Abstract: A middle expanded, removable disk implant for stabilizing adjacent cervical vertebrae. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with a minimal height and a width greater than the height. The implant is detachably mounted to an applicator for insertion into the anatomical region between two adjacent cervical vertebrae from which the intervertebral disk has been removed, and once inserted, is positioned by anterior-posterior movement in the disk space to the position in which both the expanded, larger width middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae and the implant is then rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A lock, in the form of a stabilizer bar, is then secured to the implant to prevent further rotation thereof.

Abstract: A middle expanded, removable disk implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae. The implant is detachably mounted to an applicator for insertion into the anatomical region between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed, and once inserted, is positioned by anterior-posterior movement in the disk space to the position in which both the expanded, larger diameter middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. Also provided is a method of lumbar intervertebral disk stabilization using a stabilizer comprised of implant and applicator.

Abstract: A middle expanded, removable disk implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with a minimal height and a width greater than the height. The implant is detachably mounted to an applicator for insertion into the anatomical region between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed. Once inserted, the implant is positioned by anterior-posterior movement in the disk space to the position in which both the expanded, larger width middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae and the implant is then rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A lock is then secured to the implant to prevent further rotation thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reduction of spondylolisthesis involving the insertion of an elongate implant which is split longitudinally into two side-by-side members, one of which is movable relative to the other, into the disk space between two misaligned vertebrae. Each of the members is provided with teeth for engaging the adjacent vertebrae and positioned on the members so as to be located on opposite sides of the implant. The implant formed by the two side-by-side members is generally rectangularly-shaped in cross section, the height of the rectangularly-shaped cross section being less than the width so that the implant can be inserted between the adjacent vertebrae with the lesser, height dimension oriented in the same direction as the axis of the spinal column and the larger width dimension at approximately a right angle to that axis.

Abstract: Artificial disk implant and methods for implanting same, the implant, in one embodiment, having a member for adapting in size and shape to the anatomical space between vertebrae, and apparatus for expanding the member to conform to the space. In one preferred embodiment, there is provided an artificial intervertebral disk implant having a cylindrical body comprised of cylindrical subunits capable of expansion. In another preferred embodiment, rectangular subunits capable of expansion are provided. The implant can be used alone or in various combinations for the purpose of spinal fusion.

Abstract: A middle expanded, removable disk implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with a minimal height and a width greater than the height. The implant is detachably mounted to an applicator for insertion into the anatomical region between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed, and once inserted, is positioned by anterior-posterior movement in the disk space to the position in which both the expanded, larger width middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant will engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae and the implant is then rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A lock is then secured to the implant to prevent further rotation thereof.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing adjacent vertebrae is disclosed using a middle-expanded, removable disk implant. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with a minimal height and a width greater than the height. The implant is detachably mounted to an applicator for insertion into the anatomical region between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed, and once inserted, is positioned by anterior-posterior movement in the disk space to the position in which both the expanded, larger width middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae and the implant is then rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A lock is then secured to the implant to prevent further rotation thereof.

Abstract: A method of intervertebral disk stabilization in which adjacent vertebrae are spread and a portion of the intervertebral disk is removed from therebetween is disclosed. An elongate, generally cylindrically shaped implant having middle and end portions, the middle portion being of larger diameter than the end portions, is inserted into the space between the adjacent vertebrae from which the disk was removed and then rotated. Threads formed on the outside surface of the implant bear against the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae to move the implant back and forth in an anterior-posterior direction in the disk space to a position in which both the larger diameter middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for reduction of spondylolisthesis involving the insertion of an elongate implant which is split longitudinally into two side-by-side members, one of which is movable relative to the other, into the disk space between two misaligned vertebrae is disclosed. Each of the members is provided with teeth for engaging the adjacent vertebrae and positioned on the members so as to be located on opposite sides of the implant. The implant formed by the two side-by-side members is generally rectangularly-shaped in cross section, the height of the rectangularly-shaped cross section being less than the width so that the implant can be inserted between the adjacent vertebrae with the lesser, height dimension oriented in the same direction as the axis of the spinal column and the larger width dimension at approximately a right angle to that axis.

Abstract: A stereotactic frame and localization method incorporating localization frames which is operable without the use of head pins or screws. Initially, using the localization frames, natural reference points, lines, and planes are established and aligned in relation to a patient's head. These natural references provide cranial landmarks for proper attachment and alignment of the stereotactic frame. This stereotactic frame includes a means for positioning and locking the frame as well a multiplicity of adjustable elements which are adjusted according to the determined values of the variables such that localization of a target point within a patient's head is possible.

Abstract: Artificial disk implant and methods for implanting same, the implant having a member (32, 34, 36, 77, 92, 94) for adapting in size and shape to the anatomical space between vertebrae, and apparatus (25, 42, 60, 112) for expanding the implant in the middle portion thereof to conform to the space. In one embodiment, there is provided an artificial intervertebral disk implant having a cylindrical body (20, 41, 56, 88) comprised of cylindrical subunits (32, 34, 36, 92, 94) capable of expansion. In another embodiment, rectangular members (34, 36) or elongate ribs (77) capable of expansion are provided. The implant can be used alone or in various combinations for the purpose of spinal fusion.

Abstract: Artificial disk implant and methods for implanting it, the implant having a member for adapting in size and shape to an anatomical space between vertebrae and apparatus for expanding the member to conform to the space.

Abstract: An artificial disk prosthesis and methods for implanting it, the prosthesis. In one embodiment having a member for adapting in size and shape to an anatomical space between vertebrae and apparatus for expanding the member to conform to the space.