Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The instruments include a distractor and a cutting instrument. In one embodiment the distractor includes a body portion and a pair of flanges extending along opposite sides of the body portion such that a slot is formed between the flanges and the body portion. The cutting instrument is positionable over the body portion and into the slots of the distractor so that the flanges are positioned between the cutting instrument and the adjacent tissue.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for surgical procedures relating to preparation of vertebral bodies and a disc space for insertion of spinal implants is disclosed. One instrument is a shim having a blade and a shaft having a first end connected with the blade. The blade is inserted into a distracted disc space to maintain distraction during subsequent procedures. Another instrument is a driver for driving the blade of the shim into the distracted disc space. Various methods contemplate the use of these instruments to maintain disc space distraction during disc space preparation for receiving an implant.

Abstract: A linking element between a longitudinal element of a vertebral osteosynthesis device and a vertebra that comprises a left part and a right part, each intended to extend on a respective side of the spinous process of the vertebra. The left part and the right part each delimit a spinous surface and a laminary surface, and include a tightening means to bring them closer to each other, and tightens them on the spinous process by integrally connecting them to each other. The left part and the right part each delimit a reception recess for the longitudinal element and include immobilization means for the linking element assembled on the vertebra. An osteosynthesis device comprising at least one such linking element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node and a pair of lower nodes. The upper node has a hole through the plate to receive a screw for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes each include a hole through the plate to receive screws for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate having a retaining element for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate. Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. In one aspect, an expandable template is provided having guides to guide a cutting device for bilateral formation of openings in the disc space. In another aspect, an improved guide member is provided for guiding a cutting tool. Still further, the invention provides an improved double barrel guide sleeve with a central distraction extension and lateral non-distracting extensions. Optionally, the guide sleeve includes windows and covers to selectively cover the windows. An improved reamer with an internal chamber and optional modular coupling is also provided. A depth stop is provided to selectively engage a tool shaft and a guide sleeve to control tool penetration into the disc space. A method of using the disclosed instruments is also provided.

Abstract: A spinal disc replacement surgical instrument includes a first contacting member positionable along an endplate of a first vertebra and a second contacting member positionable along an endplate of second vertebra. The second contacting member is moveable relative to the first contacting member. A handle assembly is coupled to the first contacting member and the second contacting member. At least one actuating member is positioned between the first contacting member and the second contacting member. The at least one actuating member is moveable by the hand assembly from a first position, wherein the first and second contacting members include an unexpanded configuration relative to one another for insertion in the spinal cavity, to a second position providing expanded configuration relative to one another.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. For stabilizing the L5-S1 junction, the system includes a plate that has a generally triangular shape with an upper node and a pair of lower nodes. The upper node has a hole through the plate to receive a screw for passage into the L5 vertebra. The lower nodes each include a hole through the plate to receive screws for passage into the S1 vertebra. The system further includes a plate having a retaining element for preventing backout of screws inserted through the plate. Instruments and methods for attaching the plate to the spinal column are also provided.

Abstract: Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a first arm movably coupled to a second arm. The first and second arms are laterally expandable from a first width for insertion into the disc space to a second width after insertion into the disc space. The first and second arms also define a cavity therebetween for placement of bone growth material.

Abstract: This invention relates to implants formed from donor bone for use in lumbar interbody fusion procedures and instruments for performing such procedures. The implants are formed to include a concave surface formed from a portion of the medullary canal of a long bone. The concave surface defines a recess in the implant that serves as a depot for osteogenic material. Specific instruments for inserting the implants prepared according to this invention and for preparing the intervertebral space to receive the implants are also provided.

Abstract: Laterally expanding vertebral spacer devices are provided for repairing damaged vertebral discs. The vertebral spacer devices maintain the height of a distracted vertebral disc space while providing stability to the spine. In one form of the invention, a vertebral spacer device is provided with a first arm movably coupled to a second arm. The first and second arms are laterally expandable from a first width for insertion into the disc space to a second width after insertion into the disc space. The first and second arms also define a cavity therebetween for placement of bone growth material.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for surgical procedures relating to preparation of vertebral bodies and a disc space for insertion of spinal implants is disclosed. One instrument is a shim having a blade and a shaft having a first end connected with the blade. The blade is inserted into a distracted disc space to maintain distraction during subsequent procedures. Another instrument is a driver for driving the blade of the shim into the distracted disc space. Various methods contemplate the use of these instruments to maintain disc space distraction during disc space preparation for receiving an implant.

