Abstract: Several devices and methods for preparing the vertebral endplates while minimizing damage to the vertebral endplates. Each design incorporates flexible means to reduce endplate damage while enabling removal of the cartilage adhered to the endplate cortical bone.

Abstract: A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which customized instruments, e.g., surgical instruments, can be manufactured to provide improved ergonomics, comfort, and accuracy. Instruments can be customized based on various parameters, including a quantitative assessment of the user, desired or intended use of the instrument, user preferences, and so forth. Exemplary instrument properties which can be customized include size, geometry, durometer, mechanical assist, texture, color, markings, modulus of elasticity, sensor inclusion, sensor type, sensor feedback type, balance, finish, and weight.

Abstract: The present invention concerns several fusion devices and methods for laterally inserting a fusion device at an initial trajectory that is not parallel to the disc space. Each fusion device incorporates components that enable flexing, bending or pivoting of the device during its final approach to the prepared disc space.

Abstract: A method of determining disc space geometry with the use of an expandable trial having endplate-mapping capabilities. An expandable trial is inserted into the disc space and its height is adjusted to obtain the desired decompression and spinal alignment (which is typically confirmed with the use of CT or Fluoroscopic imaging). The endplate dome/geometry dome is then determined by one of the following three methods: a) direct imaging through the trial, b) balloon moldings filled with flowable in-situ fluid (for example, silicon, polyurethane, or PMMA) from superior/inferior endplates or c) light-based imaging through superior & inferior balloons.

Abstract: A fusion cage has a first component that defines an outside surface that is configured to engage a vertebral endplate, and an interior surface. The fusion cage has a second component that defines first and second opposed surfaces. One of the first and second opposed surfaces can mate with the interior surface of the first component. The fusion cage can include vertical and lateral throughholes adapted to enhance fusion.

Abstract: A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

Abstract: An inserter instrument for inserting an intervertebral fusion cage having curved sidewalls, comprising: a) a threaded securement rod that mates with the cage via screw threads; b) a cannulated cage holder to receive the rod and hold the cage in position as the sheath is retracted; and c) a bulleted cannulated sheath, wherein the sheath is curved and comprises a superelastic shape memory material having a curved configuration and a straight configuration.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: Devices and methods for in situ drawing, filtering and seeding cells from the marrow of surrounding bone into a fusion cage without any of the challenges mentioned above. Various implants and devices with aspiration ports that enable in-situ harvesting and mixing of stem cells. These devices may include spinal fusion cages, long bone spacers, lateral grafts and joint replacement devices. Each device utilizes at least one aspiration port for harvesting of stem cell-containing marrow via aspiration from adjacent bony elements.

Abstract: A spinal distractor for distracting opposed vertebrae in which a pair of elements are threadably connected by a screw having opposing threads, wherein actuating the screw spreads the elements apart and pushes the vertebrae apart.

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns several fusion devices and methods for laterally inserting a fusion device at an initial trajectory that is not parallel to the disc space. Each fusion device incorporates components that enable flexing, bending or pivoting of the device during its final approach to the prepared disc space.

Abstract: A method of determining disc space geometry with the use of an expandable trial having endplate-mapping capabilities. An expandable trial is inserted into the disc space and its height is adjusted to obtain the desired decompression and spinal alignment (which is typically confirmed with the use of CT or Fluoroscopic imaging). The endplate dome/geometry dome is then determined by one of the following three methods: a) direct imaging through the trial, b) balloon moldings filled with flowable in-situ fluid (for example, silicon, polyurethane, or PMMA) from superior/inferior endplates or c) light-based imaging through superior & inferior balloons.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which changes in the position and/or orientation of an anatomical structure or of a surgical tool can be measured quantitatively during surgery. In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein can make use of inertial motion sensors to determine a position or orientation of an instrument or anatomy at different times and to calculate changes between different positions or orientations. In other embodiments, such sensors can be utilized in conjunction with imaging devices to correlate sensor position with anatomical landmarks, thereby permitting determination of absolute angular orientation of a landmark. Such systems and methods can facilitate real-time tracking of progress during a variety of procedures, including, e.g., spinal deformity correction, etc.

Abstract: A spinal distractor for distracting opposed vertebrae in which a pair of elements are threadably connected by a screw having opposing threads, wherein actuating the screw spreads the elements apart and pushes the vertebrae apart.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising an end effector is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a trigger actuatable to cause the end effector to be energized and a circuit in communication with the trigger. The circuit is configured to, when a first level of force is applied to the trigger, drive the end effector at a first level, when a second level of force is applied to the trigger, drive the end effector at a second level, and, delay by a first period of time between indicating a change in the force applied to the trigger from the first level of force to the second level of force and a change from driving the end effector at the first level to driving the end effector at the second level, wherein the first period of time is sufficient to give a user a warning about the change in the force.