Abstract: A method of treating a spinal condition includes attaching an anterior spinal motion device in an anterior region of a motion segment associated with the pair of vertebrae and attaching a posterior motion preservation device in a second region of the motion segment. The anterior spinal motion device may include an elastic material or a motion preserving disc prosthesis having at least one articulating surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching a rod to an anchor. One embodiment includes attaching the rod to an anchor that extends from a vertebral member. One device may include a connector housing including a first channel sized to receive the rod and a second channel sized to receive the anchor. A contact member may be sized to at least partially extend within the second channel. Insertion of the anchor into the second channel may cause the contact member to further extend through an opening in the connector housing and into the first channel. The contact member may contact the rod and attach it to the connector housing. A fastening member may operatively connect the anchor to the connector housing. The contact member may accommodate the anchor at a variety of angular orientations within the connector housing.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and method of inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which a first member of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the vertebrae; and at least one second member of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member.

Abstract: Connector assemblies are provided to couple an elongate member extending along the spinal column to a bone engaging implant engaged to the spinal column. The connector assembly includes a coupler having an implant coupling portion and an elongate member coupling portion. The positioning and orientation of the coupler relative to the implant and elongate member can be adjusted to facilitate engagement of the connector assembly between the implant and elongate member.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic device and method for spinal stabilization, according to which a prosthetic device is implanted relative to two vertebrae and is positioned so that it makes a rigid connection with one of the vertebra and a non-rigid connection with the other vertebra.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and a method of implanting same between two vertebrae of a vertebral column to stabilize the column, according to which each vertebrae is engaged by a spacer, and the spacers are connected to permit relative movement between the spacers so that the distance between the spacers can vary to conform with the distance between the vertebrae and accommodate bending movements of the vertebral column.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes: performing a medical procedure on a segment of a patient's spine. This segment includes two vertebrae each in contact with a spinal disk positioned in an intervertebral disk space. A passage is formed that follows a pathway through the vertebrae and the intervertebral disk space. This passage extends from an extradiscal opening through one of the vertebrae along a path that turns to change direction. The tubular device is inserted in the passage and extends through the intervertebral disk space. A fluid material is introduced into the tubular device to at least partially fill it to provide a spinal prosthetic structure. Other embodiments and inventive aspects include other prosthetic device arrangements, implantation methods, systems, and techniques.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-level, multi-functional stabilization of a spinal column segment are provided. The systems include one or more constructs having a motion preserving portion that permits motion of at least a portion of a vertebral level and a motion preventing portion that substantially prevents motion of at least a portion of a second, adjacent vertebral level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-directional stabilization of a spinal column segment are provided. The systems include one or more motion preserving constructs that are engaged to adjacent vertebrae and extend trans-axially between the vertebrae obliquely to the central axis of the spinal column. The systems permit motion of at least a portion of a vertebral level while providing stabilization at least when tensioned. Systems that provide stabilization in compression are also contemplated.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and a method for inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which two connected members are provided, one of which is formed by a relatively flexible material and the other of which is formed by a relatively stiff material.

Abstract: A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described.

Abstract: One technique of the present application includes: evaluating a patient having a previously implanted spinal construct and corresponding spinal fusion from an earlier procedure and determining a spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion is degenerating after completion of the earlier procedure. After this determination, the previously implanted spinal construct is augmented by attaching a flexible polymer elongated member to the spinal segment adjacent to the spinal fusion with a bone fastener and by coupling the flexible polymer elongated member to one or more elements of the previously implanted spinal construct. In one form, the elongated member is at least partially comprised of polyetheretherketone.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a spinal disk prosthesis with one end portion to form a load transmitting relationship with one vertebra of a patient's spine and another end portion to form a load transmitting relationship with another vertebra of the patient's spine. A tube connects the end portions together and a damping material is positioned inside the tube. The end portions each include a magnet to generate a corresponding magnetic field. These magnetic fields are oriented to provide a repulsive force between the end portions to provide a magnetic bearing.

Abstract: A posterior spinal fixation device or dynamic spinal stabilization device or other orthopedic device includes an active agent-delivery component. The active agent-delivery component has an active agent impregnated therein or adsorbed thereon or otherwise contained therein and is configured to release the active agent locally after the device is implanted in a patient. One preferred type of implant in accordance with the invention is an implant for stabilizing a spinal motion segment that includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes or transverse processes or other posterior spinal element, including an implanted anchor element.

Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a flexible spacer member positionable between adjacent transverse processes.

Abstract: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes and upper and lower engaging members extending from the spacer member. The upper and lower engaging members engage at least one lamina to resist flexion of the spinal motion segment.

Abstract: A dynamic surgical table system includes any one or combination of a head support system, support systems for each arm, a torso support system, and a leg support system mounted to a frame system to support a patient during surgery. Any one or combination of the support systems is movable relative to the other and to the frame system to facilitate patient repositioning during surgery. Such repositioning may be desirable, for example, to create flexion, extension or rotation of the spine to facilitate access to and surgical treatment of one or more vertebral bodies, disc spaces between vertebral bodies, or other anatomical structures adjacent the spine of the patient. Furthermore, individual support members of any one of the support systems can articulate to conform to the patient anatomy and facilitate repositioning of the particular portion of the patient's body being support thereon while minimizing stress on the patient.

Abstract: A side-loading bone anchor is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. In one embodiment, the anchor includes an anchoring portion and a receiving portion. The anchoring portion is attached to a bone, and is connected to the receiving portion. A rod or other elongated support member is received in the receiving portion in contact with a crown member in the receiving portion and above the anchoring portion. The receiving portion, with or without the rod, may be rotated or pivoted with respect to the anchoring portion, and a set screw is threaded into the receiving portion to lock the rod within the receiving portion.

Abstract: A system and method to track and manipulate the bony anatomy of a patient. A plurality of fiducials is placed on the bony anatomy of a patient. The relative spatial relationships of the fiducials are scanned and a signal generated before, during and after a surgical procedure. The patient is manipulated according to predetermined relative spatial relationships to provide a successful clinical outcome. The fiducials may be LED devices capable of optical observation or signal-emitting devices capable of spatial relationships in three dimensions. An expert system allows comparison of the relative spatial relationships to historical, healthcare facility and Internet databases to plan and determine clinical success of a patient procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) agents. In particular, the present invention is directed to cationic, nonagglomerated, nontoxic SPIO agents, methods for imaging conditions associated with inflammatory responses using the disclosed SPIO agents, and methods for managing inflammatory conditions using the disclosed SPIO agents.