the device is ready for use.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided to monitor media content on a monitored media device, including multimedia content, to determine whether the content is appropriate for the monitored device or devices, and to take action to remove, filter or otherwise block inappropriate content. The content monitored may include, for example, content such as audio content, video content, images, and text.

Abstract: A revisable orthopedic anchor and method of use for removably securing an anchor in bone, such as compromised or degenerated bone, is described herein. In one embodiment, the anchor makes use of dual probes and vector divergence of the distal tips of the probes to achieve superior bone purchase and pull-out resistance. In such an embodiment, the probes can be inserted one at a time into a hole formed in, for example, the pedicle bone. After the probes are inserted and joined at the proximal end, they have a greater pull-out resistance than a threaded anchor. Removing the anchor involves separating the proximal heads and reversing the implantation process. As a result of the unique bone anchor design disclosed herein, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for less complicated implantation and removal of orthopedic anchors, all while providing enhanced bone purchase when implanted in a patient.