Abstract: A control member for mounting to an end of an access tube includes a body that defines a proximal end and a distal end spaced from each other along a central axis. The control member defines a bore extending between the proximal and distal ends along the central axis, a handle portion that extends to the proximal end, and a mounting formation that extends to the distal end. The mounting formation includes an insertion portion that is insertable within the access tube and a lip that is opposed to the insertion portion so as to define a receptacle configured to receive an end portion of the access tube.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for interfacing with implants can include an inserter configured to dock to a unilateral portion of an implant. The inserter can include a control shaft that is configured to lock or unlock the inserter coupling with the implant. Actuation of the control shaft can occur by way of a knob that can control movement of the control shaft. The inserter can facilitate positioning of the implant relative to a surgical site and allow for application of counter-torque when imparting torque for tightening a set screw, etc. Additional instruments can also be used to manipulate the implant. For example, auxiliary instruments can be coupled to the inserter, such as a reducer instrument, to facilitate rod reduction, etc. Alternatively or in addition, a holder instrument can be used that has a threaded distal engagement feature for coupling to the implant to facilitate positioning thereof.

Abstract: Modular connectors and methods are disclosed that provide two sides of a connector in modular and interchangeable fashion. The modular design can be enhanced to add various useful features to one or both sides of the connectors, including the use of rods, hooks, rod receivers of various configurations, etc. This modular approach can allow the assembly of various unique connectors from a pool of components that are interchangeable while minimizing manufacturing cost and complexity.

Abstract: A retractor member is configured for insertion through a channel of an access member and for moving soft tissue at a treatment site that is accessible through the channel. The retractor includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end and spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction. The distal end defines a retractor blade and the body defines a first surface and a second surface opposite each other along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The retractor includes an attachment device configured to selectively attach the body to a portion of the access member such that the body is extendable through the working channel while the body is attached to the portion of the access member.

Abstract: A retractor member is configured for insertion through a channel of an access member and for moving soft tissue at a treatment site that is accessible through the channel. The retractor includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end and spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction. The distal end defines a retractor blade and the body defines a first surface and a second surface opposite each other along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The retractor includes an attachment device configured to selectively attach the body to a portion of the access member such that the body is extendable through the working channel while the body is attached to the portion of the access member.

Abstract: A serial dilation system includes a plurality of serial dilators that can be advanced over each other so as to dilate anatomical soft tissue along a trajectory toward a target anatomical site. An access cannula can then be introduced over the serial dilators. The serial dilators can be coupled to each other, such that once the access cannula is in place, removal of one of the serial dilators from the access cannula causes all of the serial dilators to be removed from the access cannula.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that provide for a single bone anchor assembly that can be utilized across a range of spinal surgical procedures, reduce manufacturing burden and cost, and provide for greater flexibility during a surgical procedure. The bone anchor assemblies disclosed herein include an implantable shank and a receiver member having two spaced apart arms which form a U-shaped seat to receive a rod, among other components. The bone anchor assemblies disclosed herein also provide a number of features to enhance capability and usability. Examples include features to facilitate better implantation of the shank, better coupling of instrumentation to the anchor, better performance in reducing a spinal fixation element, such as a rod, into the receiver member seat, and others.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making biodegradable plastic products are provided. The compositions include a destabilizing agent that makes the finished plastic biodegradable. The compositions also can include an oil-based carrier, such as cottonseed oil, that allows the biodegrading agent to be metered into a continuous plastic manufacturing process. The compositions further can include an additive that allows the biodegrading additive to combine with the carrier; an optical brightener to improve the appearance of the finished plastic product, and to indicate the presence of the composition in the finished product; and a pigment, so that the composition can act as a liquid coloring agent.

Abstract: Injection molding plastic parts includes furnishing resin material to a screw barrel having a rotatable screw therewithin, rotating the screw to work the resin material into a molten state, furnishing additive such as liquid color or another additive to the screw barrel interior at a first rate during screw rotation and driving the screw longitudinally from a first position to a second position to force an additive-resin material mixture resulting from screw rotation into a mold while furnishing additive with resin to the screw barrel interior at a second additive addition rate.

