Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.

Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A discectomy device for clearing material out of a disc space of a patient having a body, a first rotatable member at the distal portion of the body, and a second rotatable member at the distal portion of the body spaced from the first rotatable member. A transverse axis passes through the first and second rotatable members. A first mechanism is actuable to rotate the first and second rotatable members about the transverse axis. A mechanism can be provided to expand the rotatable members to increase the distance between the rotatable members. The rotatable members in some versions can be detached from the device for placement within the disc space.

Abstract: Articulated instruments that include tools for disrupting and/or distracting tissue, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accessing and repairing a vertebral disc include a pad with a central cut-out mounted to the skin of a patient or, alternatively, a pedicle-mounted support. An incision is made and then a corridor is created using an elongated guide and a series of dilating tubes. An access to the disc space is created through the superior articular process and the facet joint using the corridor defined by the dilating tubes. Nucleus material is removed from the disc space and the vertebral endplates are prepared. The disc space may be sized to select a suitable implant, which is advanced through the corridor and into the disc space following discectomy and endplate preparation. Bone graft material may be inserted into the disc space following installation of the implant and then posterior rigid fixation may be achieved using percutaneous pedicle screws, followed by closure of the site.

Abstract: A method and computer program product is provided for a medical advisory system. The method may include receiving an anonymous request for a medical opinion by a user. The method may also include providing the anonymous request for the medical opinion to at least one anonymous medical professional. The method may further include receiving an anonymous response associated with the anonymous request for the medical opinion based upon, at least in part, review of the anonymous request for the medical opinion by the at least one anonymous medical professional. The method may also include providing the anonymous response associated with the anonymous request for the medical opinion to the user.

Abstract: A vertebral body replacement (VBR) and cervical plate apparatus for securing the VBR in a desired position in a space between superior and inferior vertebral bodies. The VBR has a predrilled opening in a center portion of its anterior face that is constructed to receive therein a first attachment device. The cervical plate has holes in the upper and lower portions thereof that are constructed to receive second attachment devices for securing the cervical plate to the superior and inferior vertebral bodies in a desired position. The cervical plate has an elongated slot in a central portion thereof that is constructed to receive therethrough in movable relation the first attachment device which is receivable in the predrilled opening in the VBR for securing the cervical plate thereto.