Abstract: An electro-surgical instrument includes a first member extending to an end having a first electrode. A second member extends to an end having a second return electrode. The ends define a spinal tissue cavity and are relatively translatable to selectively adjust the cavity such that the electrodes are oriented to ablate, cut and/or coagulate spinal tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments, implants, and methods for surgically treating facet joints of vertebrae. An instrument may be advanced into one or more facet joints to one or both separate vertebrae and remove tissue from one or more articular processes. A stop on the instrument may be used to terminate advancement of the instrument by contacting a vertebra, and one or more implants may be placed into one or more facet joints.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes an implant body including a first endplate and a second endplate. A plurality of electrodes include at least one electrode disposed with the first endplate and at least one electrode disposed with the second endplate such that the electrodes conduct an electric current to stimulate tissue growth adjacent the implant body. Systems, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments, implants, and methods for surgically treating facet joints of vertebrae. An instrument may be advanced into one or more facet joints to one or both separate vertebrae and remove tissue from one or more articular processes. A stop on the instrument may be used to terminate advancement of the instrument by contacting a vertebra, and one or more implants may be placed into one or more facet joints.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spinal surgery include a retractor with an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end and an opposite proximal end. The retractor defines a passage between the distal and proximal ends and a window opening into the passage adjacent to the distal end. The apparatus also includes a guide member extending laterally from the proximal end of the retractor and the guide member includes a body extending along an arc. The body defines a number of trajectories each intersecting the window of the retractor. The apparatus further includes an instrument removably mounted to the guide member and the instrument is movable along the guide member and securable to the guide member in any one of the number of trajectories so that the instrument can be moved along the selected trajectory through the window.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spinal surgery include a retractor with an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end and an opposite proximal end, The retractor defines a passage between the distal and proximal ends and a window opening into the passage adjacent to the distal end. The apparatus also includes a guide member extending laterally from the proximal end of the retractor and the guide member includes a body extending along an arc. The body defines a number of trajectories each intersecting the window of the retractor. The apparatus further includes an instrument removably mounted to the guide member and the instrument is movable along the guide member and securable to the guide member in any one of the number of trajectories so that the instrument can be moved along the selected trajectory through the window.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments, implants, and methods for surgically treating facet joints of vertebrae. An instrument may be advanced into one or more facet joints to one or both separate vertebrae and remove tissue from one or more articular processes. A stop on the instrument may be used to terminate advancement of the instrument by contacting a vertebra, and one or more implants may be placed into one or more facet joints.

Abstract: An electro-surgical instrument includes a first member extending to an end having a first electrode. A second member extends to an end having a second return electrode. The ends define a spinal tissue cavity and are relatively translatable to selectively adjust the cavity such that the electrodes are oriented to ablate, cut and/or coagulate spinal tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating a spine comprising the steps of: providing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device; identifying a surgical site for treatment of a spinal disorder with the MRI device, the surgical site including a portion of a spine; providing a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device including a transducer for emitting ultrasound energy; determining parameters of treatment for the surgical site; and applying a dosage of ultrasound energy to the surgical site with the HIFU device for treating the disorder. Systems and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A drug-eluting device comprising a drug-eluting matrix containing at least one elutable drug, a method of manufacturing a preformed drug-eluting device, and an implant kit comprising the same.

Abstract: A spinal construct includes a guide having a first member and a second member. The first member includes an inner surface defining a guide cavity. The second member extends in a transverse orientation relative to the first member. A first fastener includes a first end and a second end. The first end defines an implant cavity and a second end is configured for penetrating tissue. A second fastener is disposable in the guide cavity such that the inner surface aligns the second fastener for penetrating tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments, implants, and methods for surgically treating facet joints of vertebrae. An instrument may be advanced into one or more facet joints to one or both separate vertebrae and remove tissue from one or more articular processes. A stop on the instrument may be used to terminate advancement of the instrument by contacting a vertebra, and one or more implants may be placed into one or more facet joints.

Abstract: A surgical instrument stabilizer includes a body having a first material and a second material. The first material includes a wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a first cavity configured for disposal of the second material. The outer surface defines an outer portion, a lateral portion and an inner portion. At least a portion of the lateral portion is configured to flexibly conform to a patient body surface. The inner portion defines a second cavity for disposal of an instrument and is configured to engage an outer surface of the instrument. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal correction system comprises a flexible longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end. At least one fixation element includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes an inner surface that defines a cavity such that the longitudinal element is disposable therein. The second portion is configured for penetrating tissue. A coupling member is engageable with the first portion of the at least one fixation element and the longitudinal element to connect the longitudinal element with the at least one fixation element. The coupling member includes a penetrating element configured to extend through the longitudinal element. A flexible member is disposed between the longitudinal element and the inner surface of the first portion of the at least one fixation element. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spinal surgery include a retractor with an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end and an opposite proximal end. The retractor defines a passage between the distal and proximal ends and a window opening into the passage adjacent to the distal end. The apparatus also includes a guide member extending laterally from the proximal end of the retractor and the guide member includes a body extending along an arc. The body defines a number of trajectories each intersecting the window of the retractor. The apparatus further includes an instrument removably mounted to the guide member and the instrument is movable along the guide member and securable to the guide member in any one of the number of trajectories so that the instrument can be moved along the selected trajectory through the window.

Abstract: A method for treating a sacro-iliac joint comprises the steps of: identifying a target of a posterior superior iliac spine of a body; determining a selected trajectory that includes the target and at least a portion of a sacrum of the body; creating a pathway in the body along the selected trajectory from a posterior approach to the body; and delivering an implant along the pathway such that the implant is disposed for fixation with an ilium of the body and the sacrum. Systems for treating a sacro-iliac joint are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal correction system comprises a flexible longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end. At least one fixation element includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes an inner surface that defines a cavity such that the longitudinal element is disposable therein. The second portion is configured for penetrating tissue. A coupling member is engageable with the first portion of the at least one fixation element and the longitudinal element to connect the longitudinal element with the at least one fixation element. The coupling member includes a penetrating element configured to extend through the longitudinal element. A flexible member is disposed between the longitudinal element and the inner surface of the first portion of the at least one fixation element. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone preparation device for shaping endplates forming an intervertebral disc space between two adjacent vertebrae includes a cutter component and a cutter-positioner component. The cutter-positioner is arranged to limit the distal travel of the cutter component and to restrict the range of motion of the distal end of the cutter component. The bone preparation device also includes a rotational interface between the cutter component and the cutter-positioner component. The rotational interface is structurally arranged to permit the cutting blade to be rotated at the same time the cutter component is restricted in its range of motion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument stabilizer includes a body having a first material and a second material. The first material includes a wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a first cavity configured for disposal of the second material. The outer surface defines an outer portion, a lateral portion and an inner portion. At least a portion of the lateral portion is configured to flexibly conform to a patient body surface. The inner portion defines a second cavity for disposal of an instrument and is configured to engage an outer surface of the instrument. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: In one form, a method for stabilization of a facet joint of the spinal column includes forming a cavity between adjacent bones defining the facet joint and positioning an implant in the cavity between the adjacent bones. In one aspect of this form, the method also includes positioning a bone anchor across the facet joint and engaging the bone anchor with each of the adjacent bones to force the bones toward one another and clamp the implant therebetween. In a further aspect of this form, the implant is a cancellous bone dowel and becomes fractured into a plurality of fragments upon being clamped between the adjacent bones and/or otherwise interacting with the bone anchor. In another form, systems and devices for performing percutaneous facet joint stabilization and/or fusion are provided. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.