Abstract: This invention relates to implants formed from donor bone for use in lumbar interbody fusion procedures and instruments for performing such procedures. The implants are formed to include a concave surface formed from a portion of the medullary canal of a long bone. The concave surface defines a recess in the implant that serves as a depot for osteogenic material. Specific instruments for inserting the implants prepared according to this invention and for preparing the intervertebral space to receive the implants are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to implants formed from donor bone for use in lumbar interbody fusion procedures and instruments for performing such procedures. The implants are formed to include a concave surface formed from a portion of the medullary canal of a long bone. The concave surface defines a recess in the implant that serves as a depot for osteogenic material. Specific instruments for inserting the implants prepared according to this invention and for preparing the intervertebral space to receive the implants are also provided.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument, with a rotary power input to a camshaft, has cam and follower arrangement to provide a reciprocating shaft output. A cutter is provided on the output shaft. In one example, rotating cam percussion is transmitted to the cutter by engaging the cutter with the tissue to be cut, and pushing the instrument forward toward the cutter. In another example, rotating cam percussion is transmitted to the cutter by engaging the cutter with the tissue to be cut, and pulling the instrument back toward the user while maintaining engagement of the cutter with the tissue. In both examples, the cutter remains in idle condition until an axially directed load, forward in the one example, or backward on the other example, is placed on the cutter by moving the instrument forward or backward, respectively, while the camshaft is rotating. A distractor with frame is used to spread and maintain space between vertebral bodies, enabling entrance of the cutter.

Abstract: A device and method for stabilizing a spine utilizes one or more stabilization members made of, or including, a bioresorbable and/or biointegrable material such as natural tissue or a bioresorbable polymer. The stabilization member(s) may be elastic, and may secure one or more spinal motion segments in a manner effective to reduce the range of flexion and/or extension of the spinal motion segments. The stabilization member may include one or more elongate straps of nonosteogenic natural tissue, each of which may be secured to the spine using fasteners such as bone screws or tacks. The stabilization device may include a blocking member sized and configured to be effective for maintaining a medically desirable distance between adjacent spinous processes in the spine of a medical patient.

Abstract: A nucleus implant is disclosed. The nucleus implant can be configured to be installed within an intervertebral disc between an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra. Further, the nucleus implant can include a solid core and an expandable chamber that can be disposed at least partially around the solid core. The expandable chamber can be expanded from a deflated position to an inflated position.

Abstract: A nucleus implant is disclosed. The nucleus implant can be configured to be installed within an intervertebral disc between an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra. The nucleus implant can include an expandable core and an expandable chamber that can be disposed at least partially around the expandable core. The expandable chamber can be expanded from a deflated position to an inflated position. Further, a hardness of the expandable core when inflated can greater than or equal to a hardness of the expandable chamber when inflated.

Abstract: A targeting surgical instrument for use in spinal disc replacement includes a first arm, a second arm and a body portion. The first arm is configured to be longitudinally aligned with a mid-line of a spine and to be at least partially received on an endplate of a lower vertebra of spinal cavity. The spinal cavity is defined by a lower vertebra and an upper vertebra of the spinal cavity. The second arm is positioned at an angle relative to the first arm. The second arm defines an insertion angle for a spinal implant. The body portion connects the first arm and the second arm. The body portion includes a plurality of radial opaque markers located to allow alignment of the first arm on the mid-line of the spine.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc augmentation implant for implantation between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises an elastically deformable outer casing having at least one thickness dimension and a core member having isotropic material properties. The core member is entirely encased within the outer casing and has a height dimension along an axis defined by the pair of vertebral bodies. The modulus of elasticity of the core member is greater than a modulus of elasticity of the outer casing, and the height dimension of the core member is greater than the at least one thickness dimension of the outer casing.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc augmentation implant comprises an implant body adapted for implantation within an annulus fibrosis the intervertebral disc, adjacent to an at least partially intact nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc, and comprising a core area, a peripheral wall area, a top face area, and a bottom face area. The implant body is formed from at least one material and the implant body has a modulus of elasticity gradient that gradually changes from the core area of the implant body to the peripheral wall area of the implant body.