Abstract: A spinal fusion implant for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is formed in the approximate shape of a hollow cube. The device has an upper section and a lower section separated by a distractor all of which are relatively movable. The sidewalls of the upper section and the lower section terminate in inclined planes so that the sections move away from each other as the wedge shaped increases the height of the device. The upper section and lower section each includes a clamping flange. The clamping flange on the upper section engages the vertebral body above the implant and the clamping flange on the lower section engages the vertebral body below the implant. The distractor has a pair of clamping flanges on an end wall wherein one of the pair engages the vertebral body above the implant and the other engages the vertebral body below the implant. The clamping flanges provide a clamping action between adjacent vertebral bodies to restore alignment and stabilize the vertebral segments.

Abstract: A spinal implant for stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae having a damaged disc therebetween is assembled in situ. An elongated tool is used to insert a flat U-shaped distractor in the disc space through a low profile incision with both legs of the U-shaped distractor contacting both end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The tool is rotated 90 degrees rotating the distractor 90 degrees so that each leg of the distractor contacts one end plate of the adjacent vertebrae, respectively, to restore intervertebral space. An elliptical bone tray is slid along the tool to seat within the U-shaped distractor. The tool is removed and a retainer replaces it to lock the bone tray and the distractor together. A screw is used to lock the bone tray to the distraction device, the screw slides down the cannula which is the tool inserted over the rod that the distraction implant is attached to.

Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion in the intervertebral space is formed as a hollow cage, wedge shaped in profile, with a lesser height leading end for a low profile entry. The cage has two open sides with a plurality of angled teeth along opposite longitudinal edges for engaging the end plates of adjacent vertebrae when the cage is rotated into position. One portion of the angled teeth are angled toward an end of the cage and another portion of the angled teeth are angled away from that end to provide a lock preventing the cage from migrating ventrally or dorsally from the spine. Upon rotation, the leading end has a greater height than the trailing end.

Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion between adjacent vertebrae for promoting fusion of the vertebrae is a wedge shaped body with upper and lower plates separated by pyramidal sides with one large end and one small end enclosing the body. The upper and lower plates have elongated openings oriented perpendicularly to each other to form an internal labyrinth. The upper and lower openings are to be filled with thin layers of bone graft material to promote rapid ingrowth of living tissue.

Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion in the intervertebral space is formed as a hollow cage, wedge shaped in profile, with a lesser height leading end for a low profile entry. The cage has two open sides with a plurality of angled teeth along opposite longitudinal edges for engaging the end plates of adjacent vertebrae when the cage is rotated into position. One portion of the angled teeth is angled toward an end of the cage and another portion of the angled teeth is angled away from that end to provide a lock preventing the cage from migrating ventrally or dorsally from the spine. Upon rotation, the leading end has a greater height than the trailing end. Opposing side walls of the cage include recesses to facilitate rotation of the cage and minimize stress on adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with grooves on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral bar is attached on one end of the shaft. The bar has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral bar is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the grooves on the shaft. The sliding bar has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to prevent screws from backing out of the holes.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is formed in the approximate shape of a hollow cube. The device has an upper section and a lower section separated by a distractor all of which are relatively movable. The sidewalls of the upper section and the lower section terminate in inclined planes so that the sections move away from each other as the wedge shaped increases the height of the device. The upper section and lower section each includes a clamping flange. The clamping flange on the upper section engages the vertebral body above the implant and the clamping flange on the lower section engages the vertebral body below the implant. The distractor has a pair of clamping flanges on an end wall wherein one of the pair engages the vertebral body above the implant and the other engages the vertebral body below the implant. The clamping flanges provide a clamping action between adjacent vertebral bodies to restore alignment and stabilize the vertebral segments.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with teeth on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral plate is attached on one end of the shaft. The plate has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral plate is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the teeth on the shaft. The sliding bar has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to automatically engage and prevent screws from backing out of the holes.

Abstract: An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is formed in the approximate shape of a hollow cube. The device has an upper section and a lower section separated by a distractor all of which are relatively movable. The sidewalls of the upper section and the lower section terminate in inclined planes so that the sections move away from each other as the wedge shaped distractor increases the height of the device.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with teeth on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral plate is attached on one end of the shaft. The plate has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral plate is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the teeth on the shaft. The lateral sliding plate has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to automatically engage and prevent screws from backing out of the holes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic cervical plate system that may be adjusted to length, locked in place to provide compression, and will automatically shorten its length to maintain compression. The system includes spinal cages coupled to the plate which provide intervertebral spacers for excised discs. The cervical plate system has a flat elongated shaft adapted to span the intervertebral space and has at least two screw receivers spaced along the length of the plate. The screw receivers each have screw holes for accepting the heads of bone screws. The spinal cage is coupled to the plate and interposed between the screw receivers.

Abstract: A bone plate for use in anterior lumbar spinal fixation has interlocking components to prevent dislodgement of the plate due to anatomical forces. The exposed surface of the plate is smooth to prevent trauma to internal body tissue. The plate spans the intervertebral space with each end attached to an adjacent vertebrae by locking screws threadably engaged with tubular bone anchors. The bone anchors include helical members are threaded through the bone plate and inserted into holes within the bone. The plate has a countersunk cavity including portions overlapping the locking screws. A locking cap fits in the cavity to secure the other end of the locking screws from backing-out of the plate. The locking cap includes at least two chamfered portions that cooperate with mating recesses in the countersunk cavity of the bone plate.