Abstract: The present invention provides various interspinous vertebral implants and methods for using the same for dynamic stabilization of spine. The interspinous vertebral implants of the present invention comprises a resiliently compressible body that is adapted for position between adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes, and an anchoring member that is affixed to the superior and the inferior spinous processes posterior to the resiliently compressible body. The anchoring member provides a compressive force while the resiliently compressible body provides a distraction. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the combination of the distraction and compressive forces created by interspinous vertebral implants of the present invention results in a rotational moment, which alleviates compression on the intervertebral disk.

Abstract: Bone hooks for use in a spinal fixation system are provided. A device of the invention includes a head portion that can engage a spinal rod of a spinal fixation system, and a hook portion that can be positioned on and/or around a portion of a vertebra. In one embodiment of the invention, the hook portion is adjustably movable with respect to the body portion. In another embodiment, the hook portion includes an auxiliary bone engaging element that can contact a vertebra positioned with a bone receiving region of the hook portion. The auxiliary bone engaging element according to the present invention is particularly useful for maintaining the desired position of the device both during and after the implantation of a spinal fixation system.

Abstract: Spinal stabilization systems and the assembly, interconnection, and use of such systems are described which provide stabilization of vertebrae in the spine. Devices and methods of the invention may be used to attach a bone engaging element such as a fastener to a spinal stabilization element such as a rod or a cord by bonding with a bonding material. A spinal stabilization system of the invention may include a fastener with a connector portion, a spinal stabilization element, and a body. The body encloses a portion of the fastener and a spinal stabilization element to create a cavity. A bonding material may be applied to the cavity to bond a portion of the fastener with a portion of the spinal stabilization element. The system may also include cap to close the cavity.

Abstract: An implant for use with the opposing facets of two adjacent vertebrae includes a facet bearing body having a cavity for receiving a filler material, and at least one fixation wing for securing the facet bearing body to at least one of the two vertebrae, wherein the facet bearing body is positionable between the opposing facets and the at least one fixation wing is fixable to at least one of the two vertebrae. The filler material may be an in situ curable polymer such as bone cement, a polyurethane or an elastomer. To stabilize the adjacent vertebrae, the facet bearing body is inserted between the opposing facets of the adjacent vertebrae. The at least one fixation wing is fixed to at least one of the two adjacent vertebrae. The filler material is injected into the cavity and allowed to harden.

Abstract: An expandable cannula and method for using the expandable cannula to perform minimally invasive, percutaneous surgeries to access the spine or other bone structures, organs, or locations of the body. The expandable cannula includes a tubular body movable between first and second size states and an actuating mechanism on the tubular body for moving the tubular body between the first and second size states.

Abstract: An embodiment of a rongeur includes an assembly pin that provides easy disassembly and assembly of the rongeur. The assembly pin also serves the purpose of coupling a driving member to a top shaft of the rongeur. The assembly pin can be engaged with the driving member for normal operation of the rongeur. Alternatively, the assembly pin can be disengaged from the driving member to decouple the driving member from the top shaft, thereby enabling removal of the top shaft for cleaning. An embodiment of a process for disassembling a rongeur includes pressing an assembly pin engaged with a hook portion of the driver member, said pressing forcing a plug portion of the assembly pin out of the aperture in the top shaft to disengage the assembly pin from the hook portion of the driver member. The process may further include decoupling the top portion from the driver member by passing a neck portion of the assembly pin through a passage defined by the hook portion of the driver member.