Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes superior and inferior shells connected in a ball and socket arrangement. The inferior shell preferably incorporating a convex portion that cooperates with a concave portion on the superior shell. A resilient nucleus is provided within an enclosure defined by the opposing inner surfaces of the shells and biases the shells against each other. The ball portion can be provided in either fixed or slidable arrangement. The artificial disc of the invention includes various resistance means for restricting and limiting the range of rotational and translational motion between the shells.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral spacer comprises a first arm and a second arm, each of the arms having first and second ends and wherein the first ends of each of the arms are connected together and wherein the second ends of each of the arms are generally separated from each other and divergently extend in a common direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first ends of the arms are joined to form a third arm. In a further preferred embodiment, the spacer comprises a generally Y-shaped structure. In other embodiments, at least two spacers are combined to provide an intervertebral distracting device.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes superior and inferior shells connected in a ball and socket arrangement. The inferior shell preferably incorporating a convex portion that cooperates with a concave portion on the superior shell. A resilient nucleus is provided within an enclosure defined by the opposing inner surfaces of the shells and biases the shells against each other. The ball portion can be provided in either fixed or slidable arrangement. The superior and inferior shells are also provided with cooperating male and female portions whereby the shells positively engage each other, thereby preventing separation, but allowing any desired articulation there-between. The artificial disc of the invention includes various resistance means for restricting and limiting the range of rotational and translational motion between the shells.

Abstract: A facet joint prosthesis comprises a pair of facet elements for engaging the superior and inferior articular processes of a facet joint. The facet elements are provided with one or more articulating surfaces for articulating movement there-between. The facet elements are also provided with a positive engagement means for preventing separation of the elements and/or to limit relative movement there-between within a pre-determined range. In one aspect, the invention provides a spacer for positioning between the facet elements and for distracting the facet joint. The spacer may also serve to form an artificial lateral mass between the superior and inferior articulating surfaces. The spacer may be provided with engagement means for positively engaging one or both of the facet elements.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral spacer comprises a first arm and a second arm, each of the arms having first and second ends and wherein the first ends of each of the arms are connected together and wherein the second ends of each of the arms are generally separated from each other and divergently extend in a common direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first ends of the arms are joined to form a third arm. In a further preferred embodiment, the spacer comprises a generally Y-shaped structure. In other embodiments, at least two spacers are combined to provide an intervertebral distracting device.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc comprises two opposing shells having opposing inner surfaces and oppositely directed outer surfaces. The outer surfaces are adapted for locating against adjacent vertebrae. The inner surface of one shell including a ball and the inner surface of the other shell including a cooperating ring are adapted to restrict articulation of the ball within a defined region.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes superior and inferior shells connected in a ball and socket arrangement. The inferior shell preferably incorporating a convex portion that cooperates with a concave portion on the superior shell. A resilient nucleus is provided within an enclosure defined by the opposing inner surfaces of the shells and biases the shells against each other. The ball portion can be provided in either fixed or slidable arrangement. The artificial disc of the invention includes various resistance means for restricting and limiting the range of rotational and translational motion between the shells.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes superior and inferior shells connected in a ball and socket arrangement. The inferior shell preferably incorporating a convex portion that cooperates with a concave portion on the superior shell. A resilient nucleus is provided within an enclosure defined by the opposing inner surfaces of the shells and biases the shells against each other. The ball portion can be provided in either fixed or slidable arrangement. The superior and inferior shells are also provided with cooperating male and female portions whereby the shells positively engage each other, thereby preventing separation, but allowing any desired articulation there-between. The artificial disc of the invention includes various resistance means for restricting and limiting the range of rotational and translational motion between the shells.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant, or disc prosthesis, comprises a pair of cooperating elements being provided in a generally “X” shaped structure. The elements are comprised of cooperating shells that are maintained separated by a resilient material provided therebetween. The elements allow for rotational and translational movement when implanted.

Abstract: A spine stabilization implant is provided for at least two adjacent vertebrae, the implant comprising at least two anchor plates for being secured to the vertebrae and a resilient member extending there-between to simulate a natural ligament. In one embodiment the anchor plates or staples are provided in pairs so as to engage opposite lateral masses of each vertebrae and, thereby, provide bi-lateral stabilization for the spine. In another embodiment, the pairs of anchor plates include a connector extending over the spinous process. In another embodiment, the pairs of anchor plates include one or more connectors to form an artificial spinous process and lamina.

Abstract: Administration of a morphine-based analgesic paste directly to the epidural space during lumbar decompressive surgery significantly improves post-operative pain control, reduces prescribed analgesic consumption, and improves overall health perception for a period of up to 6 weeks following surgery. In a series of 60 patients no treatment related complications attributable to the paste were observed. This post-operative pain control strategy may provide a new gold-standard of care patients undergoing lumbar disectomy or laminectomy.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system and method for mechanically fusing a skull and a portion of a spine are described. In an embodiment, the fixation system includes a plate, connecting members for attaching the plate to a skull, and a cable assembly configured to form an engagement between the plate and the spine. In an embodiment, the fixation system may further include bone graft material placed between the skull and one or more vertebrae. In an alternative embodiment, the spinal fixation system may include a plate with an attached pair of arms. The arms may be permanently attached to the plate. Alternatively, the arms may be reversibly attached to the plate. The fixation system preferably includes connecting members for connecting the plate to the skull. The fixation system preferably further includes an anchoring system for connecting the fixation system to at least one vertebra of the spine. The anchoring system may include anchoring bolts attached to the arms by connectors.