Abstract: An in-situ formed laminoplasty implant comprising an expandable bag containing a flowable, hardenable composition, wherein the implant may be shaped to act as a laminoplasty strut and be rigidly connected to a prepared lamina space.

Abstract: A modular disc prosthesis system is provided that allows a disc prosthesis to be constructed, either pre- or intra-operatively, to have a desired degree of freedom or constraint when positioned between endplates of adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the components can be assembled to form a disc prosthesis having a center of rotation that is constrained or fixed such that, when the disc prosthesis is implanted between endplates of adjacent vertebrae, the adjacent vertebrae have one degree of freedom and move about a fixed center of rotation. Alternatively, one or more of the same components and one or more additional components of the system can be used to construct a disc prosthesis having a center of rotation that is unconstrained or that floats such that, when the disc prosthesis is implanted between the endplates of adjacent vertebrae, the adjacent vertebrae have multiple degrees of freedom and can move about a floating or moving center of rotation, i.e., a center of rotation that is not fixed.

Abstract: A method of treating a fractured vertebral body by using a) a plurality of reinforcement rods combined with the b) a bone growth agent, wherein the reinforcement rods act to mechanically join disparate bone fragments across the fracture planes, thereby stabilizing the fracture site, and the bone growth agent promotes the growth of new bone across the fracture planes, thereby permanently replacing the fracture site with new bone.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for replacing an intervertebral disc of the human spine, the implant including first and second conformable foam endplates, each endplate being conformable to a boney vertebral endplate under an anatomical load, and a core between the endplates, wherein the conformable foam endplates partition the core from the boney vertebral endplate so that the core does not contact the boney vertebral endplate.

Abstract: Insertion and expansion devices for use in inserting motion discs, and associated methods of use.

Abstract: A spinal pedicle rod comprising an internally reinforced polymeric core that is at least partially encased within at least one polymeric coating.A dynamic stabilization device for bones in which flexible rods are combined with a pair of dynamic anchoring devices comprising i) a shank for anchoring into a bone or a vertebra, ii) a head connected to the shank, iii) a receiving part for the head and iv) a mobile element acting on the head.

Abstract: This inventions relates to an expandable intervertebral fusion cage and a method for its use for spinal fusion that reduces annular, vertebral body and cage damage and that is compatible with anterior, posterior as well as MIS techniques.

Abstract: In intervertebral operative spinal procedures, using separate or pre-attached spreader blocks to control the directional growth of a distracting balloon.

Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer configured to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis and an end effector coupled to the transducer and extending from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The surgical device also may comprise a lower jaw extending parallel to the end effector. The lower jaw may comprise a clamp face extending toward the longitudinal axis. Also, the lower jaw may be slidable relative to the end effector to bring the clamp face toward a distal end of the end effector.

Abstract: An interspinous spacer comprising: a) a first brace having an upper throughhole and a lower throughhole, b) a second brace having an upper throughhole and a lower throughhole, c) a ligament having a first end and a second end, wherein the ligament extends from the upper throughhole of the first brace through the upper throughhole of the second brace.

Abstract: A two-piece fusion cage having opposed interior surfaces, vertical and lateral throughholes adapted to enhance fusion and a dovetail feature mating the opposed interior surfaces.

Abstract: Two techniques to minimize intervertebral disc height loss due to polymer creep following implantation of an elastomeric disc with the use of internal reinforcement are disclosed. The specific devices and methods relate to use of (i) singular or multiple internal reinforcement members to increase construct stiffness, reduce peripheral bulging and corresponding height loss; and (ii) internal elastomer fillers of various shapes which are compounded into the elastomer to share the load and constrain the elastomeric material from excessive deformations.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for the loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, a device for use in an intervertebral tissue removal procedure includes a cannula having a first end portion for insertion into tissue, a feed passage within the cannula, a return passage within the cannula, and a loosening member movable within the feed passage and the return passage and at least partially deployable away from the first end portion of the cannula.

Abstract: A implantable interference device configured for intra-facet placement within a facet joint is provided. The device includes a shank capable of engaging opposing faces of the facet joint. The shank can further include a head extending from a proximal end of the shank wherein the head is configured to engage and/or buttress opposing faces of the joint, and also configured for preventing over-insertion of the device. Optionally, at least a portion of the shank can include or be formed of a fusion-promoting bioactive material. Further, a method for providing fixation of a facet joint by intra-facet placement of an interference device within the facet joint is provided.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, an intervertebral tissue removal system includes at least one abrading member for abrading tissue in an area to be cleared and at least one expandable member operable to be expanded from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, the at least one expandable member operably connected to the at least one abrading member such that as the at least one expandable member expands from the first condition to the second condition, the at least one abrading member is moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A gas-impervious container having a gas-permeable porous insert, wherein the insert contacts a flowable biomedical material, for improving access of the sterilant gas to the material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an instrument that passes a suture through the annulus fibrosus or other soft tissue and that can be used in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to the repair and regeneration of the intervertebral annulus fibrosus damaged, for example, through surgical intervention including, discectomy and/or implantation of devices in the intervertebral disc space and a method for stabilizing a defective intervertebral nucleus implant in an intervertebral disc with a defective or damaged annulus fibrosus.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for replacing a nucleus of a spinal disc, and in particular for preventing nucleus disc replacement expulsion. The nucleus of a spinal disc can be removed from the annulus by forming a small opening in the annulus. Once the nucleus is removed, one or more insert devices can be implanted within the annulus of a spinal disc and they can be mated to one or both endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The insert(s) is configured to interact with a nucleus disc replacement implant to prevent expulsion of the implant from the annulus.