Abstract: In a spinal implant device, a frictionless pivot member is used to interconnect multiple links and produce a scissor jack-like device with minimal frictional wear characteristics. The device is attached to at least two vertebrae, wherein a first device segment is attached to a first vertebra and at least one additional device segment is attached to at least one additional vertebra. The implanted device functions to control and dampen the movement between the attached vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fusion cage that contains bone graft and is implanted between bones in a skeletal system. The cage bears structural loads that are transmitted through the bones of the skeletal system and at least partially shields the contained bone graft from the structural loads. The cage is configured to provide a secondary load to the bone graft independent of the structural load to promote fusion of the bone graft to adjacent bones.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implantation of an orthopedic device between skeletal segments using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones. Depending on the implant design, the motion between the skeletal segments may be increased, limited, modified, or completely immobilized.

Abstract: The distal bone screw segment of a bone screw system is driven into bone. In a first state, the assembly permits relative motion between its component parts in order to facilitate the placement and correct alignment of an interconnecting rod that is used to couple multiple bone screw systems and/or other orthopedic devices. In a second state, the assembly provides relative immobilization between the assembly components and the inter-connecting rod.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for the controlled movement of neighboring vertebrae and the delivery of an orthopedic implant between adjacent spinous processes. The methods are especially adapted to be performed using minimally invasive surgery or in a percutaneous manner. An exemplary method comprises advancing a first segment of a threaded first distraction screw into a bony surface of a spinous process of the first vertebral bone, coupling a first segment of a second distraction screw onto a segment of a second vertebral bone, positioning an orthopedic implant at a desired target site, and removing one of the first and second distraction screws.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants are adapted to replace the function of a natural disc of the spine. In an embodiment, the implant can be placed across the disc space through a trans-pedicular corridor using a substantially posterior surgical approach. In another embodiment, an implant can be placed across the disc space at a different level through a substantially lateral or anterior approach.

Abstract: Within a given spinal segment, the stable vertebral level is identified. Within the lower lumbar spine, that level is most commonly at the sacrum. A bone fastener is rigidly affixed to the stable spinal segment and an interconnecting member is rigidly affixed to the bone fastener so as to form a cantilever construct. Vertebral bodies that exhibit aberrant spinal motion and/or mal-alignment relative to the stable segment are then attached to the interconnecting member using non-rigid bone fastener(s). The motion profile of the dynamic fastener can be varied and may be selected to provide the desired vertebral motion characteristics. The interconnecting member may be rigid or it may be alternatively made rigid parallel to the direction of greatest instability and non-rigid in the other planes.

Abstract: Methods and devices are configured to permit a surgeon to access the anterior column of the spine without significant manipulation of intervening nerve elements.

Abstract: Methods and devices are adapted to limit the extent of vertebral extension between an upper-most vertebral bone and a lower-most vertebral bone wherein a least one additional vertebral bone resides between them. In an embodiment, the limitation of extension occurs while flexion is at least partially maintained within at least one FSU. In other embodiments, flexion may be abolished.

Abstract: A spinal implant device immobilizes an attached vertebrae through a minimally invasive surgical approach while providing a compartment within the implant for the placement of bone graft or bone graft substitute. The bone graft material fuses the spinous processes and/or lamina portion of bone of the vertebral bone to which the device is attached.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for implanting an orthopedic device between skeletal segments, such as vertebrae, using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationships of adjacent bones. The implanted device can be, for example, an artificial disc, a fusion cage or any other appropriate device for implantation between skeletal segments.

Abstract: Methods and devices are adapted to limit the extent of vertebral extension between an upper-most vertebral bone and a lower-most vertebral bone wherein a least one additional vertebral bone resides between them. In an embodiment, the limitation of extension occurs while flexion is at least partially maintained within at least one FSU. In other embodiments, flexion may be abolished.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-axial occipito-cervical connection system that enables an occipital rod to be coupled to a cervical rod in a manner that permits multi-axial, relative movement between the two rods about a predetermined location, such as the heads of the rods. The system includes a locking mechanism that can be actuated to lock the relative positions of the rods. The rods can provide an interconnection between one or more attachments on the skull (such as an occipital attachment) and one or more attachments to the spine (such as spine screws).

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for the re-construction of the vertebral lamina after partial or complete laminectomy. Pursuant to an exemplary method, a first bone fastener is anchored to a vertebral bone. A second bone fastener is anchored to the same vertebral bone, wherein the first and second fasteners are located on opposite sides of the vertebral midline. A connector member is used to inter-connect the two bone fasteners and produce a prosthetic lamina. Multiple embodiments of the lamina prosthesis are illustrated. These devices reconstruct the spinal canal, mark the position of the nerves at re-operation and provide a stable platform for the placement of additional spinal stabilization implants.

Abstract: Devices and methods are adapted to permit fixation and stabilization of the bony elements of the skeleton. The devices permit adjustment and maintenance of the spatial relationship between neighboring bones. The motion between adjacent skeletal segments may be maintained, limited or completely eliminated.

Abstract: Within a given spinal segment, the stable vertebral level is identified. Within the lower lumbar spine, that level is most commonly at the sacrum. A bone fastener is rigidly affixed to the stable spinal segment and an interconnecting member is rigidly affixed to the bone fastener so as to form a cantilever construct. Vertebral bodies that exhibit aberrant spinal motion and/or mal-alignment relative to the stable segment are then attached to the interconnecting member using non-rigid bone fastener(s). The motion profile of the dynamic fastener can be varied and may be selected to provide the desired vertebral motion characteristics. The interconnecting member may be rigid or it may be alternatively made rigid parallel to the direction of greatest instability and non-rigid in the other planes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for implanting an orthopedic device between skeletal segments, such as vertebrae, using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationships of adjacent bones. The implanted device can be, for example, an artificial disc, a fusion cage or any other appropriate device for implantation between skeletal segments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-axial occipito-cervical connection system that enables an occipital rod to be coupled to a cervical rod in a manner that permits multi-axial, relative movement between the two rods about a predetermined location, such as the heads of the rods. The system includes a locking mechanism that can be actuated to lock the relative positions of the rods. The rods can provide an interconnection between one or more attachments on the skull (such as an occipital attachment) and one or more attachments to the spine (such as spine screws).

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fusion cage that contains bone graft and is implanted between bones in a skeletal system. The cage bears structural loads that are transmitted through the bones of the skeletal system and at least partially shields the contained bone graft from the structural loads. The cage is configured to provide a secondary load to the bone graft independent of the structural load to promote fusion of the bone graft to adjacent bones.

Abstract: Within a given spinal segment, the stable vertebral level is identified. Within the lower lumbar spine, that level is most commonly at the sacrum. A bone fastener is rigidly affixed to the stable spinal segment and an interconnecting member is rigidly affixed to the bone fastener so as to form a cantilever construct. Vertebral bodies that exhibit aberrant spinal motion and/or mal-alignment relative to the stable segment are then attached to the interconnecting member using non-rigid bone fastener(s). The motion profile of the dynamic fastener can be varied and may be selected to provide the desired vertebral motion characteristics. The interconnecting member may be rigid or it may be alternatively made rigid parallel to the direction of greatest instability and non-rigid in the other planes.