Abstract: A retractor member is configured for insertion through a channel of an access member and for moving soft tissue at a treatment site that is accessible through the channel. The retractor includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end and spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction. The distal end defines a retractor blade and the body defines a first surface and a second surface opposite each other along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The retractor includes an attachment device configured to selectively attach the body to a portion of the access member such that the body is extendable through the working channel while the body is attached to the portion of the access member.

Abstract: A control member for mounting to an end of an access tube includes a body that defines a proximal end and a distal end spaced from each other along a central axis. The control member defines a bore extending between the proximal and distal ends along the central axis, a handle portion that extends to the proximal end, and a mounting formation that extends to the distal end. The mounting formation includes an insertion portion that is insertable within the access tube and a lip that is opposed to the insertion portion so as to define a receptacle configured to receive an end portion of the access tube.

Abstract: An insertion instrument is configured to attach and secure to an expandable implant. The insertion instrument includes a securement member that is configured to be secured to the implant both when the implant is in a collapsed configuration and when the implant is in an expanded configuration. The insertion instrument further includes a drive member that is configured to actuate the implant to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Injection molding plastic parts includes furnishing resin material to a screw barrel having a rotatable screw therewithin, rotating the screw to work the resin material into a molten state, furnishing additive such as liquid color or another additive to the screw barrel interior at a first rate during screw rotation and driving the screw longitudinally from a first position to a second position to force an additive-resin material mixture resulting from screw rotation into a mold while furnishing additive with resin to the screw barrel interior at a second additive addition rate.

Abstract: A portable scale for weighing containers, and includes a weighing tray that may be moved from a weighing position to a non-weighing position by a drive mechanism. When in the non-weighing position, the weighing tray is low to the ground, allowing for easy loading and unloading. When in the weighing position, force is transmitted to one or more load cells located between the weighing tray and a scale assembly, which allows for an accurate measurement of the container and/or its contents.

Abstract: A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a plurality of open sided dilators having non-circular cross sections and configured to slidably and non-rotationally engage with one another in a sequential manner. In another version, the dilation system includes an expandable dilator movable from a closed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for minimally invasive vertebral augmentation and restoration of spinal lordosis using a steerable cannula assembly. When deployed, the articulating cannula, including an outer cannula and an inner cannula extending into a central lumen of the outer cannula and coupled to each other at their distal ends, can be manipulated to curve/bend the body of the articulating cannula. This manipulation is used to create a void within the interior body and may also be used to control delivery of a treatment element to the interior body.

Abstract: A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a plurality of open sided dilators having non-circular cross sections and configured to slidably and non-rotationally engage with one another in a sequential manner. In another version, the dilation system includes an expandable dilator movable from a closed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for minimally invasive vertebral augmentation and restoration of spinal lordosis using a steerable cannula assembly. When deployed, the articulating cannula, including an outer cannula and an inner cannula extending into a central lumen of the outer cannula and coupled to each other at their distal ends, can be manipulated to curve/bend the body of the articulating cannula. This manipulation is used to create a void within the interior body and may also be used to control delivery of a treatment element to the interior body.

Abstract: A spinal implant insertion device is hereby provided. The device includes an insertion blade assembly having a set of opposed insertion blades wherein the assembly is adapted to slide from a retracted position to an extended position relative to an elongate shaft. In the extended position, a blades are adapted to be positioned above and below a portion of a spinal implant so as to shield the portion of the implant during delivery to an intervertebral space. The insertion blades assembly can also be modular so as to utilize a wide range of distinct insertion blades. Additionally, a method for delivering a spinal implant to an intervertebral space is herein provided. Like above, the method utilizes an insertion blade assembly adapted to slide along a shaft of a spinal implant insertion device.

Abstract: A length-adjustable vertebral body balloon catheter in which the location of the balloon can now be manipulated once an access cannula has been placed in the vertebral body.